FAQs
What makes midwifery care different?
Midwives offer personalized and intimate care that puts the woman in charge. Skilled midwifery care preserves the normal, physiological processes of pregnancy and labor without unnecessary intervention or technology. Midwives provide physical and emotional support and comfort, not only for the woman, but for her entire family.
Midwives, on average, spend far more time with a woman during her pregnancy and birth than does a physician. A midwife spends a significant amount of time getting to know the woman and her family and time developing a caring, trusting relationship.
What is a certified professional midwife? What is a licensed midwife?
A certified professional midwife is a knowledgeable, skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the standards of certification by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is qualified to provide the midwifery model of care. A licensed midwife is an individual who has been issued a license to practice midwifery by the Medical Board of California. A licensed midwife is authorized to attend cases of normal childbirth in a home, birthing clinic, or hospital environment.
What is the midwifery model of care?
The midwifery model of care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life events. The midwifery model of care includes:
- Monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle;
- Providing the mother with individualized education , counseling and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and post-partum support;
- Minimizing technological interventions; and
- Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention
Is it safe to birth at a birth center?
Recent studies support the use of "freestanding" birth centers as a safe alternative to hospitals. They show that birth centers are as safe as hospitals when providing care to low risk women.
Typical transfers to the hospital are not true emergencies and if it is decided during your labor that it would be better for you to deliver in the hospital, your midwife will accompany you. The midwife will remain there with you until a few hours after the baby is born.
Can I have a water birth?
Many mothers choose to labor and/or give birth in the water. Some of the benefits to laboring and birthing in the water include:
- Reduction of sensory stimulus, producing fewer stress-related hormones
- Increased production of pain inhibitors, such as endorphins
- Reduced sensations of pain
- Increased skin elasticity, reducing the amount of perineal tearing
- Gentler birth for baby
Who can be at my birth?
There are no restrictions on how many people you can bring with you for support at Sacred Birth Place. You can bring as many friends and family members as you like, or you can come alone with your partner/ labor support. All births are attended by a midwife, assistant midwife and doula.
Can I eat and drink during labor?
We encourage it! Your body is working hard and needs energy. You need to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially those with nutrients and calories (like juice, sports drinks, or herbal teas) to keep your muscles working as effectively as possible. Many women lose their appetite during labor, but you are encouraged to eat light foods if you feel like it. It is important to listen to your body during labor.
How will I deal with labor pain?
Research shows that stress hormones increase pain and slow the progress of labor. Therefore the goal is to make your labor as low-stress as possible.
Our space will be familiar to you; you will know your midwife and feel comfortable with her; and you are encouraged to use the many “tools” that you will have practiced beforehand. We find that wearing your own clothes, eating your food, listening to your music, walking and changing positions are some of the many ways to ease your anxiety during labor.
We have gliderchairs, birth balls, and birth stools to help you get into the most comfortable position. We also use heat and massage on sore backs. Hydrotherapy has been shown to decrease the pain of labor, so we encourage women to labor in the tub or shower.
Yes! Midwives are not just for pregnant women for all women at all stages of their lives. You can visit Sacred Birth Place for Pap smears, breast exam and self-breast exam education, STD screening, pregnancy testing, preconception counseling, menopause, birth control counseling, and other women’s health needs.
Can I come to the birth center for my annual exams?
Yes! Midwives are not just for pregnant women. We provide full care for all women. You can come to Sacred Birth Place for Pap smears, self-breast exam education and exam, STD testing, pregnancy testing, preconception counseling, menopause, birth control counseling, and other women’s health needs.