Prenatal Care

A mother's health is crucial for the safe birth of a healthy baby. You will receive regular check-ups throughout your pregnancy. Your first prenatal visit occurs as soon as you want to begin, but many women begin around 11 weeks when we can start to hear the fetal heart beat. It includes a complete medical history, blood work and nutritional counseling. At your second prenatal visit, I conduct a thorough physical exam and explain the results of your blood work. Your routine, prenatal visits last about an hour and occur monthly through the seventh month. I will see you every two weeks starting at 28 weeks, followed by weekly visits in your last month of pregnancy. One of your prenatal check-ups will occur in your home.

The 60 minutes we spend at each visit gives us plenty of time to monitor and discuss these important indicators:

  • Fetal movement

  • Fetal heart beat

  • Uterine growth

  • Infant position

  • Blood pressure

  • Urinalysis

  • Nutrition

  • Exercise

  • Emotions

  • Fears

  • Social support

Through a holistic approach, we can identify any areas that need extra attention before your birth. At each visit you will learn something new about your pregnancy, childbirth or newborn care. Be sure to raise your questions and concerns during these visits. This is your time.

Postpartum & Newborn Care

Austin, Texas Midwives

Most women who deliver in the hospital stay 24-48 hours after the birth. After discharge, they typically do not see their practitioner again for six weeks.

Whether you birth at home or the hospital, I have a different approach to your postpartum care. I will check up on you by phone the the day after you give birth. Two days after birth, I’ll visit you in your home to fully examine you and your baby. I return at 1-2 weeks postpartum to make sure everything is going smoothly, answer whatever questions you may have and do the newborn metabolic screen if desired. I give significant breastfeeding support and arrange additional visits in your home or my office as needed.

I will see you both back in my office for your final postpartum visit when your baby is 6-8 weeks old. This exam includes family planning counseling and a pap smear, if needed.