Home Birth

Life is always a rich and steady time when you’re waiting for something to happen or hatch.

-E.B. White

Philosophy of care

We believe that pregnancy and birth are normal, healthy functions in life. In most cases people have the innate ability to give birth without the need for medical intervention. Although we use and appreciate modern obstetrical technology when it is desired or called for, we believe the overuse of this technology can interfere with the experience of birth as joyous and empowering. Our approach to care is rooted in physiologic birth, meaning we respect your privacy, protect from unnecessary interventions, and ensure safety. In this way our goal as your midwives is to provide a safe space, where you feel held and supported, so that you can tap into and trust your innate ability to give birth. Our care extends beyond birth, supporting your postpartum transition with thorough and regular care, focused on you and your baby's physical and emotional well-being.

 

Prenatal care

Prenatal appointments occur every four weeks until 36 weeks and then every week until birth. Around 36 weeks, we’ll have a home visit with the full birth team including your support people for birth. This way everyone will know each other before working together to support your labor and birth.

During the prenatal period we monitor the health of the baby and pregnancy though routine vitals, measurements, fetal heart tone checks, lab work, ultrasound, and discussions as a team. Your experience and input is invaluable to our ongoing assessment of your wellbeing.

For clients seeking a deeper level of care you can receive abdominal therapy treatments with Hannah throughout the course of your pregnancy.

Labor and Birth

Your birth will be attended by Mell Pulsifer, CPM, LM and Hannah Neumann, CPM, LM. We come prepared with equipment, medications, and supplies to care for you and baby. Midwives are trained to expect that birth will unfold normally, but to monitor and be hands on if needed.

During birth you will change positions and locations as you desire. Many clients choose to labor and birth in a birth tub. You should welcome however many or few support people as you would like. All in all, you run the show, and we will help create the experience you desire while maintaining safety.

Postpartum

After the baby is born, and everyone is stable, we will tuck you in, make sure you’re fed, and give instructions on postpartum recovery and care. Usually your midwives depart a few hours after birth and return for postpartum visits the next day.

The first few weeks after you give birth are an important time for healing, bonding, establishing a feeding relationship, and adjusting to your new normal. Being able to stay home for postpartum appointments is so beneficial during this tender time.

Postpartum visits are scheduled for one day, one week, two weeks, four weeks, six weeks, and three months from the day you gave birth. We are available by phone between these scheduled appointments should you have any questions or concerns, and can make additional home visits if needed.

Midwifery Fee: $5000

  • Comprehensive care from conception through postpartum

  • In office early ultrasound to check viability/dating

  • Free consultation visit

  • Prenatal care: monthly visits from 4-36 weeks, weekly visits from 36 weeks to birth

  • Routine monitoring: blood pressure, vitals, fetal heart rate, uterine growth, fetal positioning

  • Hemoglobin checks

  • Blood glucose screening

  • Health counseling

  • 24 hour on-call availability throughout your pregnancy for complications 

  • 24 hour on-call beginning 3 weeks before your due date 

  • Use of AquaDoula birth tub

  • Newborn Bloodspot Screening

  • Support and monitoring during labor and birth

  • Immediate postpartum care of parent and newborn for 4-6 hours after birth

  • Complete postpartum care of newborn through 6-8 weeks

  • Filing of birth certificate

  • Routine postpartum care until 3 months including pap if needed

We strive to have a straightforward, all inclusive fee. With the exception of labs, ultrasounds and a few optional/client dependent medications which are most often covered by insurance.

Accessibility and reparations are values we hold near and dear to our hearts. We are happy to discuss payment plans to help meet your needs.

We provide home birth services within 60 minutes of Brunswick, Maine.

(with some exceptions)

Let’s have a chat

Consultations are an important part of midwifery care. We offer all potential clients a free one hour consultation either in person or virtually. During this conversation we discuss the midwifery model of care, cost, special considerations, and spend some time getting to know each other.