Although starting in the fall of 2018, Christy will be taking a break from attending births as a midwife, she will be providing adjunct prenatal care for pregnant clients who already have an OB/GYN or midwife as their primary provider but desire holistic guidance on optimizing their health during pregnancy. The childbearing year is a special time accompanied by great physical and emotional transitions for the whole family. Support and reassurance are essential during this time, whether it’s your first or your fifth baby. A cornerstone of our care is spending time getting to know you, answering questions and explaining your options every step of the way. The childbearing year presents you with the unique opportunity to receive individualized wellness care on a regular basis. These visits help you to optimize your health to prevent complications during pregnancy and birth, to help get your baby off to a healthy start, and so you can model healthy living for your child once they are in your arms. The initial prenatal visit is 90 minutes, followed by 60-90 minute prenatal and postpartum visits for the duration of your care.
Note: The Following is an optimal plan for visits but we welcome folks to enter into care at any point in the pregnancy – we can devise a personalized plan for you!
First Trimester
1 visit in the first 12 wks
Support for nausea, vomiting, fatigue, constipation and headaches
Optimal nutrition recommendations for pregnancy
Discussion of pregnancy labs and additional individualized recommendations
Support to devise a supplement plan based on your labs and health issues
Second Trimester
1 visit at 20-24 wks
Fine tuning your diet after the first trimester
Gestational Diabetes prevention
Childbirth Education and Breastfeeding class recommendations
How to cultivate healthy vaginal bacteria leading up to the GBS test and birth
Assembling your birth team, including choosing a doula for your birth
Third Trimester
2 visits- 30wks and 36wks
Support for leg cramps, insomnia, heartburn, back pain and other common complaints of pregnancy
Choosing a pediatrician
Reviewing procedures like Vitamin K, Erythromycin eye ointment, Hepatitis B vaccine, and the PA or NJ Newborn Screenings for your baby
Optimal fetal positioning, belly mapping and techniques to create space & balance in your pelvis for a smoother labor and birth
Preparing for your birth
Postpartum support and babymoon planning, how to ask for the help you will need, setting expectations and boundaries, postpartum healing and the transition to motherhood/parenthood
1 visit in the first 6 weeks after birth-either at your home or at my office
Your normal newborn
How to support a fussy baby, dealing with reflux, colic, calming your baby
Optimal diet and supplements while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding support including how to boost your milk supply if needed
Strategizing for safe and healthy sleep for you and baby
What is mastitis and natural treatments to avoid antibiotics
Healing after birth, physically and emotionally
Transitioning to motherhood/parenthood