Given the incredible level of fear around birth in our culture,  Yayamama Homebirth Care  hopes to be the safe haven in which you can reclaim  trust in yourself and in the birthing process.

Pre-pregnancy

  ◊ Life-style assessment
  ◊ Fertility awareness/counseling
  ◊ Well woman gynecology: pap smears, family planning,  breast and pelvic exams
Pregnancy

You are the only real care provider for your unborn baby and prenatal care is only as useful as you allow it to be.  The real care in pregnancy is what you do for yourself between visits: how you eat, if you avoid harmful substances, if you exercise, get rest as needed and whether you work to resolve any psychological issues which may interfere with your birth process. Our job is to guide, and monitor your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being and offer our expertise and experience as midwives. We will explain everything we do and why, including the risks and benefits involved, so you can make informed choices about your care and that of your baby.
 
Frequency of visits
  ◊ Every 3 to 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy
  ◊ Every 2 weeks from the 28th to the 36th week
  ◊ Every week from the 36th week until birth
  ◊ Additional visits are scheduled as the situation warrants
Duration of visits
  ◊ 60 minute+ for first consultation to see if midwifery and our practice is right for you
  ◊ 2 to 3 hours for initial visit
  ◊ 45 to 60 minutes for subsequent visits
  ◊ 1 1/2 to 2  hours additional for Lomi Lomi bodywork
  ◊ Additional time if needed (we want to be sure your personal fears, concerns or questions are
addressed and never want you to feel rushed!)
What to expect during prenatal visits
  ◊ Discussion and assessment of general well-being
  ◊ Nutritional assessment & counseling
  ◊ Discussion and follow-up of any previous problems
  ◊ Discussion of any new concerns, problems or symptoms
  ◊ Discussion of pregnancy discomforts & their relief methods
  ◊ Assessment of maternal exercise & activity level
  ◊ Assessment of maternal weight gain or loss
  ◊ Assessment of maternal blood pressure, pulse, (and temperature as indicated).
  ◊ Assessment of maternal hemoglobin for anemia as indicated
  ◊ Determination of fetal lie, attitude, variety, position & presentation
  ◊ Fundal height measurement  & estimation of fetal size & weight
  ◊ Assessment of amniotic fluid volume
  ◊ Observation or palpation of fetal movement & discussion regarding frequency, quality,
quantity, and any changes
  ◊ Auscultation of fetal heart tones & assisting mother & family in feeling & hearing the baby
  ◊ Discussion of uterine activity/toning contractions & cervical sensations
  ◊ Urine analysis & lab work as indicated
  ◊ Invitation to discuss any emotional distress if so desired
  ◊ Instruction regarding stage of pregnancy, process of labour,  birth, placental delivery,
breastfeeding, visualization of your birth and other topics
  ◊ Lomi Lomi bodywork for those who have an interest (once per trimester)
Birth
What to expect during labour and birth
        Physiological and science based principles of care including:
  ◊ Continuous care by your care provider .
  ◊ Social and emotional support of mother, father and siblings
  ◊ Mother-controlled environment—choice of birth place (home, hospital or birth centre)
  ◊ Patience with nature
  ◊ Provision for appropriate psychological privacy
  ◊ Mother-directed activities, positions & postures
  ◊ Full-time presence of your primary care provider during active labour
  ◊ Recognition of the non-erotic but none the less sexual nature of spontaneous labor
  ◊ Upright and mobile mother during active labour
  ◊ Non-pharmaceutical pain management such as showers, deep water tub and massage
  ◊ Judicious use of drugs and anesthesia when needed (hospitalized mothers)
  ◊ Absence of arbitrary time limits as long as there's progress, and mother-baby are doing fine
  ◊ Vertical postures, pelvic mobility and the right use of gravity for pushing (2nd stage)
  ◊ Maternal choice of birth position unless factors require otherwise
  ◊ Mother-Directed Pushing—NO prolonged breath-holding  (Valsalva maneuver )
  ◊ Physiological clamping/cutting of umbilical cord—after circulation has stopped (3-5 mins) or later if so desired.
◊ Immediate possession and control of the newborn by mother and father
◊ On-going & unified care and support of the Mother-baby to 6 weeks postpartum.
Complimentary Therapies
◊ *Aromatherapy
◊ Acupuncture and *acupressure
◊ Ayurvedic medicine
◊ Chiropractic adjustments
◊ *Herbs & *homeopathy
◊ *Hydrotherapy
◊ *Lomi Lomi, Reiki and reflexology
◊ Naturopathy
* Modality provided at no additional charge.  Other modalities require consultation and an additional fee
 
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