What to expect at your first visit: 

Our first meeting is usually a consultation.  This is where you can meet the midwives and decide if our service is for you.  We will explain in detail what we offer, and you will have an opportunity to ask all of the questions you would like.

 

Should you choose to begin prenatal care with us, we would schedule and initial prenatal visit.  At that visit, we will discuss your health history in detail.  We also generally take bloodwork at that time. Routine testing includes: blood count to determine if anemia is present, tests for common or dangerous infectious diseases, blood typing, and a urinalysis.  We will discuss the reasons for these, and all other lab tests we ask you to consider.

 

At this visit, we will also check your blood pressure, and the size of your uterus.  Depending on how far along you are, we may be able to hear your baby's heartbeat! 

 

We will spend time talking through any questions or concerns you may have, and begin the enjoyable process of getting to know each other in preparation for the day of your birth.

Midwives are quaified to care for women who are classified as having 'low risk' pregnancies.  If you have a serious underlying health condition (heart disease, cancer, etc), midwifery care may not be suited to you. 

 

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer care in hospitals at this time.  We would love to be able to take care of women regardless of the place they deliver their baby, but currently no licensed midwives have hospital privledges in Washington State.  If you are in our care and need to transfer, we have a several transfer options we can discuss with you.

 

There is not a rule about how late in pregnancy you can transfer care.  We would prefer to have a few apointments before you are due, but understand that circumstances do not always allow that.  Contact us if you would like to discuss your specific situation.