Midwifery Services
As a licensed midwife, I am able to provide personal maternity care for low risk women in a home setting. The care I provide is based on the North American Registry of Midwives Model of Care. It is my goal to provide each client with the education to make her own informed decisions about her care.
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Prenatal Care
If you're thinking about having a licensed midwife for your baby's birth, the first step is a free consultation. This "get-to-know-you" session helps us see if we're a good fit and if you're a good candidate for a home birth.
Each prenatal appointment lasts about an hour. We'll take time to learn about you, your birth preferences, and how we can support your health during pregnancy.
Prenatal appointments are scheduled as follows:
Monthly until 28 weeks
Every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
Weekly from 36 weeks onward
A typical appointment includes checking your blood pressure, urinalysis, reviewing your diet, listening to the baby's heart, and checking the baby’s position. We also offer initial lab work and can refer you for additional tests, like an ultrasound, if needed.
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Labor & Delivery
We will arrive at your house when active labor begins or when you feel that you need us there.
Our midwives usually work in teams of one midwife and one student. We provide comfort measures such as breathing techniques, massage, and positioning suggestions to help you manage labor. We’ll offer guidance on handling contractions, provide encouragement, assess your progress, and monitor you and the baby for safety and general well-being.
During labor, we also ensure the environment is calm and supportive, allowing you and your partner to feel as comfortable as possible. We can provide suggestions for different labor positions and pain relief options, and we’ll keep you informed about your progress.
We encourage you and your partner to be actively involved in the delivery of your baby. This can be a very powerful and rewarding experience, and we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way.
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Postpartum Care
Immediately after birth, your baby will be placed on your chest for skin-to-skin contact while our midwives continue to monitor both you and your baby.
We stay with you for 2-3 hours after birth, ensuring that both of you are stable. During this time, we’ll help you get up to the bathroom, settle back into bed, and make sure you've eaten. We also support the initiation of breastfeeding, ensuring everything is going smoothly. Meanwhile, we'll drain the birth tub and clean up, so you and your family can focus on bonding and getting to know your baby.
In the first week, we’ll visit your home at least two times to provide various screenings for the baby. We’ll also return for follow-up visits at two and six weeks postpartum. Throughout the postpartum period, we remain on-call 24/7, available for any questions or concerns you may have.
FAQs
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We will complete lab work during your routine prenatal appointments. Lab work includes an obstetric panel and urinalysis when necessary.
If an ultrasound is needed or desired, we can provide a referral.
We are able to perform or find a provider who can administer any test needed during your pregnancy and postpartum period.
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Certification through the North American Registry of Midwives requires extensive training to keep mom and baby safe and the equipment we will bring to your birth will assist us in caring for you as best as we can.
Equipment:
Resuscitation equipment
Hemorrhage medication
Cord care supplies
A newborn heartbeat doppler
Supplies to monitor mom’s vitals
Basic diagnostic supplies to test if moms iron is low or to test baby if the water broke
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Licensed midwives are trained to care for you and your baby up to six weeks postpartum and can provide the same screens and care that physicians provide (with the exception of vaccines and circumcision, if applicable). You may choose to establish a relationship with a physician after delivery if that is right for your family.
Screenings we provide:
Immediately after birth: Apgar scores, weigh and measurements, head to toe exam, cord care and basic tongue and lip tie evaluation. We can also provide some basic breastfeeding education.
Postpartum visits day two through six weeks: Feeding evaluation including a visit from a lactation consultant if necessary, newborn screen, pulse-ox screen, hearing screen, weight check and Jaundice check. We also assist with the Birth Certificate and Social Security Card applications.
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Linda is currently a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) through North America Registry of Midwives and a Licensed Midwife (LM) in the state of Wisconsin and has been practicing for over ten years. She is also CPR and NRP (newborn recitation program) certified. Please see the Midwife Safety tab for more information.
What about VBACs?
Having a natural birth after a C-section (VBAC) is not only possible, but it’s something I’ve had the privilege of supporting many families through. With the right care, planning, and support, many women are able to have a successful, empowering birth experience after a C-section. It’s an incredible journey, and I’m honored to be part of it, helping families achieve their birth goals in a safe and supportive way.
The Clinical Sneak Peek gender DNA test is a simple and accurate way to find out your baby’s gender early in your pregnancy. By analyzing a small sample of your blood, the test detects male DNA in the bloodstream, which shows up as early as 7 weeks. It’s quick, with results typically available within a few days, and has an accuracy rate of over 99%. Many parents love this test for the chance to learn their baby’s gender sooner, all while getting reliable information based on genetics. It’s a fun and exciting step in your pregnancy journey!