The Midwives Model of Care™ is based on the belief that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes.

The Midwives Model of Care™ includes:

     ∗monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle.

     ∗providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support.

     ∗minimizing technological interventions.

     ∗identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.

This woman-centered model of care has been proven to reduce birth injuries, trauma, and cesarean sections.

In Vermont, midwives are licensed by the state. They are independent practitioners who develop relationships with physicians to consult with and refer clients to. In order to become licensed in Vermont a midwife must first become a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). This is a national certification process conducted by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM), which includes a written and skills exam. Both CPM’s and VT Licensed Midwives require current certification in CPR and neonatal resuscitation as well as continuing education and regular peer review of cases.

     For women with normal, low-risk pregnancies, research shows a planned home birth with a CPM is as safe as a hospital birth. In fact, in a recent study of over 5,000 home births, women under the care of CPMs had substantially lower rates of intervention, including epidural, episiotomy, vacuum extraction, forceps-assisted delivery and cesarean sections. The complete study confirming the safety of home birth can be read in the British Journal of Medicine. Throughout a woman’s pregnancy her midwife evaluates her well-being and determines if home birth is right for her. It isn’t the safest option for all women. Some women have preexisting conditions that put them in a higher risk group, eliminating the home birth option.

     During labor, CPM’s monitor the mother and baby closely and respond promptly to any deviations from normal. With careful attention, many complications can be avoided. Of course, birth is dynamic and complications can arise without warning. For this reason CPM’s maintain training in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation, as well as other skills to manage complications should they arise. When a situation requires transport due to variations that unfold, our care remains constant while including the help of additional providers in the hospital setting. The overall goal is for you to have a safe and satisfying experience.

     When women are supported and cared for, they are able to relax and follow their instincts confidently. At home, loved ones can be involved in the birth process. Whether it’s a partner, a sister, or a friend, it’s easiest for them to offer support when they feel comfortable and at ease in their environment. Everyone involved can follow their natural rhythms and have easy access to good drinking water, comfortable beds and good wholesome food from your own kitchen. If you have older children, they can be in a familiar place and are able to come and go as they please. We often tend to a delivery when the older siblings are sleeping and see the precious look of delight when they wake up to find their newly born brother or sister in their home.

     Planning a home birth opens many options. We work together throughout your pregnancy and birth to decide what choices will provide you with the most satisfying experience. When you birth your baby at home, you can eat if you are hungry, go outside for fresh air or soak in a deep tub of warm water. You decide who will be with you during the birth. It’s your choice if you birth your baby in a birth tub, in your bed, on the birth stool or into the hands of your partner. At Full Spectrum Midwifery we come to your place, work at your pace and follow your lead, all within the parameters of safety.

     Babies prefer being born naturally-100% organic. There aren’t drugs to interfere with their senses. They can be alert, responsive and ready to fall in love with you. Babies tend to like the peaceful, relaxed atmosphere of their own home. The lights are low, the sounds and smells are familiar. Some believe this doesn’t make a difference to a newborn, but we do. Babies born at home aren’t separated from their mother until they have snuggled in her arms for a good long while. All of our assessments and initial checks can be performed while the baby is in the mother’s arms. We don’t do any routine procedures to your baby. Our newborn exam is done only after some time has passed and you have had precious time to bond with your baby.