Many folks ask us about exercise in pregnancy. We love this topic! A pregnant body loves to stay active, especially after the first trimester nausea has passed. Pregnancy is a time to keep doing what you love, whether that's yoga, hiking, swimming, or just about any other physical activity. This mama is doing her usual prenatal yoga on her due date. A few days later, she had her baby girl smoothly and gently at home. After some time to rest and heal, she will be back to doing yoga to build flexibility, focus and strength-- all good qualities for motherhood!

Wondering if your house is a good place to have a baby? As long as it's warm and cozy, and has easy access with a plowed road, then it's the perfect place! This family recently had their second child in a tiny house. This tiny baby just needs a warm space and his family's love to feel right at home. 

One of the great things about being able to labor at home is being near all your loved ones, including your furry family members! This kitty considered himself an important part of the labor support team, and followed his mama everywhere. He even tried to join her in the tub once! Through a long labor, he offered his support. He is now very pleased with his new baby brother.

We often find that pets like to observe their family during the labor process, although usually from more of a distance than this kitty!

What do we do at our home visits? Lots of things!  About a month before your due date, we visit your home to help you make sure you have everything ready for your birth. After the baby is born, we come to your house for several postpartum home visits. We check on you and the baby, help with any breastfeeding concerns, and answer questions. We make sure you are eating well and recovering, and help arrange more support if needed. We also offer all the routine baby tests that would be done if you were at the hospital, such as the newborn screen, hearing screen and weight checks. In this picture, Shari is doing a simple test to check for rare heart defects, using an oxygen sensor. Baby is sleeping right through it, while big sister enjoys a snack! The best part-- the new mama can stay in PJs for this well baby check!

Four of Vermont's midwives got together to chat for an hour with David Goodman at WDEV in Waterbury. We talked about all kinds of midwifery care, from gynecology to home birth. Feel free to listen up here: https://vermontconversation.com/2019/10/28/from-birth-to-menopause-the-many-roles-of-midwives/

Lots of babies born over the summer means plenty of home visits, breastfeeding support, and well baby care! We love spending time with these families while they rest at home and get to know their new baby. Lately, we have also been seeing them back at the office for their two and six week visits. They grow so fast!

The Vermont Nurse-Midwives have created a website! You can search for our members, find a midwife in your area, and learn all about the work we do in Vermont! Check it out here: https://vtmidwives.org/

Baby Audrey was one of our August babies, now 6 weeks old. Her mama, Jennifer, appreciated our postpartum home visits so she could follow the Chinese tradition of "sitting the month," which included help with baby, lots of rest, and nutritious foods to build back up her qi after childbirth. Now they are all thriving and strong as they return to usual active life! Learn more about this tradition that supports a new mom in her rest and recovery: https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/postpartum-confinement-chinese-medicine-new-mothers

We love doing home visits. Families are getting ready to meet their new baby, and are preparing their space for labor. As a bonus, we get to travel around our lovely Vermont! During our most recent home visit, this rainbow appeared in our client's backyard!

I am always impressed by the strength and courage of birthing women. This mama was staying focused and working hard. In less than an hour from the time this photo was taken, she had her baby daughter in her arms!