 As a new apprentice these last few months, I have been privileged to learn so much! I more formally
began apprenticing and assisting in August. Since then, I have attended 14 births alongside Bethel, Noa, and Cindy! We have gotten to help so many families welcome their new additions in a gentle and loving way. The State of Alaska Licensing Board has approved my application for my Apprentice Midwife Permit! I am beyond thrilled I am truly official as an apprentice. I have been able to attend prenatal and postpartum visits which are honestly so amazing. It really has helped me to get to know each of the members of the Haven family. Truly it has been my greatest joy to get to know each and every one of our families and make new friends. I have been met with so many patient and understanding women that have been so kind as I have learned and practiced new skills such as IV placement, blood draws, fundal measurement, and feeling for baby’s position. Many of these skills while seemingly basic, are beginning to come together more for me. There is much more to it than meets the eye. As for the birth side of things I have been learning fetal heart tones, Pitocin administration, delivery of the placenta, and newborn exams! I’ve been plugging away at my coursework trying to gain more book knowledge to bring to the table as well! My favorite part of apprenticing so far has to be prenatal and postpartum appointments. I love being able to help families connect with their unborn babies by doing belly checks with them, offering tidbits about their stage of pregnancy, and helping them hear their baby’s heart tones. After the birth, it’s so magical to see the family begin to come together and get to know one another. Plus baby rolls are even that much more snuggly when they are outside! Watching families grow and develop a rhythm in the face of the typical bumps and bruises of the postpartum period is so very satisfying. I look forward to seeing these families grow far into the future. The part that has been most challenging for me so far has got to be reliably figuring out a baby’s position! It takes years of experience and many bellies felt before it becomes second nature I believe. Sometimes the babies make it easy for me and stick out a foot or their back. Other times they flip to more challenging positions and keep me guessing. I’m sure with more time I will get better at decoding the hiding places of those precious little ones! So far I have gotten a taste of some of the best and harder parts of Midwifery. I’ve been discovering how big this job really is and how much in the depths of my soul I love serving families through their transition to completion of their family unit. I’ve been seeing how wise and experienced Bethel really is as she knows when to sit back and she knows when to act swiftly and skillfully to keep everyone safe. She’s got tricks up her sleeve for days, and I realize how lucky I am to have gotten the best teacher one could ask for. I am continuing forward with great anticipation for what the future holds as I learn more from each and every one of you. I appreciate all of you for treating me in such a kind and welcoming way.
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 With so much preparation and excitement for the birth of your baby, it's easy to forget about the postpartum recovery period. Pregnancy and childbirth is quite the transformation both physically and emotionally. In a typical hospital birth, most women receive just 48hrs of marginal Postpartum support and are sent on their way. As your midwives, we provide you with much more intimate and prolonged care after birth. We do a home visit at 24-36 hours. During this visit we will screen the baby for congenital heart defects, as well as a metabolic screening. After this visit we send all newborn exam records to your pediatrician of choice. This visit is also an examination of mom, including breastfeeding support, and continual monitoring of maternal emotional wellbeing.
We will also see mom and baby at home between days 3 and 5, and at the clinic at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. Receiving multiple visits after birth, our role as your midwives is to offer support and expertise as you adjust to life after birth. Monitoring your child's first weeks of life outside the womb can be vital for preventing complications and making sure that mother and baby are thriving. We're also here to provide breastfeeding support and guidance as we know this can be a sometimes stressful experience, and having an experienced and familiar professional to answer questions and provide insight can make the experience much more enjoyable and comfortable. Our goal is to support you during the postpartum period emotionally as well. Our expertise in aiding both parents and siblings in stepping into their new lives with baby. After supporting you through pregnancy and childbirth we value the strong bond forms between us. Having someone who has been so intimately involved in these steps can give you the extra support needed to charge into your new life with full confidence! The most significant decision that any pregnant woman has to make is where she would like to give birth. Birth centers are an incredibly safe, low-risk and empowering option available. Haven Birth Center was created to give you choices in your birth journey! Our center is warm and inviting without the clinical environment of a hospital.
Birth centers are regulated strictly for their safety, and studies have been released to show that in 15,000 women of varying backgrounds, 94% of them had a vaginal birth, with 84% of them being able to do so in a birth center. The surroundings in which a woman gives birth lead directly to whether she is stressed during labor. Care for women in labor is often debated, but the only person you need to worry about in labor is the mother and her wellbeing, not unnecessary interventions or standard general policies. The safer the mother feels, the more relaxed her birth becomes - with little to no stress during labor. Women are often told that their labor needs to be managed, with a strap around the bump and constant monitoring. Research shows that a hands-off approach allows you to give birth in your own time. After all, giving birth is one of the most natural things your body can do. Birth centers are a positive, safe and healthy option for low-risk women. Your birth will be in a relaxed setting with a midwife to help you through it, and the care that you receive is family-centered, from the moment you arrive. Safety measures in a birth center are a top priority and we have the capacity to serve your family’s need throughout your journey. Our midwives and staff are highly trained experts. Mother’s in Anchorage can feel confidently in our care. |
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