Labor and Birth

Labor
Although the birth of a healthy baby is the ultimate goal, we believe that the process itself has intrinsic value and great importance in the life and soul of each woman. Our goal is to help you experience the transforming power of birth with respect and dignity, in safety, with support and confidence.

Studies consistently show that women who labor and birth in a comfortable, familiar environment, and are continuously supported during labor by familiar caregivers, experience higher degrees of satisfaction and better outcomes. The Oaks House feels more like a Bed and Breakfast Inn than a clinic and offers all the comforts of home so you can enjoy your labor.

The midwives practice the Midwifery Model of Care and believe their role is to assist you through the journey and provide appropriate monitoring. We understand the delicate balance of hormones during labor and respect the need for privacy and quietude. The midwives will unobtrusively monitor labor with a minimum of vaginal examinations. This combined with sensitive support and gentle encouragement aids in the avoidance of many complications and medical interventions.

When you arrive at the Oaks House you will occupy the birth suite of your choice. During labor, you are encouraged to wear what you want, move around, eat and drink freely, and assume whatever position you choose – this is your birth! We will advise you on any interventions taking into account your needs and desires. Because labor is such a personal event, you have the freedom to choose who you want with you. Whether you just want your husband with you, or perhaps having your mother and sisters share the experience, or even utilizing a professional labor support doula, we will support your choice.

Birth
When your baby is born she will be placed right on your tummy and in your arms for a gentle transition into the world. We encourage self-attachment and breastfeeding and believe the separation of mother and baby after delivery is unnecessary and disruptive. Following the birth, we create space for you to bond with your new baby. We give you plenty of time before routine checks or the complete newborn assessment.

We believe that fathers are an integral part of the birth experience and deserve support as well. We encourage Daddies to be as involved as they feel comfortable, whether it be observing the birth near his wife, cutting the umbilical cord, or actually helping to catch the baby. If you have other children, they also can be a part of the experience. It is our hope that the care we give not only assists women, but also their partners and families to confidently welcome a new child into their family.

Before leaving the Oaks House, we will give you instruction on what to expect in the upcoming days and weeks and how to monitor your baby's health. While the length of time a family remains at the Oaks House after the birth of the baby varies from family to family, the typical length of stay is 4 hours. Most are eager to return home and settle in with their new baby.