First appointments are typically scheduled around 9 weeks gestation. An ultrasound is an option at this appointment. We see each client every 3-4 weeks until about 30-32 weeks when we start seeing you every 2 weeks. At 36 weeks, we will schedule birth center walkthrough to make sure you are familiar with the Birth Center facilities, and from there we will schedule weekly office visits until your baby arrives.

We will schedule a visit at the birth center 24-48 hours following your birth to check on both you and your baby. Then we will schedule birth center visits for 4-6 days and 10-14 days postpartum for both you and the baby, and 6 weeks postpartum for you. More postpartum appointments can be scheduled if needed.

Yes, you can have a VBAC with us! If it is your first time having a vaginal birth after your most recent previous birth was a cesarean birth, we will require a birth center birth. We will need to review your surgical records – to verify that you had a low-transverse incision and a double layer closure. We follow national guidelines for VBAC births.

Labor and birth are intense experiences. However, our bodies are designed for the process. Being able to move freely, eat, drink, and rest helps you work with your body and make the process more manageable. Giving birth in the birth center allows these things to take place. In addition, we highly recommend laboring in water – either in a shower, tub or labor/birth pool. The warm water helps you to rest and relax – we call it a Midwife’s Epidural (see waterbirth). At the birth center, you also have the option of nitrous oxide or laughing gas, as a tool to help you through labor – it doesn’t take the pain away like an epidural but can certainly “take the edge off.”

In addition, we highly recommend the services of a professional labor support person (also called a doula). The support of a doula is an invaluable addition to the birth team. They can help with positioning, massage and counterpressure techniques, emotional support, and support of your partner which are all things that can make your labor much easier, and often make it faster. While your midwives and birth assistants must be primarily focused on safety for you and the baby, the doula’s sole focus can be on you and your partner’s comfort both physically and emotionally.

We will assess and stabilize your baby as needed immediately following the birth, determine APGAR scores, etc. At about 1-2 hours postpartum we will do a full newborn exam, including weight and measurements. If you approve, vitamin K and antibiotic eye ointment will be administered at that time. We also provide well-baby care for up to 28 days postpartum including weight checks, jaundice levels, feeding pattern assessment, hearing screen, first hepatitis b vaccination (if desired), and the two newborn screens (PKU) which are typically done at the first and third postpartum visits. We can provide you with a list of excellent pediatricians in the Colorado Springs area for circumcision upon request.