Programs & Services
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is provided in the client’s home, and follows the traditional ACOG guidelines/schedule. We offer additional visits based on the client’s need. Clients must visit a clinic/physician’s office once early in the pregnancy, and will be transferred to a clinic/physician’s office at 37 weeks of pregnancy (earlier if needed).
Why would you choose to have your prenatal care done by traditional midwives?
In addition to the convenience of having your care provided inside your home, midwives offer you more time during your prenatal visits. That means more time to get to know your family… more time for you to ask questions…and, more time for education. Midwives also include clients in their prenatal care; making care a mutual responsibility verses the healthcare professional telling the client what to do.
Homebirth Services
Urban Midwifery provides women with low-risk/healthy pregnancies the option to have their baby at home. Prenatal care, childbirth services, postpartum care are all included in the service.
Not included:
• Ultrasounds
• Lab work
• Circumcision
Homebirth candidates are required (by the State) to have two visits with a clinic/physician, and to be “cleared” for homebirth by letter from their clinic/physician.
PAYMENT
We accept Medicaid.
Cash paying clients will receive a discount if paid by 36 weeks.
Many other insurances cover homebirth – we can discuss on a case-by-case basis.
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Healthy Mama/Healthy Baby Prenatal/Childbirth Classes and Support Circle
This series of classes was specially designed for African American women, though all women are welcome. Classes are culturally competent and include
African American women have been LIVING with the REALITY of disparities in both maternal and infant mortality for decades. The time has come for a new and unique application of teaching prenatal health and childbirth classes. Urban Midwifery explores both the pyscho-social and socio-economic health of the pregnant woman and her family. In addition to the group classes, we offer individual programs for participants that include a plan to strengthen and repair relationships, and build family and support systems. For too long, African American women have been coming into prenatal care alone, and underprepared.
During class, time and attention is given to identification of stress. Many African American women experience a high level of stress on a regular basis. As a result stress has become a normal part of everyday life causing women to have difficulty defining and identifying stress. In addition to stress, the program focuses on the importance of prenatal care, proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and identification of risks in pregnancy. Routine prenatal tests and procedures will be explained to participants, and questions will be answered. Our program strives to stress and teach the importance of two parent households, or at least the support of both parents. In instances where the involvement of both parents is not possible, the program works with other appropriate family members to ensure that participants have the much needed support to carry pregnancies to term.
Community Doula Program
Clients of Urban Midwifery have the option to be partnered with a Doula (labor coach) during their pregnancies. The Doula will continue our theme of education and empowerment, and will provide specialized services to prepare the woman for childbirth and parenting.
What is a Doula and What are the Benefits of Using a Doula?
According to Doulas of North America (DONA), the word "doula" comes from the ancient Greek meaning "a woman who serves" and is now used to refer to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to the mother before, during and just after birth; or who provides emotional and practical support during the postpartum period.
Clinical studies have shown that when doulas attend birth, labors are shorter with fewer complications, babies are healthier and they breastfeed more easily. Doulas also reduce the need for Pitocin, forceps or vacuum extractions and the mother’s request for pain medication and/or epidurals.
Research shows that parents who receive support may feel more secure and cared for, be more successful in adapting to new family dynamics, have greater success with breastfeeding, have greater self-confidence, have less postpartum depression, and have lower incidence of abuse.
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