Midwifery care looks the same at home or in the birth center. Here are some of the things you can expect.
In early pregnancy the midwife will see you once a month, and then more often as the end of your pregnancy nears. Each appointment is 30 min to an hour long, which allows enough time to cover all of you questions and concerns without anyone feeling rushed.
At each prenatal appointment we will:
- listen to baby’s heart beat
- record your vital signs
- check your urine for signs of illness
- measure your baby’s growth
- order the appropriate laboratory tests
- discuss nutritional advice
- provide emotional support as needed
- answer your questions and address your concerns
During your prenatal care we also provide referrals to trusted providers for suggested complimentary services, such as massage or chiropractic care, and address any additional issues that arise.
During your labor and birth we will:
- monitor your baby’s well-being by listening to the heart sounds
- assess your ongoing physical and emotional wellness
- offer emotional support to ease any worries or fears
- offer physical guidance to ease your discomfort and shorten your labor
- make nutritional suggestions to help you keep up your energy
- utilize natural remedies such as oils, herbs, and hydrotherapy
- provide life-saving emergency interventions, when needed (all midwives and assistants are certified in Neonatal Resuscitation, AHA Basic Life Support, and are trained to manage obstetric emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage)
After your baby arrives, we will:
- confirm immediate postpartum stabilization of mother and baby – at least 2 hours
- perform initial newborn exam including weight, measurements, and normal newborn assessments
- insure that the birth site is cleaned and returned to it’s original condition (home birth)
- make return visit to your home within 24-48 hours after birth to assess maternal and newborn wellness and address concerns
- offer continuing breastfeeding support
- file the birth certificate and social security number
- perform the Oklahoma State Newborn Screening blood tests
During your continuing postpartum care we will:
- monitor your recovery and address any questions or concerns during visits at 1, 3, and 6 weeks
- screen for postpartum depression or baby-blues
- discuss family planning options
- provide resource referrals for breastfeeding issues, emotional support, financial assistance, or other needs.
Our goal is that, throughout your pregnancy and natural childbirth, your needs will be assessed and reassessed to ensure that you stay happy and healthy, that your birth will be expertly tended to by your midwife, and you will be able to enjoy your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum without stresses or unneeded interventions.
Meet the Team
Heather Forrest BS LM CPM – Clinical Director
Heather began work in the Tulsa birth community in 2006 as a doula. The following year she began her midwifery apprenticeship and completed the Via Vita Midwifery program. She began her midwifery practice in 2012 and obtained her CPM credential in March of 2013. In 2018 she joined Tulsa Birth Center. She has been an active member of the Oklahoma birth community serving on the Legislative Board during the Oklahoma Midwifery licensing process and on the board of Midwives Society of Oklahoma since its inception in the mid-2000’s. Currently she serves as the MSO President.
After two hospital births, her next two births were home water births attended by a midwife. Her personal experience with midwifery care and home birth led her to pursue a career as a doula and then midwife. She views birth as a normal, physiological process that most often needs watchful waiting and gentle support rather than intervention. Her experience and skill guide her to know when attentive, respectful intervention is necessary.
Anne-Laure Gatin, MA, MSc, PMUS
Anne-Laure is enrolled in the Balance Birth Center Midwifery Training Program as a Primary Midwife Under Supervision. Formerly a certified doula and La Leche League leader, Anne-Laure has had two home births herself and brings a calm and loving presence to the room.
Christine Thomas, PMUS
Christine is a student midwife in the Primary Midwife Under Supervision phase of her training, working toward becoming a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM). She completed her academic education through the Association of Texas Midwives and is continuing her clinical training at Tulsa Birth Center, where she attends both birth center and home births.
A Tulsa native and the oldest of five children, Christine’s passion for pregnancy, birth, and newborn care began early in life. What started as childhood curiosity grew into a lifelong calling to support women and families through one of life’s most meaningful and intimate transitions. She earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification in 2019 and completed an Associate of Applied Science in Pre-Nursing in 2020.
In 2024, Christine married her husband Lucas, and in 2025, they welcomed their first child, Bruce. Experiencing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum firsthand has deepened her appreciation for the trust families place in their care team and strengthened her commitment to providing compassionate, evidence-based, family-centered care. She believes every family deserves to feel informed, respected, and supported as they make decisions throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Outside of midwifery, Christine enjoys spending time with family and extended family. Whether caring for clients, serving through her church, or spending time with loved ones, Christine considers it a privilege to walk alongside families during seasons of growth and new beginnings.
Ashley Millar, SM
Passionate about helping families birth in the way they want, Ashley has been in the birth space since witnessing the birth of her baby brother born when she was 10 years old. Over the past decade and more, Ashley has developed many skills pertinent to the birthing space and finally decided to make the leap to becoming a midwife. Life-long learner and knowledge seeker, she is excited for new learning opportunities in all future experiences at Tulsa Birth Center. Ashley feels lucky to have a team to gain knowledge and experience from like the midwives at Tulsa Birth Center.
Veronica Hart, SM
Driven by a passion for maternal health and family-centered care, Veronica is a student midwife with seven years of experience as a doula. Throughout her career she has provided continuous emotional, physical, and educational support to families during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. She is committed to fostering empowering birth experiences through compassionate advocacy, evidence-based practices, and personalized care that honors each family’s unique needs and choices.