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 during the first few days 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 Midwife
Heather Forrest BS LM CPM – Clinical Director
[email protected]
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 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.