Patient Education

Crowning Midwifery, Birth Services, and Beyond would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Crowning Midwifery, Birth Services, and Beyond provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Braxton Hicks Contractions

As pregnancy nears its end, the cervix begins to dilate, and the muscles of the uterus begin contracting. However, at about 20 weeks of pregnancy, some women experience irregular contractions, known as Braxton Hicks contractions. Although not a sign of true labor, Braxton Hicks contractions, also referred to as "false labor," can continue throughout the pregnancy. Some women are unaware of them; others experience a tightening that starts at the top of the uterus and spreads down toward the pelvic area. The abdomen can also become very hard. Braxton Hicks contractions usually last about 15 to 30 seconds, and occur irregularly and infrequently, unlike real contractions, which occur often and become more frequent and intense. ...

Doulas

Doulas are professionally trained to provide emotional and physical support to women during labor and childbirth. Sometimes referred to as labor or birth assistants, doulas do not provide medical care, but are knowledgeable about many aspects of labor and childbirth.

The relationship between a doula and an expectant mother usually begins a few months before the baby's due date, when the doula meets with the expectant mother to answer questions about labor and delivery, provide emotional support, and discuss or help create a birth plan. Often, a doula provides the most support during the actual labor. A doula provides hands-on comfort and suggests natural-pain-relief techniques, and is proficient in the following areas: ...

High-Risk-Pregnancy Management

Although any pregnancy has the potential of complications, one defined as "high risk" is more likely to have complications that potentially threaten the health of both the mother and fetus, so requires a greater level of attention and monitoring. A high-risk pregnancy increases a baby's chances for health and developmental problems at birth and beyond. ...

Home Birth

These days, many expectant mothers choose to give birth in their own homes rather than hospitals, and they often have a number of reasons for doing so. Reasons include the desire to give birth in a relaxed and familiar environment, not use pain medication or have medical intervention, and be in control of the labor-and-birthing process. Although a home birth is a personal decision, there are many factors to consider, because circumstances that pose serious risks to the mother and baby can arise. A home birth is usually performed with the help of a midwife or doula. ...

Labor and Delivery

As her due date approaches, an expectant mother often looks for signs that her labor is starting. It is important for a woman to be aware of the changes that her body is going through as it prepares for labor, and what to expect when the labor process begins. If a woman suspects that she is in labor, she should contact her doctor or midwife immediately. ...

Midwifery

Certified nurse-midwives, also known as a CNM, provide a wide variety of health care services to benefit women. Their focus is a woman's health needs from the teenage years through menopause. The services a CNM offers typically involve primary care, gynecology and family planning. In addition they also assist during pregnancy, delivery and following childbirth. CNMs are also trained and qualified to provide care for normal infants during their first four weeks, as well as treating sexually transmitted diseases in both male and female partners. ...

Obstetric Consultation

An obstetric consultation is an opportunity for a woman to meet with a doctor to discuss the details of her pregnancy. Regular visits with a doctor throughout a pregnancy are recommended, because they allow for professional monitoring of the woman's and baby's health. These consultations also provide time for the woman and doctor to develop a trusting relationship, and discuss any possible health issues that may affect her and her baby. ...

Preconception Counseling

When a couple decides they are ready to start planning a family, before they even begin trying to get pregnant, it can be very helpful to schedule a preconception counseling appointment with an obstetrician. The doctor will require information about health and family medical history as well as lifestyle and habits of both partners. Any medications currently being taken and alcohol and tobacco use will be discussed. Honesty is essential, as this can enable the doctor to determine whether there are any issues that might potentially be harmful to the mother or baby during pregnancy. ...