Complete Maternity Services including prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum care.
We believe education is one of our most powerful tools, and one that will help you make informed choices that are right for you. We believe birth is a very special time—one of great challenge and fulfillment, and we work to provide you and your baby with a safe and satisfying experience. Your family is welcome to support you through all stages of your pregnancy.
Prenatal care is an integral part of the service we provide. Visits are scheduled every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, every 2 weeks between 28 and 36 weeks, and then weekly until birth. Family and friends are welcome during your visits. We enjoy meeting your 'birth team' during your pregnancy!
Medical and obstetrical histories are taken and a physical exam is done. There will also be time for answering questions. At this visit and at all subsequent visits the following are done:
Measurement of blood pressure and urine analysis
Nutritional assessment and weight
Assessment of any swelling
Screen for signs or symptoms of infection or illness.
Monitor the growth of the uterus (fundal height) and for normal growth of your baby
Position of the baby
Monitor and assess baby's heart rate and rhythm
Monitor and assess baby's movement and activity level
Other: common discomforts of pregnancy and remedies, emotional concerns, and anything else you or I believe needs addressing
Laboratory testing as needed or required at initial visit, 28th week, and 36th week
Prenatal education and referrals to WIC, and other community outreach programs.
Ultrasound for anatomy and growth is routinely ordered at the 20th week of pregnancy. Follow-up ultrasounds are ordered as medically indicated.
During labor and birth we:
Provide emotional support
Suggest positioning and comfort measures
Support your choices for your birth plan
Support natural childbirth as well as several medical pain relief options
Offer the option of waterbirth for relaxation and comfort
Every labor is different and you will receive individualized care appropriate to your situation. We do our best to honor your wishes. Both you and your baby will be monitored frequently during labor to assure that all is proceeding normally. All vital signs, urine analysis, nutrition status, membrane status, contractions, etc will be checked, and the baby's heart beat will be assessed. We provide labor and delivery services at Southwestern Medical Center in Bennington, Vermont.
Complete postpartum care is provided in the first six weeks after the birth. This is a full physical exam post delivery that includes: vital signs, general appearance and mood, nutrition, uterus, lochia, and pap smear. We will also discuss breastfeeding and any other concerns or family dynamics. Please call our office post delivery to schedule this followup visit.