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Preparing for labor? Try to remember that you will go through it piece by piece. 
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Dearest clients,
With the mayor of Boise’s executive order being put into place requiring masks in public, we feel that the best way to help keep each other safe is to adhere to this for appointments as well. We understand that it is inconvenient. We will miss seeing your whole faces. We find them uncomfortable, too. We thank you for your cooperation during this time. If you have a concern or are in need of a mask, please reach out to us so we may help you. Part of our position as your midwives is to help keep you and your baby safe. Presently, this is how we are able to to do this during routine care. Links: Boise DEV Idaho Statesman in Spanish But is it safe for me? In addition, we Kindly request that you come alone, without children present. This helps us to keep contact at a minimum as well as helps us to keep surfaces clean and disinfected between visits. Jenny Jahn, CPM, LM Chelsea Jahn, CPM, LM Rebecca Holmstead, Student Midwife Phone: 208.450.5321 Planning a homebirth and learning about having a midwife comes with heaps of questions. Here are some of the commonly asked questions and we're available to answer more. Just ask us!
Q: So, do you just like, come when I'm in labor? How does this work? A: We have practice guidelines and protocols we follow. Clients come into our care prenatally at various stages of their pregnancy and we discuss this question at length. Because prenatal care with a midwife is more than just a medical check-up, you will learn how and when to contact us before labor even begins. It's a common misconception that clients who have their babies at home do not have prenatal care. Alas, they do! Usually the entirety of their pregnancy. Q: After my baby is born, then what? Do you make sure my baby is ok or do we have to go to a doctor right away? A: Immediately when a baby is born the Midwives assess the baby and help the baby breathe, if necessary. We continue to monitor both the mother and the baby the entire time we are present. Before we leave, we do a complete newborn exam and refer to a physician if necessary. Q: How long do the Midwives stay after the birth? A: As long as both the mother and baby are well, we typically stay about two hours after birth. If we need to stay longer, we do. Q: What happens in the postpartum time? A: We provide care for both mother and baby for a full six weeks postpartum. During these appointments we evaluate baby's overall health and wellbeing. We ensure baby is gaining appropriate weight, feeding well. For the mother, we evaluate for postpartum depression and mental state, blood pressure, and bleeding. We always refer to a doctor if/when needed. Q: What's the latest I can come into your care? A: We accept all trimesters. Whether you are due in a week or just learned your are pregnant, you are welcome into the Red Tent. If you have been receiving care from another provider during your pregnancy, we will request your records and continue from there. Q: What if there is an emergency? A: In midwifery care, we are experts in normal, low-risk pregnancy, birth and postpartum. This means that we see normal so often that when something isn't normal, we identify it right away. We look for "pink flags" before they become "red flags". We address problems as they arise and discuss them with you. If there is a sudden red flag (emergency), we contact the appropriate services right away. Our main job is to keep you and your baby safe. If that means a consultation with a doctor, we get it. If it means calling 911, we do. Q: Who is allowed at my birth? Can my older children be there? A: Anyone you wish is welcome into your birth space. You are able to invite whomever you wish. Your older children are welcome to your birth so long as there is a care provider specifically for them if they need care. Labor and birth can often take hours so having another responsible party for your other children is a must. Doulas, family members, BFF's are welcome so long as you would like them present. Q: I want a homebirth but not a waterbirth. Do I have to have a waterbirth? A: Nope! Waterbirth is always optional. We provide a birth pool for our clients; it does not increase cost or affect care. You can have your baby wherever you wish! Red Tent Midwives, LLC is receiving inquiries from pregnant families inquiring about transferring care to us late in pregnancy due to the Coronavirus. We Midwives are working to provide care for anyone who wishes to have a homebirth during this outbreak within the Treasure Valley.
Transferring your care to have a homebirth with us:
The Midwives of Red Tent Midwives are here to help keep you and your baby safe. We are available to help you with billing your insurance and accept Medicaid. We always provide the same level of care to late-transfer clients as those who are already in our practice. Our equipment is the same as a birth center or hospital and we carry the same medications. Dear Clients,
In light of the recent COVID-19 outbreak we are making an effort to continue to provide the best care possible for you, our clients and also want to do our part to keep those most vulnerable in our communities safe by minimizing possible exposure. Effective today, March 17, all appointments will be moved to an online/phone format, including consultations, with the exception of: • Initial appointments • 28 weeks (or thereabouts) • 36 weeks and beyond We are also asking that if you or any member of your household is ill, has a fever or has any symptoms, or has been exposed to anyone who has symptoms, to please call so that we can come up with the best care plan for you. As always you are free to contact us with any non-emergent questions or concerns during normal business hours and we remain available to you 24/7 if you are experiencing any of the ‘Danger Signals’ listed below: • Vaginal Bleeding or bloody show • Abdominal pain • Severe Headaches • Sudden and persistent swelling • Pain upon urination • Illness with vomiting, diarrhea or fever • Decreased fetal movement (or no movement) in the last 24 hours • Your water breaks or you are leaking fluid • Contractions (regular or irregular) Thank you for your understanding and for helping us minimize this pandemic. You can expect us to be in communication with you if the situation changes so appropriate measures can be put into place or resumed. To your best health from your Midwives, Jenny Jahn, LM, CPM Chelsea Jahn, LM, CPM Hello Friends,
The world is crazy right now, eh? Schools are closing, social distancing is a thing, and there are travel bans all due to the Coronavirus. With all of the uncertainty, some hospitals are not allowing doulas to provide care at the labor & birth of their clients. While we understand that this might provide a security for policy of fewer people equaling fewer chances of germs, it can also create a tension for those who have a doula written into their birth plan. Doulas have significant value before, during, and after childbirth. Having a doula drastically reduces many of the "cascade of events" which often lead to birth trauma. This is why we want you to know that your doula is welcome at your homebirth inside the Red Tent with us. If your hospital of choice establishes a no-doula policy, you can be sure we have not. Contact us to establish care and feel safe with your entire birth team. Friends,
Whether you are rolling your eyes at the hype or stockpiling items you think you might need, the truth remains that we have embarked into a pandemic in our lifetime. And there is oh so much information and speculation out there that it's hard to know if, well... you should roll your eyes or if you should stockpile. During this time it is hard to discern from over sensationalism and preparedness. Let's begin with what we know: The Coronavirus is not new but the strain we have now is, COVID-19. It's so new that scientists and medical professionals are testing and learning about it as it happens. This means that the world is in a state of quick learning and doing its best. Because it's so new, studies have not been done in pregnancy and newborns so this is the time to really, truly be ultra-vigilant on the health of yourself and family. According to The Lancet, of those tested who are infected with the virus, no virus was detected in amniotic fluid, cord blood, or breastmilk. As of this writing, no known cases of COVID-19 are present in the state of Idaho. While we can take comfort in that, let's not become complacent. Don't use hand sanitizer when you can wash your hands. Walk the extra steps to use the soap and water. Hand sanitizer is 60% alcohol which is drying to skin, causing cracks and an excellent opportunity for germs to enter into your body. Plus, hand washing is the #1 way to stop the spread of infection. Wash your hands (and your child's hands) immediately after you walk though your front door. Clean your cell phone when you get home. You touch that thing and put it on your face... clean it up. Take a disinfecting wipe to your steering wheel and inside car door handles once in a while, too. This is a good time to wash your child's jacket/coat. Come to think of it, wash yours, while you're at it. Remove shoes- a simple way to keep your home cleaner regardless of your flooring. We all walk on so much in our community. Don't bring it in with you. The safest way to protect yourself and your family is to avoid areas where sick people are or might be. Homebirth has always been the safest place for low-risk mothers to birth their babies. Now, is no exception. If you are pregnant and considered low-risk {meaning you aren't Type 1 diabetic, have had 2 previous c-sections, are pregnant with twins}, this is the time to call your local homebirth midwife. The safest place to give birth in in your own home. This fact is true even if we are not in the midst of a pandemic but may be more true now because of it. Part of a midwife's job is to keep you and your baby safe. We take late-to-care clients and provide the same high-quality care in the safety of your own home. Your home has all of your own germs and bacteria; you and your baby are already immune to them. Licensed Midwives have all the same medications as a hospital or birth center that is needed for birth such as, IV supplies, medications to stop hemorrhage, oxygen, suture material, as well as newborn resuscitation equipment which we bring to all births. Our equipment is sterile. Well, hello there. Let’s clear some things up about the definitions of commonly used words we find ourselves surrounded by in the childbearing year. Chances are, you or someone who’s posted in that Facebook group you’re on has used them incorrectly. And since education is a key element to empowerment, it’s important to know how to use these words. Let’s begin. Menstrual Cycle: The cycle of a woman’s period. It’s always a good idea to track one’s cycle, whether you’re trying to get pregnant or trying to avoid pregnancy. It helps to keep your mind in tune with your body. To track one’s cycle, count from the first day of the period bleeding to the first day of the next period. Ovulation: The releasing of an egg from the ovary. Some women can feel this release, called Middleschmertz, and describe it as a small cramp on one side of the pelvis. Whether you feel it or not, it’s still happening. Fertile, as in days: The time one is fertile to become pregnant. This is (about) 14 days before the next period. Once you know how many days are in your menstrual cycle, you will be able to determine when you’re most fertile. Infertility: The inability to conceive without intervention or treatment after one year of actively trying. Yes, ONE YEAR of actively trying to make a baby. We recommend that if there is no conception after six months, to have the sperm counted. This is the simplest and easiest way to see if this is the reason conception has not occurred. If the sperm exam reveals no problem such as poor movement or low count, then keep trying before moving onto the next steps. Pre-conception: Before pregnancy. Morning Sickness: The feeling of nausea with or without vomiting at any time of day during pregnancy. Morning sickness usually strikes in the mornings due to low nutrition and peaks around nine weeks post-conception. The best way to stave off morning sickness is to eat something before you feel nauseas. The means about every two hours. Birth Doula: Someone who provides physical, informational, and emotional support before, during, and just after birth. Usually, trained and certified through a training course, a doula is a great way to have support during this time. Doulas do not provide any medical care or advice. Midwife: A medically trained professional practicing midwifery specializing in low-risk pregnancy and birth. There are several types of midwives: Traditional Birth Attendant (TBA) is typically trained through the apprenticeship model taught by other TBA’s. Uncertified, unlicensed. Certified Professional Midwife (CPM- hey…that’s us!) is a midwife who has completed training and passed the national exam as set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). Licensed Midwife (LM- again, us!) is a midwife licensed to practice midwifery within the state. Each state has their own guidelines for licensure and most require the CPM credential. Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a nurse who is educated in obstetrics. Some states allow CNM’s to practice both in a hospital and homebirth. Ob/Gyn: Obstetrics/Gynecology is the medical and science of practicing such. This is a specialist field and encompasses all of the aspects of the medical care of a woman’s anatomy. Ob/Gyn’s are also surgeons. Low-Risk pregnancy: A pregnancy with little to no risk or problems. Most women are low-risk! That’s great news because this protects the space for high-risk patients to have time and care with a specialist. High-Risk Pregnancy: A pregnancy with one or more risk factors with causes potential for or greater chance of maternal or fetal morbidity or mortality. CPM’s do not provide care for high-risk women. Morbidity: Being diseased This means that, if one is high-risk, there is a condition of illness for the woman or baby. Mortality: The condition of death. This means that, if one is high-risk, there is a condition or likelihood to the woman or baby of fatality. Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC): A subsequent baby born vaginally after a woman has had a Cesarean Section. In Idaho, CPM’s can attend a VBAC for someone who has only had one C-Section not less than 18 months prior. Homebirth: A birth at home, usually planned for. This is what Red Tent Midwives provides. Birth Center: A location designed for out-of-hospital-birth, usually attended by midwives. Waterbirth: A birth in the water, usually planned. Yes, we support this, too! First Trimester Ultrasound/Sonogram: An ultrasound to determine due date, confirm/rule out multiple babies, and/or to detect a baby’s heartbeat, as it’s too tiny to hear with a Doppler. This is the most accurate time that an ultrasound can determine/confirm an accurate due date. This is a diagnostic test with a ultrasonographer, results are read by a doctor or radiologist. 20 Week Ultrasound/Anatomy Scan: This is an anatomy scan to measure adequate growth in the baby. Less accurate to determine due date than an early ultrasound. This is a procedure that collects a lot of information to be given to your doctor or midwife. WE don’t care if it’s a boy or a girl, that’s not why an ultrasound is solely ordered by a practitioner. Usually the gender of a baby is seen at this time. Surprise Twin: The discovery of a second baby during labor or just after the birth of the first baby. If you learned that you’re expecting twins during your pregnancy, it’s not considered a ‘surprise twin’, although it might be to you. Midwife Jenny is a surprise twin. Surprise Breech: A baby presenting in the breech (bottom first) position at the onset of labor and birth which was not determined in pregnancy. Yes, babies can be born safely in a Breech position. If you are getting care from a doctor and they automatically state you “have to have a C-Section” keep pressing. External Cephalic Version: The hands on process done by a trained professional to attempt to turn a baby into an optimal birthing position. Usually done after 35 weeks to turn a baby from a Breech position to a cephalic (head down) position. This should only be done by a trained professional! A Spinning Babies person is not a trained professional. Labor: Contractions which cause change to the cervix (effacement and dilation) with or without a pattern. Anything else is Braxton Hicks, see below. Braxton Hicks: Contractions which do not dilate the cervix. Some can be quite strong and can hold a typical labor pattern. Cesarean Section: A surgical birth where a cut is made in the abdomen, through the muscle, tissues, fat and uterus to pull a baby and placenta from the woman. Many cesareans are not necessary for birth, but they are in some cases. Emergency Cesarean: An unplanned cesarean birth that results from an emergency during labor that would prevent a safe vaginal delivery to mother or baby. Natural Birth: A vaginal birth without any intervention or medication. Your body was designed for this. You can do it, we can help you. Vaginal Birth: The birth of a baby born vaginally with or without medication or intervention. Induction: The process of artificially producing a labor pattern. This is usually done with drugs either in the bloodstream or rectally but also includes all natural methods including herbs. Augmentation: The process to enhance a labor already in process. A woman who is in labor, whether a good pattern or not, does not get induced but rather has her labor augmented, usually with drugs like Pitocin, or having her waters broken artificially by her care provider. Intervention: Any process introduced in a pregnancy or labor to alter or change the projected outcome. These include a version, breaking of waters, Pitocin, any induction or augmentation. Hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding of 1,000 mL or greater within the first 24 hours after birth but can occur up to 12 weeks postpartum. This has been changed in 2017 from the before teaching of a 500mL of blood loss by AGOC, most likely because 1000mL is the blood loss in a standard, non complicated C-Section delivery. Red Tent Midwives practices on the side of 500mL for hemorrhage in our homebirth practice. Postpartum: The state of being after the birth of a baby. Anyone who has had a baby in their lifetime is postpartum. It’s not something one has, it’s something one is. Baby Blues: Feelings of sadness or anger 2-3 days postpartum and resolve without treatment within 2-3 weeks. Hormones are powerful! Postpartum Depression: Depression anytime within the first year after having a baby. There are more than 3 million cases reported per year. You are not alone even though you may be feeling that way. The good news is is that it is treatable and in some cases, without medication, although sometimes it is needed. There are several tiers of PPD so talk to your midwife or doctor and we can help you. You are not a bad mom. Postpartum Anxiety: The feeling that everything needs to be perfect or that a woman is not a good mom, no one else can care for her baby, etc. This can go on for years (hello helicopter parents). Talk to your midwife, partner, doctor or counselor about your feelings. Sometimes medication is needed but not always. Breastfeeding: Feeding a baby from the breast. Also referred to as nursing. And yes, you can! Bottle Feeding: Feeding a baby with a bottle whether it be with expressed breast milk or formula. Pumping: Expressing breastmilk from the breast(s). Pumping is not necessary to produce milk. Nope. We hope that this helps you as you read, speak and write about your own experience throughout the childbearing year. Remember, to always seek a professional’s advice with questions before posting or seeking opinions on Google or Facebook groups. *This is not a comprehensive list and is not intended to treat, diagnose or relieve symptoms. |
AuthorsJenny Jahn CPM, LM is co-founder and midwife at Red Tent Midwives. Archives
July 2020
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