Midwifery Services
Free Consultation
Each course of care begins with a free consultation in our Vancouver, WA birth center where you will meet with me and have a chance to ask all your questions. You will learn about what community birth (whether at home or a freestanding birth center) and midwifery care look like as well as the many safeguards we utilize to protect you and your baby. We firmly believe that choosing a midwife is very personal and this is a good opportunity for us to learn more about each other.
Labor & Birth
We offer personalized care during labor and birth in our freestanding birth center, with limited availability for home deliveries. We believe every birth is a unique miracle and that the midwife’s role is to provide a nurturing space for it to unfold naturally, while also guarding the health and safety of both mom and baby. We will be in close contact in early labor and decide together when it’s time for us to meet. We will provide continuous care throughout active labor, birth, and the early postpartum. You will be encouraged to eat, drink, and move around comfortably throughout labor. You are encouraged to birth wherever and in whatever position feels right to you. Laboring and birthing in the water are wonderful options. It can significantly reduce pain and improve comfort. Shortly before the birth of your baby a second midwife or trained birth assistant will join the team to enable us to provide one-on-one support to both mom and baby if necessary. In the event that higher level care is needed, we will facilitate that transition smoothly and remain a part of your care team.
Postpartum Care
The journey has only just begun! Let The Bridge expertly guide you through the postpartum period and adjustment to parenthood. We are happy to provide comprehensive care for your new family. Your midwife will provide a home visit (or two!) in the first week, to keep you all snug in bed (and away from germs!), followed by office visits at 2 weeks, 3-4 weeks, and 6 weeks following birth. There is ample time for answering questions, helping the family adjust, monitoring growth, and healing, as well as breastfeeding support, and emotional wellness. As always, additional visits are available as needed and your midwife remains available to you 24/7 for urgent needs.
Prenatal Care
The schedule of prenatal visits with a community midwife is very similar to classic obstetric maternity care. However, each visit is scheduled for a full hour; allowing plenty of time for us to get to know each other, share suggestions, and discuss any concerns that may arise. Partners are welcome and encouraged to participate in care. We’re here to support you and your loved ones throughout the journey.
Prenatal care with your midwife is also similar to obstetric care in that it includes lab collection, such as blood draws, and referrals for ultrasounds or other prenatal testing as necessary. You will receive information about why certain testing is recommended and what options are available. You will be encouraged to make choices that are right for you and your family.
You will have easy access to your midwife throughout your care. Non-emergent matters will be addressed through a secure health record messaging system. Urgent needs can be addressed more quickly through a HIPAA compliant pager system or office phone call.
Labor & Birth
We offer personalized care during labor and birth in our freestanding birth center, with limited availability for home deliveries. We believe every birth is a unique miracle and that the midwife’s role is to provide a nurturing space for it to unfold naturally, while also guarding the health and safety of both mom and baby. We will be in close contact in early labor and decide together when it’s time for us to meet. We will provide continuous care throughout active labor, birth, and the early postpartum. You will be encouraged to eat, drink, and move around comfortably throughout labor. You are encouraged to birth wherever and in whatever position feels right to you. Laboring and birthing in the water are wonderful options. It can significantly reduce pain and improve comfort. Shortly before the birth of your baby a second midwife or trained birth assistant will join the team to enable us to provide one-on-one support to both mom and baby if necessary. In the event that higher level care is needed, we will facilitate that transition smoothly and remain a part of your care team.
Postpartum Care
The journey has only just begun! Let The Bridge expertly guide you through the postpartum period and adjustment to parenthood. We are happy to provide comprehensive care for your new family. Your midwife will provide a home visit (or two!) in the first week, to keep you all snug in bed (and away from germs!), followed by office visits at 2 weeks, 3-4 weeks, and 6 weeks following birth. There is ample time for answering questions, helping the family adjust, monitoring growth, and healing, as well as breastfeeding support, and emotional wellness. As always, additional visits are available as needed and your midwife remains available to you 24/7 for urgent needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Home Birth Safe?
This is often the first question pregnant people ask and the answer is a resounding YES! Studies consistently show that for healthy people with normal pregnancies midwifery care and birth in the community setting is not only safe but significantly reduces the risk of interventions. Here are links to a few resources to get you started researching for yourself.
Isn't Home Birth Messy?
Midwives are experts in home birth and tidying up. I will help you prepare ahead of time with a supply list and plan that will leave you feeling confidently ready to welcome your baby in the comfort of your own space. Your birth kit will include several items aimed at keeping any potential mess contained. I strive to leave your home in as good or better condition than when I arrived. Home birth usually produces a load or two of laundry and a bag of garbage. I am happy to start the laundry and take out the trash.
Can I Have a Waterbirth?
Yes! Waterbirth is a wonderful option for families who choose it. Studies have shown many benefits to the relaxation effects of laboring in water. Often families will choose to have a Birth Tub for labor even if planning to birth on land. There is no prescribed location or position for home or birth center birth, you are generally free to choose what is most comfortable for you.
Do You Have Other Labor Comfort Tools?
Community birth midwives have many tricks up their sleeves to help labor progress and provide comfort. I usually bring a yoga/birth ball, birthing stool, and a rebozo. Please ask if there are additional items you are specifically interested in learning more about or having at your birth.
Do You Take My Insurance?
I know that having a baby is a big investment and I am committed to providing high quality, safe, and affordable maternity care. I am happy to submit claims to any insurance company, including medicaid plans. I may not be contracted with all of them and coverage is very policy specific. Once I have a copy of your insurance card, my billing service will work with your insurance provider to obtain an estimate for your out of pocket costs. Regardless of where you receive care insurance reimbursement will be subject to any deductible, co-insurance, and copays on your policy. I am able to offer cash prepay discounts and payment plans. My goal is to make midwifery care as accessible as possible. Reach out and let’s find out what coverage looks like for you!
Interested about Newborn and Hearing Screenings?
Newborn Hearing Screening: The Department of Health recommends all newborns receive a hearing screening.
Newborn Screening: Information on newborn screening (“heel poke”), including information on what conditions are screened for.
https://doh.wa.gov/sites/default/files/legacy/Documents/Pubs//304-007-NBSbooklet-20200721.pdf
Information for Parents about Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome: The Department of Health provides information for parents who have received a Pre- or Postnatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome.
“Lynette was an incredibly positive force in our birth story. She is calm and encouraging during birth and I felt safe and powerful as I brought my son into the world. I tell people giving birth is the most empowering thing I’ve ever done, and Lynette was a big part of making that my reality. I’m so thankful for her.”
Ellen, Nate, and Landon
Phone – 360-693-6875
Fax – 844-822-7441
lynette@bridgebirth.com