Homebirth
"It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the center of the fire with me and not shrink back."
From, The Invitation, by Oriah
Our Care.
Visits last approximately one hour and go beyond a simple assessment of physical well-being; we care about you as a whole person. We discuss upcoming landmarks in pregnancy, offer an informed choice on testing and procedures, and spend time preparing for both birth and the postpartum period. Prenatal visits are a time for us to get to know one another, build trust, and hang out together.
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Physical exams
Nutrition and lifestyle counseling
Herbal consultations
Lab services
Appointments every 4 weeks from conception through 32 weeks, every 2 weeks from 32–36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until birth
Home visit at 36 weeks
24–7 on-call support from hire through 6 weeks postpartum
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Birth services from 36 weeks to 42+6
Continuous care and support during labor, birth, and the first hours after birth
Optional water birth
Support for clients or family members to catch their own baby
Medical consultation and referral as needed
Continuous support by midwives in the event of hospital transport
Immediate postpartum support for birthing parent and baby
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Emotional and logistical support through the transition of welcoming a new baby into your family
A full physical exam of the newborn and access to standard newborn tests and procedures
Comprehensive lactation and feeding support
Four 1-hour home visits followed by 2 clinic visits
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…you’ll have direct access to us, to ensure you have the support and information needed to be successful. Count on:
Regular quick-form check-ins to measure progress and guide follow-up calls.
Ongoing support via secure chat
Access to our resource library & private community platform
The Details.
Our why.
We became home birth midwives because of a drive to see individuals give birth in a manner that affirms their dignity and power. To see babies born in an environment that honors their being. We believe in birth. We believe when the birthing person is given a supportive and safe environment, they are more able to tap into their instinctual wisdom and birth unhindered. We pledge to do our very best for you, to be alert and attentive to all aspects of your well-being, and to do our utmost to see that your child emerges into an atmosphere that is nurturing for the whole family. We acknowledge and appreciate your trust in us through these sacred times of transformation.
FAQs
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The decision to have a homebirth is a profoundly personal one. We are happy to talk with you about your unique history and experience in order to help you determine if a homebirth with Coyote Midwifery is right for you.
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Yes. Coyote Midwifery midwives have a lot of experience with waterbirth and will help you figure out if it is right for you. The vast majority of our clients spend at least a little time laboring in water—whether it’s the shower, your bath, or in one of our birth tubs.
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Labors often begin at night. We are on-call for you 24/7.
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Although very infrequent, baby storms do happen. We have partnered with other midwives in the Portland area to support each other if all of the babies decide to come at once.
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We have attended many births in apartments, and we are experts at working in small spaces. As you enter your due range, you might want to inform your neighbors you are planning a home birth.
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We’ve got you covered. As your new family bonds and gets to know each other, in that golden hour after birth, your midwives will begin tidying up the birth space. We will whisk away the tub, begin a load of laundry, and take out the trash. Our goal is to leave you feeling serene while you snuggle your new baby.
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Birth is powerful! Birth is intense! It is overwhelming and profound. But there is a difference between power and suffering, and while birth can toe that line, we do not want you to suffer. You may decide that the hospital, with an epidural, is the best place for you to give birth. We will always honor and respect your decision on where and how you birth your baby.
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We have many tools to manage pain in your home. First, we will remind you to listen to your body. Move when it tells you to move. Walk, squat, get in the water, and rock your hips. As midwives, we follow your lead and will offer gentle direction when appropriate. We will squeeze your hips and rub your back and/or assist your people in doing that for you.
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Great! We would love to serve you!
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We strongly believe that people should feel safe wherever they decide to deliver. We would love to support you in any way we can. Check out our Collaborative Care option.
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Often, yes. Many insurance companies will reimburse for midwifery services. Coyote Midwifery does not directly bill insurance; however, we will provide a superbill (a billing document outlining the care you received) which you may submit to your insurance for reimbursement. Our hope is that paying upfront allows you to budget accordingly without being surprised by a bill months or years after the birth of your baby. We will guide you through the process of submitting your bill to insurance.
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Doulas provide educational information, emotional validation, and physical support to a birthing person and their family. A midwife offers this same care while also having the added medical responsibility for the safety of you and your baby. All of the Coyote Midwives have spent time serving as doulas and always welcome a doula addition to the team. Over the years, we have found doulas to be particularly valuable for first-time parents as they are able to remain with the family during the (sometimes long) early stage of labor. In these cases, doulas are able to focus more on emotional and physical support while the midwives are tuned into medical needs.
Can’t afford a doula? No problem. We are happy to provide referrals to low/no cost doulas for qualifying families and are always happy to fill in the role of doula for those that would rather work solely with the midwives.