Postpartum

The final stage of pregnancy, and often one fraught with concerns, apprehension, and out-of-control hormones, the postpartum period is generally a time of sleep-deprivation and learning (or relearning) how to care for a helpless newborn. Many of the decisions made during pregnancy get reconsidered during this period, whether due to unexpected complications or from an overwhelming weariness. 

Way Maker Midwifery wants to remove some of the strain by continuing to offer in home visits and support. Postpartum visits (24 hour, one week, two week, four week, and six week visits) are for both the mother and the baby. Seeing how the baby is doing and being able to address any concerns before they become larger issues can be very important, but also caring for the Care-Giver and identifying when she might benefit from an extra set of helping hands. Having a healthy pregnancy and a positive birth experience are wonderful – we want to continue the cycle of positivity by providing our mothers and their newborns into the postpartum stage by promoting confidence and connection.

Placentas

There have been studies that suggest that the placenta retains iron, as well as trace minerals and contains 15 different hormones, which could have an effect on the physiological affect of a mother. One such way, can be in reducing the amount of cortisol, helping to ensure that the new mother is relaxed and the stress hormones are being inhibited, allowing the body to relax and produce breastmilk. While there is no scientific research, there is a wealth of personal and anecdotal evidence that suggests consuming the placenta has some benefits in helping with milk production and relieving symptoms of postpartum depression. 

Way Maker Midwifery offers Placenta Encapsulation in two different ways. 1) In-home service, where the placenta is processed with sterilized equipment in your own home sometime within the first 24 hours and finished within 48 hours after birth (generally, as long as mother and baby are healthy and stable). Or, 2) Another Placenta Encapsulator will come, pick up the placenta, and process it in their professional space, returning the placenta within 48 hours after receiving it. We offer Placenta Encapsulation to anyone, whether they gave birth at home with our support or not. You can select this option under Pricing.