Prenatal Care
Midwives are licensed and trained to provide full scope low-risk routine prenatal care and are able to care for families from the first positive pregnancy test all the way up to delivery.
We will offer all the same testing and check-ups that an OBGYN would typically perform, which means there’s no need to continue seeing an OB for regular care. With access to our Birth Center facilities, the Midwives are able to offer ultrasound, fetal testing, and all routine prenatal labs right here in-house.
The Midwives of Long Beach Birth Center value spending time with our clients, reserving 45 minutes for each visit to allow for more education, support and bonding. Individualized preparation and informed consent are important aspects of the Midwifery Model of Care. We want to make sure you always feel like an active participant in care decisions and never feel left in the dark about your care plan. Extra check-ups for reassurance are always available, as well 24/7 access to speak with a midwife through our Midwife Line for any questions or concerns throughout your pregnancy.
Preventative care and focus on overall health and well-being is built into Long Beach Birth Center care, with extra attention and follow up regarding nutrition, recommended supplements and exercises, and emotional health to avoid complications and support the best possible outcomes. We want to see our clients THRIVE!
Midwives are experts in low-risk care and in identifying if there are high-risk factors to consider, always maintaining safety as first priority. For this reason, our practice requires basic ultrasound and labs to confirm each of our clients remains a good candidate for out-of-hospital Midwifery Care. When clients have care needs that fall outside of the low-risk scope of practice, our Midwives consult with the physicians within the Long Beach Memorial Care system to help rule out or manage any issues that may arise, and ensure a healthy delivery.
Labor & Birth
Babies arrive on their own schedule and in each in their own individual way! Lot’s of preparation takes place prior to your baby’s birthday to normalize all there is to expect, ensure birth preferences are respected, and to review plans in all case scenarios.
Our Midwives are on call and available 24/7 for communication through our Midwife Call Line, which is how you will get in touch with us when you feel it may be “time”. Your birth team is always on standby and ready to support you, allowing you to make the call about when the right time to come to the birth center is for you - or when you would like us to come over to attend your homebirth!
​
At each birth there is a minimum of one Midwife and one experienced Birth Assistant who will care for you throughout your labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum period. Our Birth Assistants are trained doulas, Student Midwives, and certified in Neonatal-Resuscitation and CPR.
​
We will monitor you and your baby similarly to the way an OB in the hospital setting might, checking for the same vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and fetal heart rate to ensure that all is well. However our methods are much less disruptive. Freedom of movement with no lines, cords, or the like attached to your body, vital signs taken at a time and position that works for you and ability to drink and eat as you wish is a guarantee.
In the Midwifery Model of care, informed consent is a central part of all interactions, including during your labor and birth. Even in urgent scenarios, communication and information is offered and permission is requested for any and all procedures we may offer or suggest. Your birth team will be familiar with your preferences and you will find that they will be respected without you needing to advocate as you might in the hospital setting. Any deviation from expected care plans are discussed with you, and your decisions will be honored within reasonable consideration for your immediate health and safety.
Postpartum Care
Postpartum, often regarded as the 4th trimester, looks so very different for every family. As Midwives supporting a low-volume clientele we value having the extra time to offer our clients when needed, and the ease of a familiar connection and relationship of trust built throughout care that sometimes makes all the difference.
Having providers and supporters who know you, anticipate your needs, and meet you where you are at in your postpartum journey is a feature of Midwifery Care that is often underrated.
​
At Long Beach Birth Center we see our clients at a minimum of 3 times in the 6 weeks following delivery (2 additional visits compared to OB care). Our midwives remain available through our 24/7 midwife line until the final postpartum appointment and gladly offer guidance for postpartum healing, nursing, and newborn care as needed. Additional appointments are always available to address concerns including in-home visits when necessary.
​
Our team is focused on ensuring the best possible outcomes for each of our clients both physically and emotionally; which is why we have built-in protocols to screen for mental and emotional health regularly, hold a monthly “Preparing for the 4th Trimester” class as well as Breastfeeding, Newborn Care, and a free weekly postpartum support group for the community.
Having your prenatal and birth experience with our Midwives already sets your family above the standard in regard to preparedness and healthy beginnings. Taking advantage of the postpartum services we offer at the center ensures postpartum success!
.png)
We look forward to learning how we can support you!
Long Beach Birth Center invites you to reach out via email or phone to schedule a consultation, connect with our team for a tour, or ask questions on how we can support you through your journey.