Physician training is primarily based on the treatment of disease and medical complexities. Obstetricians are specialized surgeons and often turn to surgery as the solution for labor that is difficult or taking too long. Unnecessary procedures are often performed on low-risk healthy mothers with the intent of mitigating risk. But years of data doesn’t show compelling benefit to this model of care. High-level intervention without medical necessity begins to change the normal physiological processes and negatively affects the outcome of birth.

Research shows that the midwifery model of care translates into significant benefits in both maternal and infant health. Europe is leading the U.S. in maternal and neonatal outcomes in childbirth, and over half of births in Europe are attended only by midwives as opposed to less than 10% of births in the U.S. The midwife model of care is typically centered around the belief that childbirth is a natural event best supported without unnecessary risky procedures and intervention – while balancing that with the understanding that medical intervention, even surgery, is necessary and important for a small percentage of women.

Evidence-based

At Family Birth and Wellness, we take into serious consideration the current best evidence about birth and care interventions and practices. We also consider each client's individual situation and history as well as their personal values and healthcare goals. As more research becomes available, we inform clients and incorporate the latest information into practice.

We strive to use the best available research and use our extensive clinical expertise to drive decision making. This results in presenting our patients with the data to make informed decisions based on sound evidence.

Proactive and Preventative

At Family Birth and Wellness, we practice preventative medicine as much as possible. This enables us to avoid using prescriptive medications and high-level intervention if we can keep you healthy in the first place.

For example, if you test Group B Strep positive in pregnancy, the CDC recommends that you be treated with antibiotics throughout labor. But there is some preliminary research showing that certain probiotics taken throughout pregnancy may greatly reduce your chance of testing positive. Why even get to the place where you have to weigh the risks and benefits of IV antibiotics vs your baby being exposed to a potentially life-threatening bacteria if you can easily reduce that risk in a healthy way?

One of the biggest components of our prenatal care is keeping you healthy, rather than just screening for risk and then treating when problems arise. We will be talking to you about diet, exercise, sleep, stress, and anything else that may be influencing your health and risk factors.

Informed Choice

In any medical facility or practice, you will find "informed consent" as a standard of care. You'll be asked to sign informed consent paperwork to have a medical procedures done, or at least verbally consent.

At FBW, we don't think that informed consent is enough. Consent implies that someone has already made a decision about what is right for you. Informed choice takes it to another level. Choice implies that you have options and that YOU are in the driver's seat about what happens to you and your baby. We take this seriously at Family Birth and Wellness and believe that when you have good information, you are the best decision maker for you and your baby's health. We strive to fully inform you about risks and benefits and let you make the medical decisions throughout your care.

Personalized and Attentive

We take the time to get to know you and your body. We listen to your concerns, questions, feedback, and desires. Every woman is unique and special — we want to get to know you and make sure your desires and needs are respected.