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Strength, Peace, Love…

Strength, Peace, Love…

Offering Homebirth and Waterbirth Options…

Offering Homebirth and Waterbirth Options…

Now with offices in Appleton and Green Bay

Love. Your. Birth.

Love. Your. Birth.

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Offering midwifery care
homebirth and waterbirth options

BirthWise offers natural birth options with certified, licensed midwives with over 20 years combined experience. As a client of BirthWise, you will experience individualized care based on shared-decision making in all aspects of your pregnancy, birth, postpartum and newborn care. 

The midwives at BirthWise provide a level of personal attention and quality of care that is unparalleled in the modern maternity system. Our goal is to ensure women know all the options available to them and to be able to make informed, confident decisions. We are midwives who listen compassionately, communicate options, support your choices and respond to your questions and concerns. 

We invite you to come visit us, ask questions and explore all of your options! 

CONTACT US TODAY!

Why BirthWise​

Midwifery care offers the safest birthing options for low risk moms and their babies. 
We are highly experienced midwives in the community providing home and water birth options.

CASCADE OF MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS

Shifts the balance of power from woman to hospital. It is uncomfortable, cold and she may be concerned about modesty with the open back of the gown not intended for walking around in.

The #1 reason for births ending in cesarean section, often done because of suspected “big baby”, past the “due date”, or provider or client convenience. Does not increase safety for mom or baby if there was no actual medical need for the induction.

This type of monitoring keeps the mother immobile in bed. The use of EFM is not evidence-based, and has no effect in improving outcomes for babies. The only effect continuous monitoring has had is that it has increased the cesarean section rate.

IVs restrict a woman’s mobility and makes it easy to administer fluids and medications that interfere with natural birth. IV’s are uncomfortable and give the impression that a laboring woman is ill or unhealthy.

The use of Pitocin makes labor more painful and more difficult for the baby to tolerate. Studies show that Pitocin use may contribute to postpartum hemorrhage and may interrupt bonding with baby, also contributing to postpartum depression.

Because contractions are so unnaturally intense with Pitocin, the mother will often choose to receive an epidural for pain relief.

Epidurals keep a woman confined to bed for the duration of the labor and birth, literally unable to feel or move her body from the waist down.

Epidurals tend to slow or stop contractions, resulting in the need for increasing dosages of Pitocin to keep the labor advancing which leads to greater risk of stress to the baby.

The epidural interferes with the woman’s ability to push effectively and in a timely enough fashion for OB time limits and often leads to a c-section due to “cpd” or “too big of baby”.

Reduced blood pressure from the epidural combined with Pitocin induced, unnaturally hard contractions and lack of blood flow to the baby will cause the baby to go into distress.

After having exhausted all the tools at the obstetrician’s disposal, the cesarean section is the only one that remains. (women sometimes say “thank goodness I was in the hospital because my baby was in distress and I needed a cesarean section” not realizing the cascade of interventions that led up to this “need”.)

ASCENT TO A NATURAL BIRTH

Keeps the balance of power neutral. You feel comfortable, safe and relaxed; free to walk and move without having to feel concerned about modesty.

The #1 reason for births resulting in a normal vaginal birth. When women go past their anticipated due date, a close assessment of mom’s and baby’s well-being and awaiting spontaneous labor is the safest approach in most instances.

Allows mom to be in any position or place she desires, including in the shower or birth tub; allows us to monitor the health of baby safely and without disruption. Intermittent monitoring is an evidence-based practice and should be used regularly in all settings where mom is planning a natural birth.

Women are encouraged to drink fluids and to nourish their hard working bodies with food while in labor. This keeps energy up, blood sugars normal, helps cope with labor sensations, and helps her body to work efficiently. Mobility is not restricted.

No arbitrary time limits. Labor will happen in its own time. Every woman and every labor is different and we will encourage the things that keep a woman and her labor strong and healthy throughout this time such as: movement, rest, hydration, nourishment and support.

Use of water, freedom of movement, massage and continuous support throughout will get a woman through a natural labor.

Most women will walk, lean, sway, and change positions to attain continued comfort in labor. They are in control, and not restricted by cords, wires or monitors.

When labor starts on its own, in its own timing, and a woman is encouraged to eat, drink, move, listen to her body and no arbitrary time limits are given, labor progresses.

Women feel the urge to push and when and how to push on their own. They are able to help in the efforts of pushing their babies out very effectively!

The best chance for a baby to stay healthy and strong during labor is to let the process unfold as naturally as possible without medications. All of the medications commonly used in labor have the potential to affect the health of the baby.

A healthy and alert baby is born into his mother’s arms, able to bond and breastfeed. Mom is empowered and alert and in love with all the natural hormones surging through her body. Unmedicated birth reduces risk of postpartum complications and postpartum depression , breastfeeding success increases, and families report increased happiness and satisfaction.

Hear From Our Clients

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BirthWise Team

We are midwives who listen compassionately, communicate options,

support your choices, respond to your questions,

and trust in the pregnancy and birth process.

OUR MIDWIVES

SARA HANSMAN

CPM / LM

My journey into midwifery began as a doula and birth assistant, attending my first birth in 2011. I commenced my midwifery education in 2012, and in 2014, I joined the BirthWise practice as a full-time student midwife. In February of 2017, I received my Certified Personal Midwife (CPM) credential and became a Wisconsin Licensed Midwife. Since obtaining my license, I have had the immense privilege of serving as a primary provider at countless births, each one a unique and cherished experience.

I hold certification in aromatherapy for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and I am delighted to incorporate essential oils into your care. As a mother of four children, each with their unique birth stories, I have experienced a c-section and three VBACs, two of which occurred in my home. I recognize the importance of being informed, empowered, and supported in making choices during this transformative journey.  I am grateful for the opportunity to practice evidence-based care and utilize shared decision-making while providing a safe and respectful environment for all birthing individuals. 

GINA JIMENEZ

CPM / Lm

I began my career in birth work in 2013 as a doula, providing vital labor support to families. I quickly developed a profound passion for empowering women as they transition into the role of motherhood. Over an 8-year span, I gained invaluable experience as a doula, assisting numerous women on their unique journeys through labor and birth.

In 2020, I earned my CPM credential and started practicing as a licensed midwife. I am confident that this is the profession I was destined for, and despite its challenges, I couldn’t envision myself in any other career.

 I am also a proud mother to three incredible sons. Embracing motherhood has been a pivotal and life-changing experience for me, and I take immense joy in nurturing and supporting other mothers on their journeys. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family on hikes, honing my crocheting skills, preserving memories through scrapbooking, delving into midwifery textbooks, and experimenting with new recipes to create delectable meals for my loved ones.

JILL COULTER

CPM / Lm / ADMINISTRATOR

For nearly two decades, I’ve been privileged to serve as a licensed midwife in our community, welcoming countless babies into their families’ lives. In 2019, my colleague Sara and I formed a partnership practice, blending our unique personalities and expertise to provide even better care for families.

 

Today, I bring my vast experience and passion for midwifery, into mostly an administrative role at BirthWise. Although my day-to-day activities have shifted, my mission remains the same: to empower women and families, making their journey into parenthood as enriching and fulfilling as possible. This new role allows me to make an even broader impact, extending my dedication and expertise with BirthWise and the wider community.

Away from work, I am a mother to four wonderful children. I love working out, jiu-jitsu, running, and the experiences of world travel.

Our Services

Boy or girl? Find out as early as 8 weeks with a simple blood test that has a  99.1% accuracy rate. You do not need to be a client of BirthWise for this service.

Cost $130 (BirthWise clients receive a $30 discount)

Deciding where you plan to birth is important. We invite you to come meet with the midwives! This free 30-minute consultation is an opportunity to learn about midwifery care, birth outside the hospital, insurance/billing and to ask questions you may have so you can decide if this is the right option for you. Come find out what makes midwifery care the best option for healthy pregnant women!

Our prenatal care follows the same schedule of pregnancy providers everywhere – we see you monthly until your third trimester, every 2 weeks until you are 36 weeks, and weekly until you birth your baby. Prenatal visits are an hour long for most of your pregnancy, which gives you and your midwife time to get to know each other, to talk about your questions and concerns without feeling rushed. We plan for one prenatal home visit around 36 weeks which gives us an opportunity to find your home and familiarize ourselves with your space, and includes a regular prenatal visit at that time. You will have access to the same blood tests, labs and ultrasounds that are typically offered during pregnancy. After you have had an opportunity to learn about each lab test or procedure offered, you will be able to make informed choices around what is needed for you individually. You are a partner in your care. Prenatal visits are for the whole family – we love to have partners involved, as well as children and other family members.

The care offered in a home birth setting is very different than care offered in other settings. We come to you! Your birth team arrives at your home while you are in labor, and stays until you and your newborn are safely tucked into bed. Giving birth at home can be an incredible and empowering experience for the whole family. Staying in your home eliminates the need for a drive in labor and the discomfort and disruption that can bring, and allows you to be in the space where you are most comfortable and familiar. If families desire a water birth, we have resources for portable birth pools available to set up in your home.

Midwives bring personalized care into your labor and birth. As midwives we will communicate with you in early labor, and stay with you throughout your active labor and birth. We will monitor your baby and your vital signs, however, this is just a small part of what we offer. As your labor progresses the midwives will provide support and suggestions where needed, and sometimes just help create a calm supportive presence to help you through this experience.

Midwives bring many important skills with them to birth – all birth staff are trained in neonatal resuscitation and emergency management.  We carry medications to manage bleeding, IV fluids, antibiotics, Vitamin K and eye prophylaxis for your newborn if desired. We have the skills to suture a tear or wound following the birth and offer or refer for other treatments as needed.

Your baby will go to you immediately after the birth, and remain undisturbed, skin-to-skin, for as long as possible. We will assess your newborn without disrupting those essential first moments of bonding. Most babies will breastfeed within an hour or two of birth and we can assist you in this with support and patience. We provide a head-to-toe newborn examination and communicate what we are doing as we complete your baby’s first check-up.

Once everyone is settled, we will help you to tuck in to bed to rest. Your midwife will call you to check-in the day following the birth, and to schedule your home visit within 24-48 hours of the birth. In addition, your midwives at BirthWise are just a phone call away, should a need or concern arise for yourself or your newborn.

Your postpartum and newborn care begins immediately after the birth, and continues through the following 6 weeks.  Every family birthing with us receives a home visit from a midwife within 48 hours of birth, with further home visits available as needed. We see you in our office three more times, at about one week, two weeks, and a final visit at six weeks, which can include a full physical exam and an opportunity for a pap. Much like our prenatal visits, these visits include physical care of both mother and newborn, but much of the visits focus on your family’s transition as you welcome your new baby. We offer extensive breastfeeding assistance, many opportunities for families to talk about their birth experience, space for new mothers to process through the physical and emotional changes that come with having a newborn, nutritional support and education, information about child spacing and family planning… the list goes on!

For newborns, win the first week we will complete and file a birth certificate and social security card, offer metabolic screening, a hearing test, weight checks as needed or desired, assessment of jaundice, and screening for congenital heart disease; in the remaining five weeks of care we offer continued assessment of the normal healthy newborn, with encouragement that you establish care with a well-baby care provider in addition to our care following the birth.

At Birthwise, we understand the importance of comprehensive support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. In addition to our exceptional midwifery services, we are proud to offer personalized doula service to ensure expectant parents feel informed, empowered, and supported during this transformative journey.

Our dedicated team of professional doulas is not only equipped to work alongside our midwives, but also available to provide support during hospital births, ensuring a nurturing environment for every birthing person, regardless of the chosen setting. For information on both labor and post-partum doula support, email us at doulas@birthwisehomebirth.com

We offer comprehensive childbirth education classes covering essential topics, such as the stages of labor and delivery, pain management techniques, and preparing for the postpartum period. Our goal is to empower and support families, making their journey into parenthood as enriching and fulfilling as possible, no matter the birth setting. For information on childbirth education, email us at doulas@birthwisehomebirth.com

Placenta encapsulation and water birth pool rentals are available for both clients and non-clients of BirthWise. 

Placenta Encapsulation: $200

Waterbirth Pool rental: $100-$125 (BirthWise clients receive a $25 discount and get priority with tub rental availability)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you are newly pregnant or researching your options about midwifery care or home birth, we are sure you have questions! Here are some more commonly asked ones:

Yes, home birth is safe. If you are a low risk pregnant mom and want a natural birth, having a midwife and choosing a home birth is a great option. As midwives we want a safe birth for you and your baby. We carry emergency equipment such as oxygen, suction, resuscitative equipment, medications for postpartum bleeding management and IV’s. If a need arises to transfer to the hospital at any time during or after your birth, we will come with you to maintain support and continuity of care.

Educating yourself about pregnancy, labor and birth and postpartum and newborn care is important. You can do this by communicating with us at your prenatal visits, taking a childbirth education class, or by reading books and searching the internet. Feeling educated about birth will help remove a lot of the fear about it and will provide you with tools and ideas on how to cope. In a home birth you will have the freedom of movement, to eat and drink, and have one on one support from your midwife which makes coping with labor much easier. Having the option of laboring or birthing in water is also an excellent way to decrease the discomfort in labor and help you get through it.

We will provide you with a short list of items to have on hand that help keep your space and environment clean at the time of birth. Afterward, we will clean and tidy everything up- the only evidence of your home birth will be a baby in your arms!

After your baby is born, we will complete the necessary vital records paperwork for your child’s birth certificate and have you sign for a social security card to be issued.

Many insurance companies will cover a home birth. When you come to care, we will provide you with a detailed insurance billing packet and will help figure out what insurance will cover.

Yes, home birth is safe for low-risk pregnancies when supported by skilled and experienced midwives. Our midwives carry emergency equipment such as oxygen, suction, resuscitative equipment, medications for postpartum bleeding management, and IVs. We closely monitor both the mother and baby throughout the birthing process, and in the event of a hospital transfer, we will accompany you to maintain support and continuity of care.

Education and preparation are essential to managing pain during natural childbirth. Engage in open communication with your midwife during prenatal visits, take childbirth education classes, and access resources such as books or online information. At home births, you’ll have the freedom of movement, the ability to eat and drink, and personalized one-on-one support from your midwife. Additionally, water labor and birth can provide natural pain relief and relaxation, further assisting in coping with the discomfort.

Absolutely! At Birthwise, we support family-centered care and encourage you to involve your loved ones in your home birth experience. Having the people you care about most present during your birth can provide additional emotional support and contribute to a positive and memorable experience. We are happy to accommodate your preferences and help create a supportive environment for everyone involved.

While birth can be messy, our team at Birthwise is well-prepared to manage the process. We provide a list of items to help maintain a clean environment during the birth. Afterward, we will clean and tidy up, leaving no trace of the birth except for your beautiful new baby.

After your baby is born, we will complete the necessary vital records paperwork for your child’s birth certificate and assist you in applying for a social security card to be issued.

Many insurance companies do cover home births attended by midwives. When you begin your care with us, we will provide you with a detailed insurance billing packet and help you determine what your insurance plan will cover. We are committed to supporting families in navigating the financial aspects of home birth to ensure a smooth experience.

CONTACT US

APPLETON

GREEN BAY

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