At Magnolia Birth House, one of our foundational principles is respectful guidance. We believe prenatal care with a midwife is a partnership, and we practice shared responsibility and shared decision making with our clients.

In the medical model of obstetrics, prenatal care has degenerated into technocratic, liability-minded care. This results in patients having five-minute visits, undergoing lots of tests without fully informed consent, and laboring without a doctor present.

Midwifery care is different. It’s structured to be individualized and empowering, with respect for autonomy, dignity, feelings, choices, and preferences. Our midwives want to partner with you, but it’s important to understand that a partnership involves both parties, meaning everyone has to do their part, including you, the client.

If you’re wondering how to be a partner in prenatal care, you might have questions like:

“How do I take care of myself during pregnancy?”

“What things should pregnant mothers do to be healthy?”

“What questions should I ask my midwife?”

This blog will answer your questions and help you understand how you show up. Here are five responsibilities essential for being a good partner in care.

Take Your Prenatal Visits Seriously

It might seem like a simple, common-sense thing, but it’s important to arrive on time for your prenatal appointments. Doing so is one way to respect our staff’s time, but it also allows you as the client to get the most out of your visit with the midwife. Showing up on schedule means you can maximize your appointment, leaving plenty of time for discussion and questions.

Speaking of questions, come to your appointments prepared to ask them. Between prenatal visits, jot down any questions that come to mind, whether it’s about nutrition or postpartum healing. Keep a notebook handy or use an electronic note on your phone. Figure out how it’s easiest for you to record your questions and bring them up at your appointments.

Do Your Follow-Up

When you attend your prenatal visits, your midwife might ask you to follow up on certain things. For example, if you’re unsure whether you want to consent to an ultrasound, she may recommend you read some articles or research studies to help with your decision. Or perhaps lab work reveals that your iron is low. Your midwife might suggest changes to your diet that bring your iron back into a normal range. You might hear suggestions like taking magnesium for constipation or drinking red raspberry leaf tea for uterine health.

When your care team makes these recommendations, they are doing so because they want the best for you, not to nag you or burden you. It’s so important that you listen to the midwifery team’s suggestions and write them down — again in your notebook or on your phone. Then, follow up by doing your part in adhering to the guidance.

Prioritize Consultations

During the course of your prenatal care, our midwives will continually monitor your health to ensure that our natural birthing center is still a safe place for you to labor and birth in Miami. While it’s not common, we occasionally suggest a consultation with our medical director, a collaborative OB/GYN in our community. It’s crucial to prioritize this consultation, making time for it in your schedule and arriving on time just like you do for your midwifery appointments.

In addition, your care team might recommend other services during pregnancy. These could include:

• Seeing a chiropractor, acupuncturist, or massage therapist

• Consulting with a nutritionist or dietitian

• Hiring a doula

• Meeting pediatricians to find the best fit for your family

All of these professionals can provide valuable insight and care that may prove beneficial to your health. When the Magnolia team suggests these consultations, make sure to follow through.

Eat a Healthy Diet and Stay Physically Active

The best prenatal food plan mimics the Mediterranean style of eating, which medical experts agree is the healthiest diet in the world. To optimize health during pregnancy, be sure to eat the following:

• Fresh, whole foods

• Good, quality protein like fish and eggs

• Plenty of fruits and vegetables

• Healthy oils and fats, such as olive oil and avocado

• Nuts and seeds

• Whole grains and other carbs that burn slowly

Try to limit dairy and gluten, and stay on top of hydration.

As your baby grows, it’s important to stay connected with this new version of your body. Physical activity helps you do that. If you already have an exercise routine, continue what you’re doing and make modifications as necessary. If you’re not already active, consider low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or yoga.

Take Childbirth Education Classes

To be prepared for unmedicated childbirth, you have to be confident in your body’s — and your baby’s — abilities! Education drives out fear. That’s why we offer natural childbirth education classes on topics like preparing for out-of-hospital birth, giving birth with confidence, and coping with fear and pain in labor through our sister company, The Gathering Place.

You will have to learn how to best manage discomfort during labor. Childbirth education equips you with the skills and knowledge to approach labor and birth confidently. Parents who have participated in this education tend to experience less fear and tension, which can help reduce the perception of pain.

Are you ready to learn more about prenatal care at Magnolia? To begin experiencing the benefits of Magnolia’s high-quality care, fill out our form to set up a free consultation.