At Sacred Waters, we feel it is necessary educate women and families about pregnancy and childbirth, empowering them to make the decisions that are right for their birth. We take our time with each woman, offering holistic care and ongoing support. Prenatal Care ~ All women preparing for birth and motherhood deserve excellent holistic prenatal care. With each prenatal visit, you will learn more about the changes your body will be going through as your pregnancy advances. At every visit, we will talk with you about your overall health and wellbeing. We also discuss your current stage of pregnancy and how your baby is developing and growing, and check in with you about what you are feeling and experiencing. There will be time for discussion, education, and guidance so that you will address any of your concerns pertaining to your pregnancy, labor, birth and early parenting. As a general guide, prenatal visits are scheduled every four weeks from the time of your first visit to 28 weeks, every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, every week after 36 weeks. As a licensed birthing center, we provide complete prenatal care here at the birthing center and also well women’s care services. This includes screening, diagnostic, laboratory tests, pap smears and routine blood work. Each prenatal visit will last approximately one hour. We will come to your home to do a visit between 36-38 weeks if you are planning a homebirth. We will inform you of any childbirth or educational classes that are available here at the birthing center or within the greater community. Laboratory Testing Available ~ We offer and recommend the following laboratory tests during your early pregnancy: Complete Pregnancy Panel which includes; Complete Blood Count (CBC), Blood Type and Rh Factor, Antibody Screen, RPR (VDRL) test (for syphilis), Hepatitis B screen, Rubella (German Measles) screen, and a random glucose, we can add additional testing such as HIV if desired. We will supply you with information to make informed decisions about all testing available. We also offer the option of Genetic screening tests such as the Quad Marker, which is done around 16 weeks gestation. Other tests, such as glucose tolerance testing, vaginal cultures, sexually transmitted infection test, PAP smears and urinalysis can be ordered as needed. We use Legacy Laboratory the majority of the time, however we also use Oregon Medical Laboratory for specific tests. Ultrasound imaging is also optional and is typically done at Oregon Imaging. Most insurance companies cover a portion of your lab and ultrasound. We recommend that you check with your insurance company regarding the percentage of coverage for these services. Post-partum Care ~ you and your new baby will receive care from your midwives up to six weeks post-partum. The midwives will provide information about pediatricians and other providers in our community for continuing care. Well Woman Care at Sacred Waters
We provide a full spectrum of services for the non-pregnant woman including:
· Preconception Counseling
· Pap Smears
· Sexually Transmitted Infection Screening
· Breast Exams
· Natural Family Planning Education
· Referrals to Natural and Allopathic Practitioners
Through both gentle physical exams and spending the extra time educating women, we hope to give women a sense of control over their bodies by encouraging them to take part in the role they can take to promote their own health and well-being.
