Home Birth Midwifery
for California Families
Mahina Midwifery is based on continuity of care, trust and informed choice, dedicated to serving a diverse population of home birth families in both Santa Cruz, CA and the greater San Jose area.
Comprehensive and personal care is the cornerstone of midwifery that fits each woman individually and represents a holistic approach that supports total well being.
We provide thorough, evidence-based care while making sure you’re fully informed every step of the way. Our goal is to ensure that you and your baby have the best possible experience and outcome.
The Midwifery Model of Care is based on:
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Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of mother throughout the childbearing cycle
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Providing individualized education, counseling and support throughout prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum period with an emphasis on informed consent
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Minimizing technological interventions
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Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention
"Shannon brings a calming energy that presents itself in all the right moments even when you didn't realize you needed it."
Holistic Prenatal Care
Prenatal visits are scheduled in office with one home visit at 36 weeks. All visits last up to an hour, providing thorough evaluation of pregnant person and baby, education on nutrition, use of herbs, advocacy of implementing stress-relieving techniques, Maya abdominal therapy, and holistic pelvic care. It has been clearly documented in medical studies that good prenatal care, excellent nutrition, and self education greatly increase the chance of a normal healthy outcome for both birthing person and baby.
Prenatal Care Visits
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Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks gestation
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Every 2 weeks between 28 - 36 weeks
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Every week thereafter until your baby is born.
Home Birth Care
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On-call 24 hours a day
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Comprehensive midwifery care during labor, birth and postpartum.
Postpartum Care
24-hour on-call support for mom and baby with home visits scheduled at:
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1 day postpartum
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3 days postpartum
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1 week postpartum
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2 weeks postpartum
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6 weeks postpartum
Home Birth
Midwifery Care
Home birth offers an opportunity for women to labor and birth in a way that is unique to their needs and desires. With an emphasis placed on supporting the natural progression of labor to unfold organically, very little intervention is needed for a positive outcome. Home birth promotes family unity and supports the smooth transition as babies are born into the comfort and warmth of their mother's arms. In turn, this helps to regulate breathing and heart rate patterns in your newborn allowing for optimal bonding.
The choice to give birth at home stems from a desire to take personal responsibility for your health, your body, and your baby. Many women find it empowering to discover a strength and courage within themselves they never knew existed. It's not about having decisions imposed on you by a professional, but rather feeling informed and confident as you navigate your choices.
"We are all so blessed by the process and shocked by how beautiful labor was!"
"We thank you for the space you have held for all of us, ensuring both Lucas and Julian came into this world in a gentle, loving way, from the time of inception until well after birth. They are both so calm and secure and we know that has been due to your influence."
