Midwifery

Marie Wakefield ND, LM

In her practice, Marie aims to guide families through pregnancy and birth, helping each to find their own way and honor their inner wisdom and natural instincts. She advocates for choices and options for an empowering birthing experience. She received degrees in Naturopathic Medicine and Midwifery from Bastyr University.

Natural Beginnings Midwifery Care is located on the campus of Rody Massage & Health. Licensed midwife Marie Wakefield ND, LM offers services for pregnant clients who are seeking alternatives to hospital births. Natural Beginnings walks families through each step of the process, from conception to six-weeks postpartum.

Choosing the location of your birth is a very personal decision. Not sure if an out-of-hospital birth is right for you? Come chat with our midwives and talk about options for a home birth.

· Common Questions ·

Midwife vs doula+

While both midwives and doulas provide support during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods, the two are very different. Midwives provide medical care throughout pregnancy and postpartum, offering testing and procedures like any other medical provider, are responsible for ensuring each client remains low-risk and appropriate for community-based birth. Midwives also carry equipment and supplies that may be needed to ensure safe delivery. Doulas tend to physical and emotional comfort needs along the birthing journey. Although different, midwives and doulas work together to support birthing families.

What does a midwife do?+

A midwife is a trained medical professional who supports families during their pregnancy journeys. Depending on their training, midwives attend and facilitate hospital births, birth center births, and/or home births.

Is home birth safe?+

Studies have shown that home birth is as safe, if not safer, than hospital birth for low-risk clients. Out-of-hospital birth is designed to support birth the way it should be—in a comfortable, caring, gentle, and safe environment. A midwife is in attendance during labor bringing lots of equipment and supplies such as oxygen, various medications to treat urgent situations, IV supplies, etc.

What are home birth kits and water births?+

A home birth kit includes supplies that are needed for a home birth. Prior to the birth, supplies are gathered and purchased, and the home will be prepared for birth. If water birth is desired, we rent a birth tub that can be set up in any room of the home.

Homebirth vs Hospital birth+

Many view birth as more than just a medical procedure, rather as a personal, emotional journey. Home births allow for a more comfortable, natural environment to give birth in, at an individual pace. Midwives typically stay at the home until both parent and baby are stable after the birth, which is usually for about 3-4hrs. Births that happen at home are often water births, but can be wherever the client desires. Afterward, clients are tucked into bed where they can rest in the comfort of their own home, surrounded by family and friends.

What are the benefits of water birth?+

Possible benefits of water birth include:

Promotes relaxation
May take the edge off the pain
Shorter delivery
Decreases vaginal tearing
Easier to move into different positions