Welcome to the Midwife Spotlight series! Whether you are an expecting parent looking for midwife care in your area or are just curious about the world of birth, I hope this series helps to highlight the incredible birth workers available in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
If you’ve ever been curious about the ins and outs of working with a midwife to birth your baby at home, this one’s for you! Today, we’ll hear from Natatia Peterson of yourWOMB Holistic Birth & Doula Services, a midwife serving the Canton and Northeast Ohio area, and learn how she got into midwifery, her approach, and much more. Read on to learn more about Natatia.
Tell me about yourself and your midwifery practice.
Hi there! My name is Natatia Peterson and I own yourWOMB Holistic Birth & Doula Services based in Canton, Ohio.
How long have you been a midwife and what got you into midwifery?
I have accumulated over seven years of experience in the birth work industry, starting my career as a birth doula in 2016 and transitioning to my current role as a midwife in 2021. My motivation for entering this field stemmed from a desire to serve as an advocate for mothers and infants in a setting that lacked adequate support, guidance, and education.
I firmly believe in empowering mothers with knowledge of their options and the necessity of obtaining consent before providing any services to their bodies, their infants, and their surroundings.
My ultimate objective as a birth worker is to advocate for and educate individuals throughout the childbirth process.
What’s your favorite thing about being a midwife?
My favorite aspect of my work is witnessing the joy on parents’ faces when they grasp new information and experience the moment of realization. The delight and pure joy that overcomes them after the pain subsides and their child is born is truly rewarding.
Can you walk me through a typical home birth, from the initial consultation to the postpartum follow-up?
The home birth process typically begins with an initial consultation where I meet with the expectant parents to discuss their birth preferences and assess if home birth is a safe option. Prenatal care follows, with regular check-ups, monitoring the baby’s growth, and guidance on nutrition and exercise.
When labor begins, I am on call to provide support and guidance to the parents. I assists with the birth process, ensuring safe delivery and monitoring the baby’s wellbeing.
After the baby is born, I provide immediate postpartum care, including assessing the baby’s health, assisting with breastfeeding, and monitoring the mother for any complications.
Postpartum follow-up care includes regular check-ins with the mother and baby, support with breastfeeding and newborn care, and addressing any concerns or questions the parents may have. I work closely with the parents throughout the process to ensure a safe and positive home birth experience.
Throughout the entire process, I work closely with the parents to ensure a safe and rewarding home birth experience, supporting them every step of the way from the initial consult to the postpartum follow-up.
How do you work with families to create a birth plan that works for them?
I explain to parents the importance of creating a plan and the purpose of the plan. A birth plan is a valuable tool that helps individuals communicate their preferences, advocate for their needs, and actively participate in their labor and delivery experience. The plan promotes collaboration, empowerment, and personalized care, ultimately contributing to a positive and meaningful birth experience.
What would you say to someone with a concern or fear about giving birth?
I would begin by acknowledging and addressing fears and concerns about childbirth, as they can impact a person’s emotional well-being and birth experience. I remind the person that they are strong and capable. I explain that their strength comes from within and that surrounding themself with supportive individuals can help them during labor and delivery.
What are some common misconceptions about home birth that you would like to address?
Home birth is not the remedy for a traumatic hospital birth.
How do you handle emergencies during a home birth?
By participating in hands-on- training and studying various types of birth emergencies, I have equipped myself with the necessary tools to effectively address any unexpected situation that may arise during childbirth. I make it a point to stay up to date with the latest techniques and practices in emergency childbirth. The most recent training was the Birth Emergency Skills Training (BEST) training which I took in the winter of 2023 which provided both module-based training as well as hands-on training.
What pregnancy or birth-related resources do you always recommend to people?
The Evidence-Based Birth website and Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols
Where can people connect with you to learn more about what you do?
Website: www.yourwombllc.com
Email: yourwombllc@gmail.com
I hope you enjoyed learning a little more about Natatia and the skills and passion she brings to the homebirth community. It’s a unique and empowering experience that can be a reality for you with the right support!
Click here to connect with Canton midwife Natatia Peterson of yourWOMB Holistic Birth and Doula Services.
Hey there and thank you for stopping by! I’m Mackenzie, owner of Mackenzie Romagni Photography, a birth, newborn, and family photographer serving growing families in Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. I hope you found this “Midwife Spotlight: Natatia Peterson of yourWOMB Holistic Birth & Doula Services” blog post helpful.
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