Are you currently pregnant, considering your birthing options, and curious about the ins and outs of homebirth? Want to know what it's really like to have a baby at home with the guidance of a skilled and experienced midwife? I am a hospital birth mom myself, and for the most part, I had great experiences with all 3 of my kids. However, homebirths have admittedly always intrigued me, and I’ve always wanted to know the answers to these questions…
In this exclusive interview, we dig in to this world with Cincinnati / Northern Kentucky homebirth midwife Mandy Gloyeske, with Little Hands Midwifery, to learn everything from creating a birth plan, to handling emergencies, and what are some common misconceptions.
So grab a cup of coffee and get ready to be wowed by the empowering and transformative world of homebirth!
Tiffany: How long have you been a midwife and what got you into midwifery?
Mandy: I have been in solo practice for just over a year, but have been involved in birth work for the last 8 years through my work as a prenatal chiropractor, doula, and midwifery training. The birth of my own children ultimately led me to midwifery, plus there were no community-based midwives in my rural town. I saw a need and felt called to fill that gap for those who wish to birth outside of the hospital setting.
Tiffany: Can you walk me through a typical homebirth, from the initial consultation to postpartum follow-up?
Mandy: Initial consults are the time for potential clients and I to see if we are a good fit, get all their questions and concerns answered, discuss what they are looking for in a midwife/birth experience, etc. Once someone decides they want to move forward with care, I can see them in my office as early as 8 or 12 weeks of pregnancy, then monthly up until 36 weeks, and then weekly up until delivery. I also do 1 home visit with each client in the third trimester. All the standard prenatal testing can be done in my office including labs, NIPT genetic testing, and more. Anything that cannot be done in office can be referred out. When it's time for birth, I come with a trained birth assistant or a second midwife who will help with set up, clean up, assisting, and charting. After baby arrives, my team and I stay for 2-3 hours postpartum to ensure that mom and baby are doing well, breastfeeding has been established, and to clean up! I then return between 24-48 hours for the first postpartum visit where all the standard newborn screenings are done and the birth certificate paperwork is completed. Office postpartum visits are offered at 1 week, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks.
Tiffany: What would you say to someone with a concern or fear about giving birth at home?
Mandy: Talk to midwives and ask ALL your questions! There are a lot of misconceptions about birthing at home and the skills, training, and tools that midwives bring to a birth. I encourage anyone who is considering birthing at home to interview multiple midwives (if possible) to learn how they handle certain situations and see who is the best fit for you!
Tiffany: Can you discuss any unique or innovative techniques you use during labor and delivery to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for the mother and baby?
Mandy: Working with many pregnant moms and babies over the years as a chiropractor, gives me a lot of insight on the biomechanics of the body and pelvis in relation to pregnancy and birth. I try to provide useful tips throughout pregnancy and birth to help facilitate a smooth delivery. In addition, every baby under my care receives additional support for breastfeeding issues like oral ties, if needed. But ultimately, I follow the client's lead to ensure they feel safe and supported throughout our time together.
Tiffany: Can you talk about the role of the father or partner during a homebirth and how you support them in their role?
Mandy: Every partner is different in how they show support during birth. Some are very hands-on, providing the most support, and others prefer jobs to do like helping fill the birth pool and making sure their partner is hydrated and fed. We discuss what the family wants during prenatal visits so everyone is on the same page on the big day!
Tiffany: What are some common misconceptions about home birth that you would like to address?
Mandy: 1) You have to have a high pain tolerance in order to birth at home. Many clients are surprised at how well they can tolerate labor at home due to being in their own environment, access to things like water birth, and freedom of movement to cope with the intensity of labor. 2) You have to have a large space/home to give birth in. Water birth is an option at home, but it is not for everyone. I probably have about 60% water births in my practice. The beauty of being at home is that you have a choice! 3) Home birth midwives are untrained and not equipped to handle emergencies at home. While there are different paths to becoming a midwife, most home birth midwives undergo rigorous training, skills testing, certifying exams, and attend a large number of births before they begin practicing on their own. We are trained and equipped to handle things like hemorrhage, resuscitation, shoulder dystocia, and know when it is appropriate to seek a higher level of care, should the situation arise.
Tiffany: Can you share any experiences you've had with water birth and how it can benefit the mother and baby during labor and delivery?
Mandy: Many people find relief from the intensity of labor when they have access to things like birth pools, showers, or tubs. Water birth can also help minimize tearing. I provide a birth pool for all my clients, but it is not something you have to use. Some people love it and others hate it - you have options!
Tiffany: Where can people connect with you to learn more about what you offer (this is where they’d insert their website, socials, email, etc)
Mandy: You can learn more about me & book a consult through my website: https://www.littlehandsmidwifery.com/ or email me at info@littlehandsmidwifery.com It's never too early to start looking for a midwife. My availability books up quickly, so I'd encourage you to reach out sooner than later if you are considering home birth!
I hope you enjoyed learning about the world of home birth and the possibilities it holds. It's a unique and empowering experience that can be a reality with the right support. Don't be afraid to dream big, and trust your gut when making decisions about your birth. And remember, with a home birth, you'll have a midwife who's not only knowledgeable but also fun, making your birth experience safe and memorable!
Click here to connect with Mandy with Little Hands Midwifery
Mandy Gloyeske with Little Hands Midwifery