Remember, your due date isn’t necessarily the exact date you’ll go into labor. Instead, your baby can safely arrive two weeks prior to the due date or even two weeks after. During the final weeks of your pregnancy, your baby will gain weight, develop sucking abilities, and receive crucial antibodies that will help them fight infections.

Though all birth centers are required to abide by certain laws and regulations, only accredited birth centers demonstrate a higher accountability and dedication to best midwifery practices.

A successful vaginal birth after a cesarean section (VBAC) is entirely possible. In fact, our midwives strongly support women who choose to have a natural birth after a cesarean birth. Through our care and guidance, we hope you’ll feel empowered by your own capabilities and have a voice in your delivery. Follow these steps to help improve the odds of a successful VBAC.

Not all home birthing practices follow the same model, but virtually all of them have a continuous care approach. The midwife and doula you’re introduced to at the beginning of the process are there all the way to the end, and you’ll have tons of time to ask questions and get to know their services. You’ll get individualized, respectful care that’s catered to your needs.

As an expecting mother, you’ll go through a number of physical changes throughout the length of your pregnancy. Some of these are relatively consistent across all women, but some others may or may not happen to a given individual based on their personal risk factors.

Here are 30 important questions to ask your midwife to see if you’re a good fit.