Areas of Expertise
Conception Counseling
When you're ready to conceive, we'll thoroughly evaluate your personal wellness to get your pregnancy off to a strong start. Together, we'll:
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Go over your nutrition and supplements
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Discuss natural family planning strategies
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Gain an understanding of your cycle
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Explore relevant testing before conception
Prenatal Care
Prenatal care is a true partnership in my practice. I believe in informed consent, which means you'll never be blindsided by a test or treatment. You and I will always discuss all testing available to you before making a decision.
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Initial visit (1.5 hours) includes: a comprehensive health history, prenatal exam, a discussion of genetic testing options and initial labs drawn onsite.
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Second visit (1 hour) physical exam with Pap (if indicated)
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Routine prenatal visits (1hour) include: fetal heart tones, blood pressure, weight and pulse. check, nutrition and wellness counseling, a safe place to form a connection and discuss life, pregnancy, intimacy, relationships, raising children, and much more.
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Home birth and postpartum preparation with breastfeeding support, and, if applicable, water birth preparation.
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Monthly visits until 28 weeks.
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Every-other-week visits until 36 weeks.
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Home visit at 36 weeks.
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Weekly office visits until birth.
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Sonograms are offered through Dr. David Berry MD at Austin Perinatal Associates.
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Referrals to related professionals such as chiropractic, nutrition therapy, massage therapy, birth photography, childbirth classes, placenta encapsulation, endocrinology, psychotherapy or other related childbirth professionals.
Home Birth and Water Birth
Your birth experience will always be an important part of your life journey. I work with you and your family to support your vision for your birth. My top priority is your and your baby's safety, and for you to feel heard, informed and supported in your choices during your birthing experience. During your birth, you can expect:
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Freedom of movement
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Freedom to eat and drink liquids as you desire
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Emotional and physical support
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Help with positioning of mother and baby
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Supportive and encouraging care for the partner
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Availability of a free birth pool as I am very passionate about the use of water during labor and birth
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Use of homeopathic and herbal remedies as needed
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Two licensed midwives will attend your birth; one for you and one for your baby
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Additionally, all necessary equipment will be brought to your home. I carry the same supplies that are present at a birth center, including medications and supplies for emergency situations (such as IV fluids, oxygen, and medication so stop bleeding) and much more. I follow ACOG guidelines for risk assessement, heart tones and vital signs taken during birth.
Postpartum Care and Newborn Care
Pospartum Care starts as soon as the baby is born.
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Delayed cord cutting and clamping has been the standard of care in my midwifery practice for years.
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I watch carefully for bleeding and practice gentle placenta delivery.
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Placenta is often delivered before the cord is cut and placed next to mom and baby in order to not disturb bonding of the mother/baby unit.
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Baby is never taken from mom.
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Breastfeeding is initiated as soon as mom and baby are ready.
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We stay as long as necessary post-birth to help with breastfeeding, bonding and clean up.
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Home visits are scheduled for day 1 and day 3 after birth to ensure a smooth transition with abundant support, especially to address breastfeeding, newborn care and adjusting to life with a newborn.
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Another visit at the office is scheduled for about one week after birth and at 6 weeks.
Breastfeeding Support
Breastfeeding success is related to the support received following birth. You'll receive:
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Breastfeeding counseling prenatally including, evaluation of personal anatomy
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Breastfeeding support following the birth
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3 breastfeeding support visits within 1.5 weeks following birth
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Evaluation of problems with previous children and making plans for this baby
About Monika
Thank you for looking into home birth and the midwifery model of care. I am both knowledgeable and passionate about the field of midwifery. I am licensed through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). I was also named the Student of the Year when I graduated in 2011 from the Association for Texas Midwifery Program.
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My clients come from all walks of life and backgrounds. I take pride in meeting people where they are in their childrearing cycle. A first- time mom requires a very different approach than a mom who has had several children. No matter the client's background, I truly enjoy providing care to all.
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I am very passionate about taking clients to 42 weeks gestation and feel deeply called to offer women a vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC). I also feel passionately about working to heal birth trauma through a compassionate approach to prenatal care, home birth and postpartum care.
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My own children were born at home and this experience led me to this career. Our family loves being outdoors, cycling, swimming and exploring the ever-changing city of Austin. My growing teenagers keep me busy, but I am determined to wakeboard and go to the gym with them as long as they'll have me.
Testimonial
I have had all 3 of my beautiful babies at home with Monika over the last 5 years, she has become like extended family to us! Monika has helped guide our birth experiences in the most loving yet professional way. All of my births have been different and this wonderful midwife has adapted to each individual pregnancy and birth situation, putting to use her years of expertise to make sure I had the best and most comfortable experience possible, all while making me feel empowered yet supported. I was always confident that I was in the best hands and that Monika was prepared to handle any situation that could arise. I'll never be able to thank Monika enough for her role in making my birth experiences truly amazing! Ashley mother to Colton, Levi and Bryson