Giving birth is a very personal process. While some mothers may feel supported and safe in a hospital, others may want a home birth or someone knowledgeable to help advocate for them during labor. This is where a midwife comes in. Midwives are fonts of knowledge about birth and women’s health, and they often play key roles in helping mothers achieve the birth that feels most empowering for them. Midwives Alliance of West Virginia will assist and comfort families both before and directly after the birth, making house calls weeks after pregnancy to ensure the health of both mom and baby.
About The Midwives Alliance of West Virginia
Founded in 1976, the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia is a non-profit professional organization of midwives that aims to provide support, education, and advocacy for its members. They’re committed to broadening the range of safe, available, and affordable options for expecting families, and the Alliance takes special care to assist West Virginia’s rural populations.
The Midwives Alliance supports its midwives by providing extensive case, incident, and peer reviews. They also aid and mentor student midwives throughout their apprenticeships. The Alliance’s website is a great resource for parents, too, as their educational resources on childbirth and postpartum are thorough and informative.
Education for Parents
One of the many ways the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia helps expecting parents is by providing education for the new journey they’re about to experience. The first option they offer is childbirth classes. While classes are offered at most hospitals, the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia offers the option of having educators come to your home for individualized classes. You also have the option of joining a group in your area!
Additionally, they offer lactation support to those wanting to have a breastfeeding relationship with their baby. In West Virginia, you can either take classes from breastfeeding consultants or receive postpartum support in your home from an IBCLC (International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant).
Postpartum Support
Becoming a parent throws you into a whole new world, and it can feel overwhelming. No one wants to feel alone after birth. The Midwives Alliance of West Virginia understands the severity of postpartum depression and the need for support. This is why one of their main focuses is on postpartum care, as it affects 1 in 7 mothers.
The Midwives Alliance of West Virginia offers assistance in finding great support for your childbirth experience and all that comes after giving birth. Their West Virginia midwives have great experience in dealing with Postpartum Depression and are always there for you to reach out to in your time of need. They also have a collection of postpartum doulas, along with other birth resources for new parents, so they don’t have to worry about finding proper support. Plus, they all serve the Mid-Ohio Valley region.
Individual therapy is also highly promoted within the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia. They advocate receiving therapy to not only cope with the major life changes you’re experiencing but also learn how to help yourself when things get overwhelming.
Help All Mothers Receive Access to Pregnancy Care
One final note: The Certified Professional Midwife credential is not currently recognized in the state of West Virginia. It is currently the goal of the Midwives Alliance of West Virginia to help pass a bill changing this. Every mother deserves to give birth in the way that gives her the most comfort, be it at home or in a hospital. By passing this bill, the path to licensure will be available in West Virginia, which helps make sure there are plenty of highly-trained midwives available for out-of-hospital births.
Receive Care From Midwives Alliance of West Virginia and Help Them Advocate For Midwifery Services!
The Midwives Alliance of West Virginia is a wonderful way for parents to receive support and care during their birthing experience. With plenty of educational and professional resources, you will be ready for this new adventure in no time.
Are you looking for more ways to prepare for your baby? Then let’s chat! I am a Parkersburg maternity and newborn photographer, and I adore working with parents so they can have memories of those precious early months. I would love to chat about my sessions so you can decide if I’m the one to help you celebrate. Send me a message today if you’d like to learn more!
