Do you specialize in home birth, birth center, or hospital settings? Citrus Midwifery specializes in licensed home birth care. I provide comprehensive prenatal, labor, birth, postpartum, and newborn care for families planning to give birth in their homes.
I also offer prenatal-only services for Medi-Cal clients at my Apple Valley office. As a Licensed Midwife in California, I practice in out-of-hospital settings. If hospital care becomes necessary, I facilitate safe transfer and coordinate care appropriately. However, I do not attend hospital births in case of a transfer.
What is your philosophy on pregnancy and childbirth? I believe pregnancy and birth are normal physiological processes. My role is to provide clinical monitoring, education, and support while honoring the body’s natural ability to give birth. I approach care with respect, informed consent, and individualized attention. Safety is always the priority, and I practice within California licensed midwifery guidelines.
How many births do you take per month? I intentionally limit the number of clients I accept each month. This ensures each family receives attentive, unrushed, and safe care, and ensures I remain available when you need me.
How often are prenatal appointments, and what do they include? Prenatal visits typically follow this schedule: • Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks • Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks • Weekly from 36 weeks until birth Appointments include: • Monitoring maternal vital signs • Monitoring baby’s growth and heart rate • Lab review and ordering when needed • Nutritional and herbal support • Education and preparation for birth • Time for questions and discussion Prenatal visits are typically longer than standard medical visits, allowing for individualized care.
What postpartum care do you provide? Postpartum care includes: • Immediate postpartum monitoring after birth • Home visits within the first week • Additional postpartum visits up to 6 weeks • Newborn assessments • Breastfeeding support • Monitoring maternal healing and recovery Postpartum care is an essential part of midwifery support.
Do you recommend childbirth education and doulas? Yes. Childbirth education is strongly encouraged for all families and I include it in my package. For first-time mothers and VBAC's especially, I strongly recommend hiring a doula. Because midwives arrive during active labor, doulas provide valuable emotional and physical support during early labor.
How do you handle routine tests and labs? Routine labs are required for safe midwifery care and include: • Initial prenatal labs • Blood type and antibody screen • Complete blood count • Infectious disease screening • Gestational diabetes screening • Group B Strep screening • Anatomy ultrasound Labs are mostly performed in office but may be sent through outside laboratories and may be covered by insurance.
What equipment do you bring to a home birth? I bring professional medical equipment, including: • Oxygen • Neonatal resuscitation equipment • Emergency medications • IV supplies • Hemorrhage management medications • Sterile instruments • Fetal monitoring equipment This allows me to safely monitor and respond appropriately during birth.
What are your criteria for hospital transfer? Transfer is recommended if medical care becomes necessary for the safety of mother or baby. Examples may include: • Fetal distress • Labor not progressing safely • Maternal medical complications • Excessive bleeding • Request for hospital care Safety is always the priority.
How do you handle complications such as shoulder dystocia or hemorrhage? I am trained and licensed to recognize and manage complications and carry appropriate equipment and medications. If hospital care is needed, transfer is arranged promptly and safely.
What is your approach to pain management? Midwifery care supports natural coping methods, including: • Freedom of movement • Water immersion • Position changes • Massage • Breathing techniques • Emotional support Medication such as epidurals is not available at home, but hospital transfer remains an option if desired.
Can I eat, drink, and move during labor? Yes. Eating, drinking, and movement are encouraged. These support energy, comfort, and labor progress.
When do you come to my home during labor? I arrive when you are in active labor. Early labor is typically best spent resting and laboring in your own space. I remain in communication and provide guidance prior to arrival.
Do you support delayed cord clamping and water birth? Yes. Delayed cord clamping, water birth, and physiologic birth practices are supported when safe and appropriate.
Who can be present at the birth? You may have your partner and chosen support people present. Birth is a family event, and I support creating a safe and peaceful environment.
Who attends the birth with you? I attend births with a trained birth assistant or a licensed midwife to ensure safe and supported care. I also have students that are learning that may come to the birth.
What happens if you are unavailable? I maintain backup midwife coverage to ensure continuous care if needed.
Does Medi-Cal cover home birth? Medi-Cal does not cover home birth services through my practice. However, I offer prenatal-only Medi-Cal care in Apple Valley. A lower-fee home birth option may be available in partnership with another licensed midwife.
What does the fee include? The fee includes: • Prenatal care • Labor and birth attendance • On-call availability from 37-42 weeks • Postpartum visits • Newborn care
What does the fee NOT include? • Labs • Ultrasounds • Hospital services if needed • Doula services
Do you offer consultations? All clients begin care with a Prenatal Consultation and Health History Review. The fee is $50 and free for Medi-cal clients. However, medi-cal coverage must be cleared and approved prior to the consultation. This ensures appropriate care and allows time for meaningful discussion.
How do I get started? The first step is watch the Video Below. If my practice seems right reach out and schedule a Prenatal Consultation. This visit allows us to review your health history and determine if midwifery care is appropriate for your pregnancy.
Final Note Midwifery care is built on trust, safety, and relationship. I am honored to support families seeking thoughtful, individualized care throughout pregnancy and birth.