Maternity Care... Preconception, prenatal, labor and birth, and postpartum care. Services in accordance with the Mother-Friendly Childbirth Initiative. Physician consultation is available.
Labor Support... Midwife care for women planning hospital birth with a physician.
Well Woman Care... Care for women of all ages including Gynecology, menopause,& family planning services. For a young woman having her first pelvic exam, extra time is taken to make this a positive and empowering experience.
Counseling on a variety of issues, including conflict resolution and consensus decision making.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Women's Helpline... For health questions or in-formation about resources in the community. For breastfeeding women: phone support, home visits, guidance, and information.
Call 271-2977 or e-mail to request the Northwest Michigan Breastfeeding Resource Guide.
Care provided by a midwife is special. A midwife is a woman's equal; she is not an authority figure. The relationship between a woman and her midwife is based on trust. A midwife is a confidante. She understands the importance of being respectful and gentle with another person's most intimate parts. She knows that safety in childbirth is usually a matter of prevention, learning to listen closely and encouraging women to have confidence in themselves and their abilities. She sees the need for young girls to be brought into adulthood with understanding and support for their womanliness. A midwife honors the rights and reponsibilities of individuals to choose what is best for them, while protecting the privacy of the woman and the integrity of the family.
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CLASSES & SUPPORT GROUPS
Preparation for First Menstruation Workshop... Mothers (aunt or friend) and daughters come together to share, learn, and create a celebration around this event in a young girl's life.
Am I Ready to Be a Parent? Workshop or individual counseling to discuss issues.
Active Birth Workshop... For women who want to grow in self-awareness and to use their bodies actively in labor and birth.
Birth Plans... A workshop that empowers women/couples to communicate with each other and their health care provider about their preferences/choices for labor, birth, post-partum, and early parenting.
Birth Stories... Birth is one of the most significant events in our lives. Everyone who has given birth has a story to tell. An informal gathering to tell your story or to listen to others tell theirs.
Cesarean Awareness... Workshops to support women following a cesarean birth and/or to prepare for birth after a cesarean.
Essence of Parenting Support Group... Funded by LCFCC and Leelanau Children's Center.
The Artists Way... Workshop to help free your creativity.
Mature Women and Menopause... Workshop for those approaching or ex-periencing this life changing event; to welcome it in a positive and thoughtful way with the support of other women.
Midwife Study Group... For mid-wives, apprentices and students.
Information, Appointments, or Helpline: 231.271.2977
Essential Services for Women
PO Box 535
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
fax 271.4068
gaddav@traverse.com