To register for pregnancy care or to schedule any other service, please call 717-933-9743.
Pregnancy and Childbirth
Most babies in the world today are born into the skillful caring hands of a midwife. Midwife means “with woman.” It is a great honor to be present with you and those you love during your pregnancy and birth and after.
At LVMWW, we believe that pregnancy and childbirth are a natural, joyous family event – a healthy, normal process. Our role is to support you and to promote this event and your power to give birth.
Because pregnancy and childbirth affect more than you and your baby, we include and help facilitate, support, and promote the well-being of your family and those you choose to involve.
We respect your right to determine your birthing experience, including your provider and a birth setting in which you are safe and most comfortable. We attend births at home or in our birth center. We offer water births and have nitrous oxide available. We also attend selected births and those opting for or needing transfer during labor at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, where our midwives have privileges. We care for those who wish to have VBAC (a vaginal birth after a cesarean). Secondary VBAC’s (those who have had one successful vaginal birth after a cesarean) are possible in our birth center.
Prenatal Care
We offer a free orientation visit and one free pregnancy test a month in our office. We have a lending library with many useful books for all stages of life.
To serve you better, LVMWW limits the number of clients we care for who are giving birth in a given month. Call our office as soon as you know you are pregnant and our staff will complete an intake interview to “reserve your spot.”
Your prenatal care begins with an initial visit at around 11-12 weeks of pregnancy that is about 90 minutes long (less for returning clients). Most other prenatal visits are about 30 minutes. Family members are welcome during visits.
We offer childbirth and breastfeeding education classes, which are required for all first-time parents who wish to give birth out of the hospital.
Postpartum Care
Two to three postpartum (after birth) visits are included, usually at home at two days after birth, and at about two and six weeks postpartum in the office, with more if necessary.
Newborn Care
We are licensed providers of newborn care through 28 days of life (four weeks) if you choose. We can coordinate these visits to coincide with your postpartum visit(s), reducing the number of trips and appointments you have in those precious early weeks. After your baby’s last visit with us, we send all your baby’s records to your chosen pediatric provider to continue care.
Lactation Support
Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultant teaches our breastfeeding clas. She is also available for one-on-one lactation consults for breastfeeding moms at any stage.
Conception Care
Preconception – Since one is usually unaware of being pregnant for at least a few weeks, the healthiest pregnancies begin before conception with optimal health, screening for potential problems and knowledge of ways to avoid harms. LVMWW offers one free preconception/ premarital visit in the office (desired/ needed labs are charged).
Conception/Pregnancy Support – LVMWW offers counseling and an initial investigation and work-up for couples who have been unable to achieve or sustain a pregnancy. We can make referrals to specialist care as needed.
Well-Woman and Gynecological Care
Lebanon Valley Midwifery 