We all have our preferences, whether we’re making a playlist or picking out where to eat. We understand what works best for us and are capable of making our own decisions. So why does prenatal medicine want to treat us all the same? So often, doctors want to give us a cut-and-paste-style approach when it comes to pregnancy care, and a lot of times, that just doesn’t work. It can lead to a frustrating–even traumatizing–experience.
This is why I love places that give you plenty of options when it comes to your care. Harvard Vanguard Midwives are there to do just that. With well-trained experts who are passionate about giving you individualized care, you’ll find the assistance you need for an unforgettable birth experience!
About Harvard Vanguard Midwives
Harvard Vanguard Midwives are an association that works within Atrius Health. Atrius Health was founded in 2004 by Dedham Medical Associates and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates. In 2005, the group added Granite Medical Group. While the groups operated independently, they wanted to build an organization that would let them provide collaborative care. They created a shared medical record system to make the transfer of care an effortless experience.
They also worked together to decide how they could provide more services for more comprehensive community healthcare. The group changed their name from Health One Care System to Atrius Health in 2006. In 2015, the group reorganized. Rather than being an organization of independently operated centers, they joined together to provide healthcare through one large group. They continued to expand, providing more services through additional providers.
Today, Atrius Health works to provide patient-centered care to ensure you don’t feel like just another name in a file. The center is constantly on the cutting age of innovation, striving to improve healthcare while also educating the very best in the business. The doctors accept patients from every background and provide unrivaled inclusive healthcare. When you sign on for care within Atrius, you will know you’re working with a compassionate provider who will prioritize you.
Atrius works to pair you with a midwife who will be a perfect match for your family. The group has locations all across Boston and also has affiliate organizations should you need outside help. Not only will you find empowering healthcare, but you’ll also find a wealth of resources to ensure you have a positive pregnancy experience. With incredible midwives, welcoming environments, and a comprehensive network, the Harvard Vanguard Midwives are an exceptional option for your family.
Services
Harvard Vanguard Midwives work out of ten different locations around the Boston area. Each midwife is dedicated to breaking down obstacles in prenatal care and wants to ensure you have control throughout every step of pregnancy and labor. The midwives are well-educated and certified to ensure they’re providing quality care. The nurse-midwives through Harvard Vanguard delivers exclusively within hospital settings. Through your midwife, you’ll be able to deliver either out of Newton-Wellesley Hospital or Mount Auburn.
When you choose your midwife, you’re selecting someone who will be there for you from the very beginning. Midwives are able to limit how many patients they have at any given time so they can give you their undivided attention. Throughout each of your regular appointments, you’ll be able to ask questions and share concerns. They give you 24/7 access should anything come up outside of office hours. You’ll have all ultrasounds, lab work, and appointments performed through the office. Your midwife will work with you to create a birth plan that’s right for you.
While most people associate midwives with natural childbirth, Harvard Vanguard doesn’t limit you to just that option! You can work out whether or not you want pain relief throughout your labor without having to worry about judgment. Your midwife will provide information about each option so you can make the decision that’s right for you. With the two different locations, you’ll have unique options for your labor. Newton-Wellesley provides jacuzzi tubs to help you through labor, while Mount Auburn gives you the ability to use nitrous oxide. Your midwife will walk you through all your choices so you can work out the perfect plan.
Labor and Beyond
Once your labor begins, your midwife will be by your side. They will honor your birth plan as much as possible. Because midwives view delivery as a natural process rather than a clinical emergency, your labor will likely be fairly laid-back. This statistically leads to lower amounts of medical interventions. If you decide to change your mind and opt into pain relief throughout labor, your midwife will have you covered. You call the shots, and your midwife will make sure it happens. This process will create an empowering birth experience you’ll treasure!
Following your labor, your midwife will prioritize you bonding with your newborn. You’ll begin immediate skin-to-skin to create a connection. Your midwife will be there to check on recovery and assist with breastfeeding. You’ll be able to rest for a few days while the hospital tends to your needs. Before you leave, they’ll make sure you’ll feel equipped to take care of your little one by providing advice and additional resources!
Specialty
The Harvard Vanguard Midwives want to ensure you feel confident before you sign on for care. The group hosts regular Meet the Midwives virtual events where you’ll be able to ask any questions you might have about the offices. The events are all recorded and posted online afterward, so you can revisit past events to learn more about the practice.
While the midwives might specialize in obstetrics, they offer comprehensive gynecological healthcare for women at any stage. You can see them for well-woman visits, learn about disease prevention, maintain health, discuss reproductive options, and much more. The midwives treat everyone, from adolescents to post-menopausal women.
Harvard Vanguard Midwives
When it comes to pregnancy, don’t settle for healthcare that doesn’t understand you. With the Harvard Vanguard Midwives, you can get fantastic healthcare from a provider who will listen to you every step of the way!
Once you find your midwife, why not book your newborn photos? I’m a family photographer who specializes in maternity and newborn pictures. I can’t wait to be there to help your family celebrate this wonderful season! If you’ve been looking for the right photographer for your little one, I’d love to connect! Contact me today to find out more.
