I am Jean Dhority, wife to my wonderful and supportive husband Mark, mother of three married daughters, step-mother of two more daughters, and grandmother of five to date.  My home-office is located in Elizabeth, Colorado (10 minutes southeast of Parker), where I reside with Mark and our two dogs. Besides midwifery, other interests include hiking, camping, fishing, biking, water-skiing, diving, and getting lost in a good book. I desire to eventually use my skills as a midwife in developing countries and to train other midwives for this purpose.

My interest in homebirth and midwifery began during my teen years in the 1970’s. I planned to have my first baby at home early in 1980, but a relocation in my 9th month of pregnancy interfered with this plan, and I gave birth as naturally as is possible in a Denver hospital instead. (By this I mean truly “natural”—no medications or interventions whatsoever.) During this time God planted a seed in my heart—the passion and calling to become a midwife. I began to talk about natural childbirth to anyone willing to listen, and this led to my 20-plus years of teaching childbirth education and serving families with volunteer doula services. (Doulas were not recognized as a paid professional then as they are today.) Throughout those years the seed grew, and in 2000, when my youngest daughters were in high school, I was able to begin training in midwifery, apprenticing with midwives here in Colorado.

I received my Colorado Midwifery Registration in 2003, and CPM license (Certified Professional Midwife) from NARM (North American Registry of Midwives) early in 2004. I am certified in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation.

I am known by my clients for the passion I have for midwifery. I truly love what I do and consider it a calling, a privilege, and an honor to serve families in this personal and profound way!

Heritage Homebirth Midwifery Care was chosen as my business name because I believe that homebirth, and all it encompasses, is one of the greatest contributions a couple can make to their family’s future heritage.

Heritage is defined as: (M. Webster’s Dictionary)

1: Property that descends to an heir
2: Something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor : Legacy, Inheritance, Tradition
3: Something possessed as a result of one's natural situation or
birth :Birthright

I hope to inform women in our culture that where, when, how, and with whom we bring our children into this world holds great significance, not only for our immediate experience, but for the long term. The birth experience has the potential to greatly impact life not only physically, but also spiritually, emotionally, and mentally, literally bringing about "something possessed as a result of one’s birth”.

Our culture has conditioned many women to accept the medical model of birth without question. And yet, time after time, unnecessary medical interventions have led to complications that leave mothers and babies not only physically damaged, but psychologically harmed.

For thousands of years women have delivered their babies at home, in their own beds, supported by their friends and family, calling on the collective wisdom and experience of those who know birth. Women in childbirth have been honored and empowered by their birth attendants; gently guided by women who have passed on the knowledge of birth from generation to generation.

In this atmosphere, birth is a unique opportunity for a woman to discover and experience her strength and confidence in herself and her body. Given the chance and the support, most women can have a natural, fulfilling birth experience in the safety and sanctity of their own home. As a homebirth midwife, I attend birthing women according to this time honored tradition.

The Care You Will Receive... a good read for dads too

My care is based on the philosophy that parents learn and grow through the experience of taking responsibility for their own healthcare choices.

Prenatal Care
 
Prenatal care is conducted on the following schedule:  one visit per month until 28 weeks of pregnancy, one visit every 2 weeks until week 36, and once a week thereafter until birth.  During each visit I will check maternal blood pressure, pulse, weight, and urine dip stick, take uterine growth measurements and fetal heart tones, and assess the position and size of the baby.  During the first or second visit I will perform a basic physical exam, nutritional evaluation, health history, and arrange for a prenatal blood profile.  At 28 and 36 weeks I will do hemoglobin and blood glucose checks, and pelvic exams may be performed in the last month of pregnancy.  Fathers and children are encouraged to attend prenatal visits. Labor support persons are welcome.

Labor and Birth

I want to be informed of any signs of beginning labor.  I will be in contact over the phone during early labor, and will arrive at your home when labor is established or you feel you need me.  I will call my labor assistant to arrive at whatever point is appropriate.  We will remain with you throughout labor and birth, and stay at least 2-3 hours after the birth.  If this is your first baby, I will ensure breastfeeding is well-established before leaving.

I will arrive with the necessary equipment, including a fetal doppler, oxygen, blood pressure cuff and stethoscope, sterile clamps and umbilical scissors, herbal and homeopathic remedies, baby scale, and resuscitation equipment.  The assisting midwife will also bring a backup supply of this equipment whenever possible.

During early labor, we will monitor the baby’s heart rate at least every hour, every ½ hour in late labor, and at least every 5 minutes during the pushing phase.  We will also check maternal vital signs throughout labor.  I will assess the baby’s position through external palpation, and internal exams may be done periodically to determine cervical dilation and descent of the baby.

Hot compresses and/or warm oil may be used to prevent tears and to ease the birthing of the baby’s head and body during delivery.  Staying hydrated and well-nourished, as well as getting rest early in labor is very important in home birth.  I encourage eating and drinking all throughout labor.  You may choose any position which is comfortable for you for labor and birth, as long as the baby is well-oxygenated in that position.  As soon as your baby is born, I will place him or her on your belly for warmth and security, and dry him well.  If there is no need for resuscitation, he or she will remain there with you.  I usually encourage breastfeeding soon after birth in order to facilitate the birth of the placenta and help control maternal bleeding.  I will continue to
monitor the mother’s and baby’s vitals throughout the first hour postpartum. 

A complete newborn exam will be done including temperature, weight, head and chest circumference, body length, lung and heart functioning, proper formation of all body parts and systems, and gestational age assessment. 

Maternal vital signs will continue to be assessed, as well as an estimated blood loss measurement, uterine firmness, and bladder function.  I will also check for perineal or vaginal tears, and examine the placenta for completeness.

Postpartum Care

I will return to your home at 1 and 3-5 days postpartum, and again between day 7 and 10.  I will continue to be on call 24 hours a day for any questions or concerns you may have.  Visits will be done to assure uterine firmness and involution (return to normal size); check maternal vital signs; assure proper healing of any tears; assess breast tenderness and good breastfeeding technique; check baby’s weight for proper gain; and assess the general health of the newborn, including heart and lungs, skin color, activity level, and umbilical cord healing. A visit at 6 weeks is done at my office as well.

Medical Back-up and Hospital Transport

Physician back-up is not necessary, however, you may arrange for a referral doctor if you desire.  If a back-up doctor is not pre-arranged and the need arises for transfer of care, we will transport to the nearest hospital, or your hospital of choice, if feasible.  Although it rarely needs to be implemented, an emergency plan will be completed during prenatal care.  In the event of a transfer, I will provide all relevant pregnancy and labor records to the hospital staff.  I will also stay with you throughout labor and birth, and remain as participatory as hospital policy allows. I will also provide your postpartum care as originally planned.