Origins Birth Services
An ordinary day becomes extraordinary when we receive the call with an invitation to witness the miracle of new life.
Welcome to Origins Birth and Wellness Dallas! We are committed to offering exceptional midwifery care to expecting mothers and their growing families. Our comprehensive care includes but is not limited to: monitoring of maternal and fetal health during the prenatal, labor/birth, and postpartum periods, lab work, nutritional counseling, education, childbirth preparation, lactation counseling and newborn care. In our efforts to provide a holistic model of midwifery care; we tend to both the physiological and emotional aspects of pregnancy for the family. Our Dallas midwives are currently caring for clients in the D/FW area at our Dallas location. We would love to answer any questions you may have about our services or your current pregnancy.
Enjoy getting to know us and taking a look around our website! ~ Amy F Tate, CPM, LM
Enjoy getting to know us and taking a look around our website! ~ Amy F Tate, CPM, LM
Meet The Staff
Amy
My experience with midwifery started when I was very young. I do not remember my own home birth but I remember my brothers, as well as so many since. My mother taught child birth education classes for a midwife in Austin in the early 70’s and was a La Leche League Leader for most of my childhood. For as long as I can remember, birth has been a natural part of life. I’m a mother of four boys, all whom were born naturally- two at home, and two at Baylor. After all of my personal experiences, I firmly believe that all women should have the birth they desire!I’ve had the pleasure to support women since 1990 in many roles including as a doula, a birth assistant, a lactation counselor, and now as a midwife. I began my midwifery training in 1990 but had to delay my education due to a grave family loss. My passion for birth never wavered and I was able to complete my training years later. In the interim I grew many successful businesses and am now able to bring together my business knowledge and midwifery experience. My passion is to help each woman feel empowered through their birth experience.
Megan
I have long been drawn to the beautiful process of pregnancy and birth. I grew up hearing about how my mom gave birth to my brothers and I naturally in the hospital, and just assumed I would do the same. Not until 2012 did I learn about out-of-hospital midwifery care, and I was both in awe and completely fascinated by the practice. Needless to say, I was hooked on all things midwifery. Soon after, I began my journey to become a Midwife by enrolling in The Association of Texas Midwives Midwifery Training Program. After graduating in 2018, I connected with the amazing birthing team here at Origins and am excited to serve these amazing moms, babies, and families in our community alongside the incredible Origins team! I am a licensed midwife (LM) in the state of Texas through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and a certified professional midwife (CPM) by the North American Registry of Midwives. I am also an active member in the North Texas Midwives group, and attend various meetups and continuing education courses to connect with the other birth workers in DFW, to be able to best serve you throughout this journey.I have had the privilege of training alongside some of the best Midwives in the DFW Metroplex and have experience in delivering babies both at home and in birthing centers. I have had the privilege of being apart of over 100 births and each time, I am amazed by our Creator with the grace and honor He has bestowed on women to become mothers, and the beautiful process of birth. After having midwifery care for all three of my own pregnancies, I know first-hand how much attention and love is given by a Midwife and how necessary that support and care is! I am inspired by every birth, and I am overjoyed at each opportunity I get to provide the clinical and emotional support every mother needs and deserves during this life-changing moment.
Julie
I became interested in midwifery while pregnant with my fourth child. I had been cared for by an OB during my middle pregnancies who allowed choices in birth, like squatting, no IV, no continuous monitoring, and honored my need for a quiet and calm birth. For me, those births were empowering and I wanted to know more, so when I became pregnant with my fourth I started looking for alternatives to hospital birth. I read Ina May Gaskin’s Spiritual Midwifery and I was hooked. After this, I became a nurse for the sole purpose of becoming a midwife.That road to becoming a midwife was long and full of new experiences. Working as an RN in labor and delivery gave me insight into what I love about birth and what the problematic points of hospital birth are. A crossroads in my life gave me the opportunity to finally go to midwifery school. I attended Frontier Nursing University and graduated in May 2018. All of my training occurred in the hospital; in Abilene with an amazingly strong and lone CNM, and in Galveston at UTMB with a diverse array of midwives in a challenging environment.
Being given this opportunity to work at Origins is a full circle dream. I am loving the support I have received and the holistic support I am witnessing being given to the women who choose Origins for their care. I am excited about the possibilities available here and the new relationships with patients that I am already experiencing. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you and your stories. I am committed to caring for women with compassion and competence.
I am married to the world’s kindest man, have four amazing children, two incredible daughters-in-law, and five brilliant grandchildren. I understand the importance of family and what that means to each of you and your choices about birth.
LaQuita
Pregnancy and childbirth have been an interest of mine since an early age. After receiving my undergrad in 2007, I pursued a career in education. During that time, I discovered myself assisting a friend with unconditional emotional, mental, and physical support throughout two of her pregnancies, births, and postpartum. After recommending and researching alternative birth options, she decided on midwifery care which led me to witness my first birth out of the hospital. I began reading more about midwifery and the path in which I would take. Three years later, I resigned as an educator to pursue my passion to become a midwife. I wanted to serve women and families with compassionate and respectable care providing the option to birth where they're most comfortable. I received my state licensure in 2018. Throughout my journey, I’ve had the honor of attending many births with several other midwives within the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex. Midwifery has restored my purpose in ways that encourage me to evolve, nurture, and develop purposeful relationships.Our Services
PRECONCEPTION
Preconception visits are available for women planning on or trying to conceive. At this visit we will discuss lifestyle choices, nutrition, vitamin supplementation, exercise and optimizing your chances for conception. We can perform some of the pre-pregnancy lab work such as a pap smear, your Vitamin D and thyroid levels (if desired) and help you prepare for pregnancy issues such as morning sickness. The cost of this visit is $175.00 plus labs and if you conceive within one year of the appointment and begin care with us, we’ll apply the entire price to your midwifery fee. It’s all part of our commitment to healthy mamas and healthy babies!
PRENATAL
At Origins we believe in supporting women physically, emotionally and spiritually throughout their pregnancy. Your prenatal care is an opportunity for us to build a trusting relationship with each other, for us to educate you on the physiological process of pregnancy and birth, and for you educate us on your body, your baby, and your birth desires. All of these things work in harmony to create positive birth experiences. We laugh, we cry, and we grow together.- 1st appointment – 28: weeks are monthly appointments
- 28 weeks – 36: weeks are bi-monthly appointments
- 36 weeks to birth of your baby: weekly appointments
- Medical/Pregnancy History
- Risk Assessment
- Nutritional, Herbal, and Homeopathic Counseling
- All lab work required by the state of Texas and any additional that are indicated
- Urinalysis at Each Prenatal Visit
- Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Assessment of Fetal Heart Tones and Position of Baby
- 24-Hour Access to Your Midwives
- Pregnancy/Childbirth Education
- Diagnostic Sonogram Referrals
- Breastfeeding Preparation
- Consulting Physician Referrals as Indicated
- Extensive Professional Referrals and Resources for All of Your Pregnancy Needs
LABOR/BIRTH
At Origins, we believe that birth is sacred. Whether you are birthing at our luxury birth center, or at home, we will enter your birthing environment calmly and quietly, joining you as you labor. Using our vast knowledge of positional and relaxation techniques, we will support you during one of the most intimate experiences of your life. Respectful and personalized care that reflects your beliefs and birth choices.- Family involvement throughout the labor and birth process is welcome and encouraged
- Labor support and comfort techniques including positional guidance, massage, hydrotherapy, and use of essential oils
- Full clinical assessment of maternal and fetal health throughout the labor and birthing process
- Techniques for avoiding perineal lacerations by gently guiding you through your pushing stage and the use of warm compresses and water birth
- Perineal evaluation and if necessary, use of numbing agents and advanced suturing skills or other repair techniques
- Immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby to promote bonding and encourage the initiation of breastfeeding
- Delayed cord clamping to assist with transition of baby as he/she begins to breathe on their own, as well as allowing the completion of blood volume to the newborn
- Therapeutic herbal bath for mother and newborn to aid in bonding and healing
- Comprehensive newborn examination
- Breastfeeding support
- All birth attendants are current with CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation certifications and have immediate access to resuscitation equipment including oxygen
- IV fluids and IV antibiotics available if indicated
- Access to anti-hemorrhage medications
- Erythromycin and Vitamin K injection available for the newborn, if indicated or requested
- VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
POSTPARTUM
There is nothing quite like holding your long-awaited newborn baby, studying their features, and falling in love with them as they are falling in love with you. Navigating this precious, yet often challenging season of your life can feel overwhelming at times. We are here to support, encourage, and guide you through this sacred time, not just as your midwives, but from our mother’s hearts to yours. By the time our journey comes to a close, we are woven together through the intimacy of birth, and the bond of motherhood.- Follow-up care appointments: postpartum visit within the first 72 hours, and again at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks postpartum
- Breastfeeding counseling and support
- Newborn physical exams and weight checks
- Metabolic newborn screening tests done at initial postpartum visit and again at the 2 week visit
- Continued assessments of the physiological and emotional well-being of the new mother
- Pap smears available at final postpartum visit, if needed
- Family dynamics/Sibling advice
- Family planning counseling
- Documentation of birth certificate and social security filed with the state
VIDEOS
FACILITY
OUR STATS
92%
Home & Birth Center Births
80%
Water Births
49%
Daddy Catches
12%
Transport
4%
Cesarean Delivery
2%
Infant Transport
FAQ
1Why should I choose Origins Birth Services?
At Origins, we know that you’ll always remember the birth of your baby, it is an intrinsic and integral part of your life, your partner’s life, and your baby’s life. You will cherish the first time you felt their tiny hand grasp your finger and the first time you nuzzled your baby’s velvety head and looked into her eyes. The birth of your child is an experience unlike any other and shouldn’t be rushed or unnecessarily clinical. At OBWD, we value the human aspect of birth and know that you don’t have to sacrifice the special moments or safety, to have the birth of your dreams!
2I heard that Origins Birth Services books up quickly. Will there be room for me?
Origins is blessed to have many repeat clients that call us as soon as the pregnancy test turns up positive! Our schedule books up quickly and often several months in advance. However, it is important to us to leave room in our schedule for new clients, but starting your care with us sooner rather than later is always best.
3I’ve been seeing another care provider, can I still transfer my care to Origins?
Absolutely. We will help you make a seamless transition. All you need to do to transfer your care is make an appointment with us and then get a copy of your medical records from your previous provider by completing a Medical Records Release form available in our office. It’s that simple.
4What makes OBWD so different than a hospital birth?
Unlike at a hospital birth, you will have a close and trusting relationship with your midwives, who will walk through your whole birth experience with you. All our practices, including privacy, quiet, low-lighting and minimal interventions, are geared to promote the natural process of birth. You won’t have to fight to get the things you want or worry that we’ll do things you don’t want. No hassles – just loving support of the midwives to guide you through your birth. One of the biggest differences between a hospital birth and a birth with Origins, is that the mother-baby connection is not only encouraged by us, but that we facilitate this bond by allowing continuous uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. Your baby will never leave your side as you take baby’s first bath together, spend time getting to know one another and initiating breastfeeding, and we perform the thorough newborn examination alongside you.
5Is an Out of Hospital birth safe?
The health of the mother, comprehensive prenatal visits, risk screening, referral and/or transfer to the hospital when appropriate, continuous support and care during labor and birth is what makes birthing with Origins Birth Services safe. Out-of-hospital birth (at the birth center or in your own home) is as safe as, or safer than, a hospital birth for the majority of women. The Midwife Alliance of North America has several studies, articles, and printouts that you can share with your family and friends. link: http://www.mana.org/blog/home-birth-safety-outcomes
6Why does Origins have such good outcomes?
First of all, we don’t care for high-risk women or babies. Furthermore, we do not perform services that increase your risk for complications such as, induction, continuous fetal monitoring, or pain medications. Holistic care begins with your first visit and continues throughout your pregnancy with one-on-one care. Our focus is on the prevention of problems through nutritional support, exercise, and utilizing allopathic resources. Birth, breastfeeding and recovery are all better when the woman is prepared, confident and well-supported!
7Am I a good candidate for out-of-hospital birth?
The majority of women are good candidates for out-of-hospital birth. We offer a complimentary screening to ensure that this would be a safe option for you and your baby.
8If I’m using Origins midwives, do I need to see a physician also?
We provide complete prenatal care as long as you and your baby remain low risk. If a situation requiring medical attention arises, we will refer you to one of several qualified physicians or you may visit a doctor of your choice. Very few of our clients have required complete transfer of care due to risk factors. Most of our clients like to schedule visits with our consulting obstetrician to establish a relationship.
9What about lab work and ultrasounds?
We have lab privileges and order any lab work or ultrasound that you may need. Blood will be drawn by one of the Origins midwives at our offices or ordered for a lab near you. For women wanting ultrasound, we utilize independent sonographers or you may schedule a sonogram with our consulting physician.
10Do you offer VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) services?
We do offer midwifery care and birth services for women with one prior, low-transverse cesarean section. For VBAC support and education go to ICAN-online.org and VBACfacts.com.
11Do you take clients near their estimated due dates?
Yes, as long as there has been prenatal care and the woman is healthy and low-risk (meaning no high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications or health risks) and we can get all of her medical records. We get calls quite frequently from families that feel they cannot continue with their current plans and are seeking last-minute changes. This often is a result of childbirth education or because they are at the end of their pregnancy and being told they will need unnecessary interventions.
12Can my older children attend my appointments and/or be at my birth?
We absolutely LOVE having older siblings take part in your prenatal visits. At Origins, we strive to promote sibling bonding and we believe this begins in the prenatal period. Our “little helpers” assist throughout the appointment by measuring mommy’s tummy, and listening to baby’s heartbeat. Family-centered births are welcomed based on the mother’s and children’s comfort level.
13Do you allow waterbirths?
Absolutely! The buoyancy, warmth and relaxation of the water are very helpful during labor. Many women relaxing in the tub go on to give birth there. Mothers and babies love it. Kaitlyn and Gina have advanced water birth training through Waterbirth International. At Origins, the majority of our births take place in the water. Gina and Kaitlyn are both waterbirth mamas themselves.
14How involved can Daddy be?
As involved as he wants to be both prenatally and at the birth. Many fathers cut the cord and join with the mother in announcing the sex of the baby. Some fathers even want to be in the tub during the birth and help “catch” their babies. Others just want to be present. We support your choices.
15What does newborn care look like at the birth?
We believe that babies are people too! As such, they should be honored along with the mother and allowed the opportunity for their own physiological birth and transition into the world. Here are some of our practices and beliefs…..
- Babies navigate the birth canal on their own – no pulling or tugging on their head and then waiting for natural rotation
- Their first touch should be from the hands of those who love them
- Their first sounds should be from the voices of those who love them
- Leaving the cord intact so baby can be sustained with oxygenated blood during the transition to breathing on their own
- Continuous skin-to-skin contact with mama
- Baby-led breastfeeding – babies left in peace to find mama’s nipple and latch on, finishing the rotations of birth and breastfeeding.
- Treat all babies gently, with dignity and respect
16Do you offer breastfeeding support?
We believe that facilitating a healthy breastfeeding relationship is a vital component of our midwifery care. We work together to support you with our own expertise and also utilizing area breastfeeding professionals. We recognize that preparing for breastfeeding before the birth of your child is a priority when considering that your breastfeeding journey will last several months to several years.
17What happens if birth doesn’t go as planned?
Although out-of-hospital birth is statistically safer, it does not guarantee a complication-free birth. We are highly skilled and trained to detect and manage most birth complications. We have all the necessary medical equipment and supplies including allopathic treatments, which preserves our capability to safely deliver out of the hospital. We’ve discreetly tucked away all necessary equipment such as oxygen, IV therapy, and medications. Deviations from normal that should not be managed out of the hospital often have early warning signs which permit ample time to transport to the hospital. In this rare instance that a transport does become necessary, we have working relationships with many of the area hospitals and physicians and we will continue to be an active participant of your care until the birth of your baby.
18Birth Center or Home Birth?
The decision to have your baby at home or at the birth center is a personal choice. The birth center is a great option for those who just aren’t comfortable with the concept of birthing at home. It’s a good option for those who live with other people, in an apartment with neighbors in very close proximity, or who will be having out-of-town relatives staying with them and don’t have the privacy needed.
The two major differences between the two are:
When choosing the Birth Center, you won’t have to do any preparation, tub-filling, laundry, or clean-up after the birth, and we provide all of the supplies. The downside is that you have to drive during labor and home again afterwards with your new baby.
When birthing at home, you have a continuum of labor, birth, and snuggling into your own bed afterwards. There’s no bag to pack, food or drinks to gather, packing up, or driving in labor or home again afterwards. The downsides are that you do have to gather a list of supplies, purchase a birthing kit, and waterbirth necessities. The other consideration is that some women just can’t relax with ‘guests’ in their home, albeit familiar guests.
When it comes to children, we’ve seen families choose either location for the same reasons. Some choose homebirth so that their children can continue sleeping in their own beds but for others, commotion in the house and birthing sounds would wake their little ones. These women will often have someone come to stay with their children at the home and give birth at the birth center. Other women choose the birth center so that they can have space and time to labor in privacy, away from their children. Your comfort and sense of security are key components to your birthing success, so choose whichever location that will help you to be less self-conscious and provide you with the privacy you need.
19Tell me about the Origins Birth Community…
At Origins, we are committed to creating a community for women to feel confident and secure in their birthing and parenting choices. To reach that goal, we have initiated a social media network to give our clients a safe environment to discuss pregnancy, birth, and parenting related questions. Please like our fan page on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and for past and current clients only, you may join our private facebook interactive group . For our bereaved parents, we facilitate an open pregnancy and infant loss support group for anyone that has experienced this type of loss. Once you are a part of the Origins family, you are welcome to join our playdates, lunch gatherings, and natural living events. We have quarterly birth story nights, belly painting nights, and other fun affairs as often as we can.
Blog
09/09/2020
We’re excited to welcome a new Postpartum Liaison to our Collective – Rebekah Kimminau! Rebekah’s deepest passion is to serve new parents in many different capacities. She spent a year working as […]
07/30/2020
Over the years we have supported hundreds and hundreds of mommies with breastfeeding. Collectively the Origins Midwives have nursed their own children for a total of 16 years. Crazy, right!? I guess […]
07/25/2019
We could not be more excited to announce that Dr. Shelby Phelps will be bringing her smile to our clients and making their lives more well adjusted!
CONTACT US
Conveniently located just one mile east of downtown, our center is located in the heart of Dallas, just 3 blocks from Baylor University Medical Center. We are a short distance from the surrounding cities of Duncanville, Garland, Mesquite, Farmers Branch, Irving, and Grand Prairie.