Origins Birth Services
An ordinary day becomes extraordinary when we receive the call with an invitation to witness the miracle of new life.
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!
Enjoy getting to know us and taking a look around our website!
Founders of Origins
Founders Gina Thomson, CPM, LM and Kaitlyn Wages, CPM, LM started Origins with a dream to provide a safe place for families to grow in a loving and supportive environment. In 2013 we joined forces after having served the D/FW birth community for many years. Our dream became reality when we purchased the first Origins location in Fort Worth in 2014. As Origins grew we were able to expand and move to a much larger location that is now Origins Birth and Wellness Collective - Fort Worth in 2015. In 2018 we opened our second location in Dallas, allowing us to serve more families and provide them with the Origins experience.
Over the years, it has been a blessing to be able to serve so many families - and we have achieved our mission to birth not only babies, but strong women, fathers, siblings, and grandparents. Being able to give women their bodily autonomy back, empower partners to take an active role with the pregnancy and birth of their children, and provide family centered care has impacted our lives, right along with yours! Our vision for Origins serving our D/FW community came to fruition and then proceeded to exceed all of our expectations. We look forward to what the future holds for Origins as the Lord continues to bless our mission!
Meet The Staff
Mariah CNM, APRN
My journey to midwifery started when I was asked at a very young age what I wanted to be when I grew up, and I excitedly replied, “a nurse-doctor!”. Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, I watched my mother work hard to provide for my brother and me. She had jobs in the hospital setting, so I would often go with her to work just to witness healthcare in action. I attended Grand Valley State University and was overjoyed when I was accepted into their nursing program. I was excited to be in healthcare and learn various skills however, it wasn’t until my obstetrics clinical rotation where I witnessed my very first birth as a nursing student. This experience was overwhelming in the best way! I remember having the feeling of just complete disbelief as I watched this beautiful mama and team work together to bring this baby earthside. I knew in that moment that women’s health was where my heart had always been leading me.After working as a Labor and Delivery and Women’s Health Nurse for several years, my spirit felt uneasy seeing how many women were not listened to or advocated for in the hospital. I made the decision to go back to school for a dual Master's Degree in Nurse Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner at Georgetown University in Washington DC. After completing my midwifery school education in 2020, I relocated from the Midwest to Dallas and have been blessed to have the opportunity to serve amazing women and families at Origins Birth and Wellness-Dallas. I enjoy caring for women throughout their lifespan providing various midwifery and gynecologic services like contraception counseling, annual exams, and menopause! I couldn’t be happier being part of a team of amazing midwives and the transition from hospital to out-of-hospital birth has been an incredibly positive and fulfilling experience!
Jennifer Graduate Midwifery Intern
My path to midwifery is a bit unique. Babies have always been a part of my life. Growing up my family provided emergency infant foster care. I can’t remember a time I wasn’t comforting tiny babies. I’m sure my own mother, a postpartum nurse, sparked that passion in me. After high school I went to college for accounting and business management. I had my second daughter in the spring of 2001 and struggled with breastfeeding while she was in the NICU. By fall of that same year I was on my way to becoming a lactation consultant. It was there while attending UCSD Extension I learned about doulas. With my daughter in tow I attended my first of many doula workshops. I supported my first birth at the beginning of 2002. I was an inpatient IBCLC for Scripps Mercy in San Diego for several years before going into private practice. While I floated to multiple floors supporting lactation patients I spent most of my time in the NICU. In 2005 I completed a midwifery internship in Tijuana. While a life changing experience, it just was not the right time in my life to pursue full time midwifery with young children at home.In 2015 I opened one of now two operating doula agencies in Southern California along with a non-profit providing doula scholarships and lactation support. I trained birth & postpartum doulas for many years while being on several non-profit boards that supported pregnancy and birth. I was also on the advocacy board at our local naval hospital and on call for supporting stillbirths.
I worked night and day promoting evidence based practices and shared decision making but I didn’t feel like I was making enough of a difference. The care I was seeing didn’t feel right. I understood why providers were rushed but at the same time there was no personalized care and birth trauma was on the rise. I knew then it was time to go back to my dreams of midwifery. I was accepted into a traditional midwifery school in 2018 and moved my family from Joshua Tree, CA to Dallas, TX June of 2019 to finish my clinical skills. I was blessed to have an incredible apprenticeship and mentors not to mention the best clients! I fell in love with Origins from day one. It has been a dream come true to work alongside such talented midwives while having access to consulting obstetricians, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and a NICU team.
My own births were all different and special in their own ways. I had a healthy mix of OB and midwifery care. Midwifery care to me has always been about a trusting relationship. My clients trust my recommendations and I trust their decisions. I love learning about their families and parenting styles, it’s so much more than just birth.
In my free time I enjoy spending time with my own family. Sundays are my favorite attending Highland Park Presbyterian Church, a delicious brunch and finding new goodies at the Dallas Farmers Market. Date nights are always fun exploring new restaurants with my foodie husband. I love traveling anywhere with a tropical beach! I have 5 beautiful daughters and a grandson.
Rachel CPM, LM
My journey into midwifery started when I attended a birth as a teen. Contemplating my path in life was at the forefront of my mind at that time. That experience was life-altering as I witnessed first-hand how peaceful birth can be when attended by the skilled hands of midwives who genuinely care for the whole person and the family. After graduating high school, I launched into midwifery school and never looked back. I sat for my licensing exam seven months pregnant with my first child in 2012.After taking a break for his birth, I started working at a birth center in my hometown of Austin. Two more children later, we moved to Waco, where I worked at another birth center before finally landing in the DFW area. Sensing God working on my heart to go back to school, I applied for and entered nursing school in the Fall of 2020 and have enjoyed the opportunity to continue my education. However, God showed me that He was not finished using me as a midwife, and I am blessed and thankful to join the team at Origins.
Chrissy WHNP, APRN
My passion for healing began in 2009 when I started my medical career in Aeromedical Evacuation Rescue with the United States Air Force. That passion grew further during my experiences in critical care and trauma within diverse clinical environments. Through change and growth, life brought me to Texas where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through the University of Texas. The intensity of my previous experiences led me to the ICU in Dallas County’s largest hospital. Through my journey working as a Registered Nurse in the ICU, I knew God was calling me for something more. I discovered an incredible path in women’s healthcare and learned everything I could in Women’s Emergency Services. Influencing and caring for women holistically on a deeper level provided both my patients and me an experience that could never be matched. I felt I had more to learn and my desire to provide a more extensive level of care, led me to complete my Master of Science in Nursing -Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner degree, at the University of Cincinnati. My passion for empowering women continues to gain strength and understanding. I strive to give the choice to women in their own healthcare needs through holistic and comprehensive collaboration. I was blessed enough to deliver our second daughter in 2017 through Origins with three amazing midwives, after a very traumatizing first birth experience 12 years prior. The genuine love and personalized care I received changed my life forever. I knew my calling was to give that feeling back to other women. God created the experience I had prayed for, in all it’s turns and surprises, leading me full circle back to my Origins family, now getting to serve women beside the women I already loved so much.With the support of my husband and two precious daughters, I’m able to live my dream of pursuing everything that women’s healthcare has to offer. There are no limits to what we can achieve in our industry, continuing to better health care practices and autonomy for each individual woman. “Every part of you is so beautiful, my darling. Perfect is your beauty, without flaw within” ~Song of Songs 4:7
Brianne CLC, CCE, RN
My own journey into motherhood is what sparked my interest in all things birth, babies, and lactation. As a mommy of 5 kids, one girl and 4 boys, I have had two hospital births, two homebirths, and one birth center birth. I feel like these experiences have given me invaluable experience in being able to relate to all women regardless of their birth location.I was raised in Texas and got my Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from The University of Texas at Austin. My husband and I moved around a lot after graduation, living in Indiana, Colorado, Kansas, and Wisconsin. I have worked in ICU, telemetry, freestanding birth centers, mother/baby units in the hospital, and in community clinics.
I am thrilled to be the Postpartum Nurse for Origins Dallas! I love seeing new families in the comfort of their own homes, bringing lactation support and routine new mama and baby care to all of our precious clients.
I am a certified lactation counselor, certified childbirth educator, and BSN RN.
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 $200.00 plus labs and if you conceive within one year of the appointment and begin care with us, we'll apply $100 of this 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
INTERVIEW
Welcome to our Virtual Interview! We are thrilled to share a little about ourselves with you, so you have the opportunity to get to know us better. We hope this answers many of your questions. If you feel like we would be a good match for your care, we would love to schedule our first appointment to start our journey together. We are also happy to schedule an in-person meeting to answer any further questions you may have. Congratulations, we can’t wait to meet you!
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.