Women who choose homebirth desire a safe, natural and active birth, where they are in charge of their experience. Birthing at home, in your own environment, allows many women to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible.

My practice includes:

* Total Midwifery Care for normal pregnancy

* Birth Options: Homebirth and Waterbirth

* Childbirth education

* Assistance with breastfeeding and mothercare

* Confidentiality

* Doula and Montrice services

My name is Shannon Pawson. I am married to Rob Pawson and live in Roanoke Texas. I have been involved with birth since my first nephew was born in 1995. I began working as a doula and labor support for friends and family. I started to study midwifery through the Michigan School of Traditional Midwifery in April 2000. I have completed the PEP process through NARM to receive the title of Certified Professional Midwife. (visit www.narm.org for more information)

I am certified in Health Care Provider CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation

I have attended and continue to attend various workshops and seminars on birth, pregnancy and midwifery to keep my knowledge base large and to continue to provide the families I work with, with up to date information and care.

Congratulations! Whether you are pregnant or just thinking about it, considering midwifery care is a great step towards a fulfilling and empowering pregnancy and birth. Homebirth and midwives are proven safe options for childbearing. Most healthy women do not need medications or technology to conceive, birth or grow their babies. With information, support and attentive guidance, a woman will use her inherent wisdom to care for herself and her baby peacefully and powerfully.

I assist families with homebirths including personalized prenatal, postpartum and newborn care. Prenatal visits average a minimum of one hour and are longer based on a family's needs. Unlimited phone consultation is always included in care. I will remain easily accessible to families throughout the prenatal period and beyond; with loving attention, a woman will build trust in her caregivers and strengthen faith in her own abilities.

I am impassioned with helping families achieve the birth experiences they want; surrounded by the people they choose in the settings they design. Women deserve to be fully informed about their choices in care so they can make decisions that will enhance their health and their lives. Babies are sentient, aware beings who thrive when birthed gently and are cared for lovingly. Families grow closer after experiencing a tranquil birth. I am committed to providing attentive, personalized midwifery care that includes providing referrals for women to choose caregivers best suited to their needs. With ongoing, one-to-one communication, a woman is empowered to explore her options and desires, obstacles in and potential for birthing her baby peacefully. Childbirth is one of the most significant transitions we make as women, and a gentle birth increases confidence, success and JOY in breastfeeding and parenting. I possess unwavering faith that healthy women can safely birth their babies without medical intervention, drugs and mechanical devices. I am committed to providing a service which respects mother's wishes, worries and expectations.

Free Initial Consultation

Initial consultation visits with me are always free. There is no pressure to sign a contract or make a decision during consultation visits. If you decide to work with me on your 'baby project' we will schedule your first prenatal visit. Please contact me during normal office hours to set up a consultation visit.

All clients are expected to have a payment plan arranged with me by the first prenatal visit. At that time, a deposit is needed to cover your initial lab work and a financial contract is signed. Self pay clients set up a monthly payment plan with me but the exact payment schedule is flexible according to their own needs. If you really desire to have a homebirth and are concerned about your ability to pay, I encourage you to contact and talk with me. I am willing to discuss your personal financial needs and work out a payment plan that meets those needs and still covers my fee.

Fees and Payments

Fees are discussed at the free initial visit.

My fee INCLUDES:

- all prenatal and postnatal exams

- routine blood work for mom and baby

- counseling regarding nutrition, pregnancy and breastfeeding

- birth attendant services at the birth

- assistant services at the birth

- newborn exam with treatment of the baby's eyes as required by Texas law

- the Newborn Screening Test at or before 36 hours and again at or before 2 weeks of age as required by Texas law

- filing of the birth certificate

- pap test for the mother

This fee DOES NOT INCLUDE:

- personal use items for the birth (see birth kit and supplies check lists)

- sonograms

- lab work that is not routine for all clients (e.g. herpes cultures, Rh titers, Strep B tests, glucose tolerance tests, etc.)

- visits to a doctor or hospital if necessary

- Rho-gam

- fee for use of a birth center if applicable

Payment Schedule

The payment schedule will depend on when in pregnancy care begins and the personal agreement between the family and myself.

The simplest definition of midwifery is "with woman", but truly, midwifery means different things to different people. For many, the Midwifery Model of Care is an attitude about women and how pregnancy and birth occur, and view that pregnancy and birth are normal events until proven otherwise. It is an attitude of giving and sharing information, of empowerment, and of respecting the right of a woman and her family to determine their own care.

Historically, midwives have always been around to help women give birth. Before physicians, midwives were the primary healers in their communities. They were the medicine women of their own cultures, and assisted families and women throughout their lives. In the Old Testament they were described as examples of the strength and faith in God. Midwives were once the nutritionists, herbalists, doctors, ministers, counselors all rolled into one 'profession'. Many feel they were the first holistic practitioners. Midwives were always available to help the poor, the women without medical care or the women who were the outcasts of their culture. Today, midwives take care of anyone who wishes to see them, but practice within the constraints of their medical and legal systems.
Today midwives are as diverse as the populations they serve. Over 70% of births in the world are attended by midwives. In the Netherlands, midwives deliver a majority of the babies. Other countries do not utilize midwives to their fullest potential. Each country worldwide has a slightly different view of midwifery, and of how midwives work within their communities.

*Midwifery care is based on a respect for pregnancy as a state of health, for childbirth as a normal process and a profound event in a woman?s life.
*Informed Choice ? The birthing woman is respected as the primary decision-maker. Midwives give information to help her make informed decisions.
*Choice of Birthplace ? Midwives are willing to attend births in a variety of settings.
*Appropriate Use of Technology ? Midwives give preventative care with the lowest intervention possible.
*Continuity of Care ? A pregnant woman works with one caregiver throughout her course of care.