Welcome to Bear Root Midwifery:
Your Partner in Sacred Homebirth Journeys
At Bear Root Midwifery, we believe that birth is a profound, sacred event—an opportunity for empowerment, trust, and transformation. We are honored to offer holistic homebirth care that centers your choices, intuition, and well-being. Our experienced team, led by Belinda K. Lashea, MSN, CNM, and Nicole Havelka, CPM, provides compassionate, evidence-based support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey.
Why Choose Homebirth?
Choosing homebirth means choosing:
Comfort and Familiarity: Give birth in your own space, surrounded by loved ones.
Personalized Birth Plan: Your vision and preferences are at the heart of your care.
Low-Intervention Approach: Evidence shows that homebirth can reduce unnecessary interventions and support physiologic birth.
Increased Autonomy: You make informed decisions with the support of a trusted team.
Continuity of Care: Your midwife knows you and your journey, building a deep, supportive relationship.
Our approach honors your cultural values, traditions, and preferences, ensuring your birth is as unique as your family.
Our Philosophy of Care: Honoring Your Wisdom
At Bear Root Midwifery, we practice the Midwifery Model of Care, grounded in respect, trust, and shared decision-making. We view birth as a normal, physiological process and support you with knowledge, presence, and expert care. Our holistic approach blends modern midwifery, herbal wisdom, and, when necessary, Western medicine to guide you safely through your journey.
What Makes Bear Root Midwifery Special
Expert Midwifery with 20+ Years of Experience: Over 1,000 births attended across home, birth center, and hospital settings.
Herbal Support and Guidance: Tailored recommendations for common pregnancy and postpartum concerns.
Birth Team Connection: At your 36-week home visit, we share a meal and finalize your plans—building a strong bond with your support team.
Skilled Emergency Preparedness: We carry essential equipment for rare emergencies, ensuring seamless care while collaborating with local physicians if needed.
Community Focus: We offer educational workshops and provide a supportive community for our families.
Comprehensive Homebirth Services
Free Consultation: Begin with a free consultation to explore your goals, address your questions, and ensure we’re the right fit. These meetings can be in person, via Zoom, or by phone.
Prenatal Care: Building a Foundation of Trust
Your prenatal visits are designed to build a strong connection, monitor your health, and empower you with personalized education and care. Each visit is one hour long to ensure there is ample time to foster a meaningful relationship, address your questions, and tailor your care to your unique needs.
Initial Visit (10–12 weeks): Intake review, lab work, physical exam, and discussion of your hopes for your birth.
Ongoing Prenatal Visits:
Every 4 weeks until 28 weeks
Every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks
Weekly from 36 weeks until birth
Visits may take place in our office, your home, or a convenient location. During these visits, we’ll discuss nutrition, emotional preparation, your birth preferences, and any concerns you may have, ensuring that you feel informed and empowered every step of the way.
36-Week Home Visit: Your Final Preparation
One of the highlights of your care is the 36-week home visit. We will:
Review your birth plan and transfer protocols in case of emergency.
Introduce the birth assistant and support team.
Enjoy a nourishing meal together—a time-honored tradition to strengthen our connection.
Ensure that your home is set up with the required supplies and birth kit.
This visit is about creating a sense of calm and readiness for the beautiful day ahead.
Birth Services: A Personalized Experience
Your labor and birth will be supported by a skilled midwife and birth assistant. We provide:
Labor monitoring and support with comfort measures such as hydrotherapy and herbal remedies.
The option for a peaceful waterbirth experience.
Immediate postpartum care for you and your baby.
Our practice supports homebirths from 37–42 weeks of pregnancy. Should labor begin outside of this timeframe, we will work together to create the safest plan, which may include hospital birth.
Your Homebirth Supply Checklist
To ensure you’re ready, we provide a detailed homebirth supply list, including:
Essential Items: Birth kit, waterproof mattress cover, towels, receiving blankets.
For Waterbirth: Clean hose, birth pool, adaptors.
For Comfort: Electrolyte drinks, candles, music, and snacks for labor.
Postpartum and Newborn Care: Gentle and Attentive Support
The postpartum period is a time of profound healing and adjustment. Our care ensures that you and your baby feel supported as you settle into this new chapter.
Postpartum Home Visits:
Day 1
Day 3
Week 1
Week 2
Six-Week Visit: Conducted at your home or our office for a comprehensive check-in.
We offer thorough newborn exams, weight checks, and guidance on newborn care during the first two weeks. While we support early newborn care, clients are required to have a pediatric provider by 28 days of life.
Fees and Financial Flexibility
We believe that exceptional care should be accessible. Our bundled homebirth package includes comprehensive care from pregnancy to postpartum for $6,000.
Additional Details:
Travel Fee: $500 for clients living more than 90 minutes from Wilmington, NC.
Non-Refundable Deposit: $500 to secure your spot in our care. This is applied toward your total fee.
Payment Plan: Minimum payments of $300 per month, with the balance due by 36 weeks.
If finances are a concern, please bring it up during your consultation—we’re happy to discuss individual arrangements.
Note: Our global fee does not include lab work, ultrasounds, physician consultations, or emergency transfer costs.
