Pregnancy and birth are special events in a family's life. We specialize in providing support during childbirth with very personal attention and careful monitoring. During prenatal visits there is time for you and your partner to ask questions about the many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and childbirth. The CNM's are also available to discuss your concerns about changing family roles, sexuality, exercise, and nutrition.

You may deliver your baby in the warm, homelike environment of Special Beginnings. You are free to choose the position of your choice or to deliver in our whirlpool tub. Or you can choose a hospital delivery at Ann Arundel Medical Center. If a hospital transfer is necessary, your nurse-midwife accompanies you and your family to the hospital and continues to care for you in close consultation with our board certified Ob/Gyn physician.

Either way you'll have the support of our highly skilled and caring team of professionals during your prenatal care, labor and delivery. Our CNM's and physician team are on call 24 hours a day to advise and assist with any questions or problems. After your baby is born, your baby will be placed immediately upon Mom's breast as a natural beginning for breast- feeding and family bonding. Several hours after delivery the family returns home.

At Special Beginnings, we view pregnancy and birth as normal, healthy events in the life of a family. We promote wellness and positive attitudes about birth and parenting. During your prenatal visits we provide you with all the information you need to make your choices in childbearing. We make sure there is adequate time during prenatal visits to get acquainted and to answer your questions about the many physical and emotional changes during pregnancy and childbirth.

But our relationship does not stop at birth. We include postpartum and family planning care with frequent phone calls, a home visit at 3 days, a follow-up call at 2 weeks and a comprehensive office visit at 6 weeks. We are always available for breast-feeding advice, our relationship does not end with birth. You can continue to receive care from adolescence to menopause. We have an emphasis on preventative health care. Our goal is to help you to be more informed and for you to be a more active participant in your health care.