Are you looking for the privacy, intimacy, and autonomy of a homebirth, yet are wondering how to choose a safe and experienced midwife? With 23 years of nursing and midwifery under my belt, in hospital, birth center, and homes, I can provide you with the best of both worlds. Do you have a complicated or complex health or pregnancy history that makes you “high risk”? Partner with a nurse-midwife who can help you suss out whether homebirth is possible, and how to make that happen. Innovation and delving into research, to support you in your goals is my jam!
“Kari was always completely present and attendant to my concerns. Her care is very holistic and focused on preventing potential complications. Because of her prior hospital and birth center experience, she has a wide breadth of knowledge and pays great attention to detail. This made me confident in her ability to care for me and my baby during my less-than-straightforward pregnancy.” – Christy RN
80% of pregnant people are considered low risk for serious complications during pregnancy and excellent candidates for home birth. Being over 35 years old, contrary to obstetric myth, does not inherently make you high risk. Neither does being a person of size, an IVF pregnancy, or having a prior history of gestational diabetes. The research supporting home birth and the protective effect of receiving quality midwifery care is robust. According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, “[Studies] have demonstrated that planned home births achieve excellent perinatal outcomes.” (2011) About 2% of families are transferred to a hospital for emergent reasons either during labor or after birth. In planning a home birth, often unnecessary interventions commonly seen in many hospitals are avoided. And cesarean rates for low risk pregnant people planning a home birth are lower than birth centers or hospitals.
Your Thrive birth team includes nurse-midwife Kari and an assistant with expertise in out-of-hospital birth (often another smart midwife). The medications and basic safety equipment we bring are similar to that utilized at hospitals and birth centers. I am certified and licensed by the state of Minnesota as a nurse-midwife and advance practice nurse, nationally certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, hold Neonatal Resuscitation Program certification, and have been honored with “Best Practice in the Nation” by the American College of Nurse-Midwives. See my Home Birth page for more information on the amazing benefits of birthing at home.
The crucial reasons include safety, thorough and evidence-informed care, and the skills our training bring to the table. This includes prescribing medications if necessary, diagnosing and treating concerns that may arise during and after pregnancy. You’ll also appreciate the continuity of care you experience through pregnancy, birth, and in your first weeks as a new family. Gentle, skilled newborn care is provided in your home for the first 2 weeks. This includes the newborn exam, cardiac and hearing screenings, breast/chest feeding assistance, and monitoring baby’s growth. Plus you’ll get a bounty of wisdom and help with soothing digestive issues, skin care, and sleep.
“One of the best parts of having my baby at home was not having to bring the baby in to clinic for routine visits in the first month. You came to us and it was such a relief! I was able to really relax, rest, and heal.” – Melissa
Your partner and children are warmly welcomed to all prenatal, gyn, and wellness visits (see current COVID policy). We learn about those important to you, include them in shared decision making, and provide ample time for questions and curiosities. This also builds a foundation for trust prior to your birth time. Children love to help listen to babies, measure bellies, and ask about how bodies work. Above all, Thrive is a safe and nurturing place for all people and families, including LGBTQI+ and BIPOC identified people.
I loved the ease and convenience of using Thrive’s telehealth option. My daughter and I had developed a nasty case of thrush and with three kids and a busy schedule, I had no time to travel to an appointment to get it taken care of. Not to mention, it was a Saturday! In about 10 minutes, Kari had asked me the necessary questions, diagnosed the problem and had a prescription sent to my local pharmacy. It could not possibly have been easier. Thrive definitely has a patient for life!
As a doula practicing for 20 years, I can attest that the physical, emotional, informational and midwifery care that Kari provides is truly phenomenal. She cares so deeply about the families that she serves, which is evident in the countless births I have attended with her. From the moment you meet Kari, her knowledge about and trust in normal birth is infectious. On top of all of that she has an amazing sense of humor! As a doula, it is a joy to watch her hold space for all of the fortunate families that have entrusted her with their care.
When I think about who I trust to deliver my baby, my mind automatically says, Kari. In 2015 I delivered my first son in a local hospital, and the tender care and attention I received from Kari during labor, delivery and post postpartum, I knew I wouldn’t be able to find in anyone else. The amount of respect you have between the boundaries of culture and medicine manifests itself in your practice, as I witnessed it during my first delivery. You place your patients wants and needs before yours. You are there any time of the day or night via phone, email or text message. During the hard times of struggle and when my life caused me stress, I turned to you to help me get back on track to improve or maintain my health. When I was going through my miscarriage, I trusted in your expertise and wisdom. Even though I was far away from home when it occurred, you made me feel comforted as I knew you were just one call away. When I think of you Kari, it brings tears to my eyes to have known such a wonderful person and knowing my family trust you whole heartily. What I can say about you is endless. Thank you for all you do.
I have known and practiced with Kari for a long time, and trust her implicitly to provide top-notch care for her patients. She stays current in evolving research regarding women’s health and demonstrates a growing knowledge base regarding use of supplements and herbal therapies. Kari is also really innovative in providing care in low resource settings, such as international health.
Kari’s care is exceptional! Not only does she provide stellar whole woman care, she listens and truly forms a bond with each of her clients. Never feel like a number or meet an impersonal provider again. Kari takes the time to get to know you and your family’s health needs and provides you with the tools and knowledge to make well-informed and practical health choices. Thank you, Kari, for being my advocate!
Kari provides a one-of-a-kind blend of compassion, attention to detail and well researched medical knowledge. She believes strongly that pregnancy and birth is a natural process for most women, recommending both natural remedies and evidence-based Western medicine when it was indicated.
I am so impressed by how Kari keeps up with current research. You can rest assured that the care you get at Thrive will be rooted in the latest evidence and tailored to your needs. Kari is a strong communicator and will be your advocate. I will gladly refer families seeking home birth, gynecological care, and intrauterine insemination to Thrive Midwives.
Kari is extremely knowledgeable, her clinical judgment and decision making are spot on, she is easy to talk to, and has a comforting and peaceful presence.
Kari offers the perfect balance of medical knowledge and personal care, while also trusting a woman’s body and addressing overall wellbeing. She believes that women’s bodies know what they’re doing. She helps you believe that, too.