Welcome

Thank you for visiting. Whether you have come here because you are interested in a home-birth, need breastfeeding help, or are simply curious about midwifery, it is my hope you will find the information available  on these pages helpful.

Feel free to contact me with questions or to set up a free consultation.

Serving women and families,

Dessa Cooper, CPM
Kansas, Oklahoma
dessacooper@gmail.com
Active Birth Midwifery Services Facebook Page

Safety of Planned Home Births
VBAC vs. Repeat C-Section
Lower C-Section Rates for Low-Risk Women Choosing Out of Hospital Care

"I am very thankful for my homebirth experience. Dessa, my midwife, was able to educate me very well throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery. As I am nearing the birth of my second child, I feel confident in knowing what to expect. She answered many questions I have had during both of my pregnancies. During labor and delivery of my first child, she told me beneficial techniques to aid in pain management and pushing. Her personality is very calming and keeps a new mother from being anxious about the birthing process. I would highly recommend Dessa Cooper to anyone who wants a competent and caring midwife."

                                                                     ~Danyelle - Flat Rock, Illinois

Well Woman Care

       Understanding that a woman's health needs are not limited to pregnancy and childbirth, I am happy to provide well-woman care services.  Please ask if there is a particular service you are looking for.

Postpartum Info

The typical pattern for postpartum visits is as follows:

• 24-36 hours and 5-7 days in your home
• 2 weeks and 4-6 weeks in my home office
• Other visits will be scheduled as needed 

     At your postpartum visits we will discuss your healing, the baby's growth, and breastfeeding.  Other topics will be discussed as well as any questions you may have.  As with prenatal appointments there are physical components to check on during these visits as well as continuing education and discussion.

Labor and Birth Info

All of the planning and preparation done during your pregnancy culminates in the birth of your baby.  Just as each woman is different, each labor and birth is different. After the birth, I will be with you as long as necessary, often staying several hours. My main priority during this time is to facilitate bonding between you and your baby through breastfeeding and cuddling, while making sure that both of you are making the transition to the postpartum period safely.

Supplies

Clients need to gather the following supplies and have them ready to be used by the 36th week of pregnancy.  Keep in mind that towels, wash cloths, sheets, etc. will likely get blood and meconium on them, so older linens may be preferable.

• 3-4 wash cloths
• 3-4 bath towels
• Crock pot
• Cookie sheet
• Cutting board
• Old pillow cases, fitted sheet, and standard sheet
• Plastic liner for mattress
• Birth kit 

Water Birth Supplies

Clients who want to use the birth pool for labor or a water birth need to purchase the following items and have them at their home by the 36th week of pregnancy.  Feel free to shop around.  Links are provided for your convenience.

• Birth pool and cover.  Some come with a cover or you can purchase a cheaper plastic one.
• Pool liner
• 25' or 50' hose (This should be brand new.)
• Faucet adapter
• Pool thermometer
• Net
• Air pump
• Water removal pump (Precious Arrows has a couple of options.  It is also possible to siphon the water with the hose.)

Prenatal Info

       Prenatal visits take place in my home.  I will come to your home for a visit toward the end of your pregnancy.  The typical pattern for prenatal visits is as follows:

• Week 8-34: Once a month
• Week 34-38: Every two weeks (One of these visits will take place in your home.)
• Week 38-birth: Every week

      At your prenatal visits we will discuss diet, nutrition, and exercise, as well as other topics.  At every prenatal visit we will listen to your baby's heartbeat, measure his/her growth, and feel your belly to find out what position he/she is in.  Although there are clinical aspects that need to be carried out to ensure that you and your baby are healthy, much of our time spent together at prenatal visits will be in discussion, education, and relationship-building.

About Dessa

      Hi! I was born and raised in central Illinois.  In 2003, thirteen days after high school graduation, I married my best friend, Zac.  We have two sons and two daughters.  Our first daughter was born in the hospital with her little rear-end coming out first (breech).  Our first son was born at home, our second son was born outside at church camp, and our second daughter was born at home. 
    
We enjoy spending time together and being active. Some of our favorite activities are reading, rock-climbing, going for walks, climbing our fast rope, collecting eggs from the chickens, and crazy dancing in the living room.

Education and Training

       I have been studying midwifery since 2003.  I earned a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery from MEAC-accredited Midwives College of Utah and the CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) credential from the North American Registry of Midwives.  I have worked with midwives in home-birth practices and at a birth center.  I am glad for the opportunity to have worked in both of these environments as there is so much to learn from each of them.  I maintain current certification in CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation, and obtain continuing education hours in subjects related to the field of midwifery.  I am proud to be a midwife and feel honored that I get to be a part of the incredible, life-changing journey of birth.


Why Home-birth?
I believe that pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding are normal, natural events that often work beautifully without intervention. I believe that the pregnant woman is the most direct care provider for herself and her child and should be the one making the decisions regarding the care of herself and her child, including the option of choosing how, where, and with whom to give birth. I believe that the mother and midwife can make a great team.  Understanding that most women haven't spent years studying pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding it is my desire to support and care for you as you support and care for your baby.  Where you have questions, my hope would be that my experience and education can help you find answers.  By working together I believe you can feel empowered to make choices about your care that correspond with what you want for your family.