Origins Birth Services

An ordinary day becomes extraordinary when we receive the call with an invitation to witness the miracle of new life.

Welcome to Origins Birth Services! We are committed to offering exceptional midwifery care to expecting mothers and their growing families. Our comprehensive care includes but is not limited to: monitoring of maternal and fetal health during the prenatal, labor/birth, and postpartum periods, lab work, nutritional counseling, education, childbirth preparation, lactation counseling and newborn care. In our efforts to provide a holistic model of midwifery care; we tend to both the physiological and emotional aspects of pregnancy for the family. We are currently caring for clients in the D/FW area at our Fort Worth location. We would love to answer any questions you may have about our services or your current pregnancy.

Enjoy getting to know us and taking a look around our website! ~ Kaitlyn & Gina

Founders of Origins

Founders Gina Thomson, CPM, LM and Kaitlyn Wages, CPM, LM started Origins with a dream to provide a safe place for families to grow in a loving and supportive environment. In 2013 we joined forces after having served the D/FW birth community for many years. Our dream became reality when we purchased the first Origins location in Fort Worth in 2014. As Origins grew we were able to expand and move to a much larger location that is now Origins Birth and Wellness Collective - Fort Worth in 2015. In 2018 we opened our second location in Dallas, allowing us to serve more families and provide them with the Origins experience.

Over the years, it has been a blessing to be able to serve so many families - and we have achieved our mission to birth not only babies, but strong women, fathers, siblings, and grandparents. Being able to give women their bodily autonomy back, empower partners to take an active role with the pregnancy and birth of their children, and provide family centered care has impacted our lives, right along with yours! Our vision for Origins serving our D/FW community came to fruition and then proceeded to exceed all of our expectations. We look forward to what the future holds for Origins as the Lord continues to bless our mission!

Meet The Staff

Justine CPM, LM

My husband, William, and I have a beautiful daughter named Donni which was born at Origins Birth Center in 2018. My birth experience has allowed me to relate with other women and understand pregnancy and birth on a more personal level.

I was born and raised in the DFW metroplex, but obtained my bachelor’s degree in Sociology with minors in Biology and Chemistry from the University of San Diego in California in 2011. I had the intention of applying to medical school when I was approached about a midwifery internship at an area birth center. After I attended a few births I immediately knew that God had lead me on this path. I had the privileged of training under three experienced Midwives before I decided to follow Angela Friesen, CPM, LM to Origins Birth and Wellness Collective. At the end of 2015, I happily accepted the offer to become the first Origins student and complete her apprenticeship under the care of the three Origins midwives. Cross training with each Origins midwife and the length of my apprenticeship has allowed me to become a well-rounded midwife.

I believe in the human body, the power of informed choice, and the marriage of a holistic and medical approach to care. “You cannot treat the physical without regard for the emotional and physical. All three are intertwined and perfectly dependent on each other. Each woman deserves individualized care and to be treated as a whole”.

Brianna CPM, LM

I have an incredible little (big) family of 7, with 5 little humans, so we are busy and happy bunch. A little bit about me: I am a 4th generation midwife, with established midwifery records dating back to the early 1900’s. How cool is that!?

In 1994, I witnessed my brother being born at home. It was magical, and completely amazing to witness at just seven years old. At that point, I thought being a Veterinarian would be the perfect and fun job for me. I quickly came to realize I actually just had a crazy deep love for dogs, and midwifery was my true calling. Since that realization, I have never considered anything else.

Growing up watching my mother empower and help these beautiful families grow just made sense, I knew it’s what was in my heart. To me, her leaving dinners or holidays always meant she was going somewhere special, it was never a disappointment for me. I began birth assisting with my mom in early 2006, still just a senior in high school. This lit something fierce within me that solidified that this is what I would be doing forever. Not long after graduating high school, I did some traveling and exploring and had my own babies in 2008 and 2011. I finished my nursing prerequisites and shortly after that, started midwifery school. I began in Fall 2011 and was officially a licensed midwife in the Fall of 2014.

Rachel CPM, LM

My journey to midwifery started as a young girl. I wanted to be involved with pregnant mamas and babies but wasn't sure of what that would look like. My friends and I would pretend to be pregnant and I would be the one to "deliver" their baby!

The birth of my first son in 2010 really sparked the midwifery passion. There were no midwife options in our small military town and I ended up with traditional OB care and the cascade of interventions in the hospital that ultimately led to a cesarean birth. I did doula training after his birth and learned more about the pathways to midwifery. My second son was born at a birth center with a CPM in 2013!

I stayed home a few years to raise my babies and in 2016 I started my midwifery apprenticeship and schooling. I graduated in 2018 and in early 2019 became a CPM and Licensed Midwife in the state of Texas. Guiding women through pregnancy, birth and postpartum is so special and I feel honored to be allowed to walk with so many special mamas at such a sweet time in their lives.

Darlene Clinical Director

My name is Darlene Curtis and I am the mother of four beautiful children, and ten grandchildren. Since witnessing the birth of my little brother, I knew that I wanted to do birth work. It just took me a while to figure out exactly in what capacity. When I witnessed my first home birth, I knew at that moment that I wanted to be a midwife. But first, I had to finish having my own babies.

After the birth of my third child Cody, I completed the Doula training course and quickly became immersed in birth as a Birthing Assistant. At the same time, I was also a facilitator for a Cesarean/VBAC Support group, and attended about 50 Vaginal Births After Cesarean. I loved what I was doing and learned so much. By the time I had my last baby in 1994, I had attended well over 100 births and finally had my own home birth that I had always dreamed of. It was such a wonderful experience being at home, supported my family and midwives, that it only served to cement in my heart that I was on the right path.

After completing two years of nursing prerequisites, I enrolled in the Seattle Midwifery School in 1996, and because of my previous experience was able to graduate early in the summer of 1998. By this time I had welcomed over 250 babies and I loved every moment! One of my other dreams was to someday open my own birth center in Washington. So, as soon as I obtained my midwifery license, I quickly began pursuing my dream. In May of 1999 I started a birth center in Seattle! My dream was finally a reality, I couldn't believe it!

I served on the Board of Directors for the Midwives Association of Washington State and am proud to share that I received the Annual Award of The Midwives Association of Washington State for Outstanding Merit and Service in October of 2000. I also created the QA/QI program for birthing centers for the Washington Department of Health. In 2004 I was the co-creator of the Quality Midwifery Program through my professional organization MAWS. I also served as the co-chair for the QMP as the Peer Review Coordinator as well, and I am devoted to continually striving to promote midwifery and let the world know about the wonderful option of midwifery care. I continued to serve families at my beautiful birthing center until 2020, when my family brought me to Texas. In 2021, I was blessed to join the fabulous team at Origins as the Clinical Director and am loving my new role here.

I feel blessed to be able to witness amazing women give birth, and watching as another new family is born. I am truly honored now to help guide midwives in serving families and birthing babies!

Chrissy WHNP, APRN

My passion for healing began in 2009 when I started my medical career in Aeromedical Evacuation Rescue with the United States Air Force. That passion grew further during my experiences in critical care and trauma within diverse clinical environments. Through change and growth, life brought me to Texas where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree through the University of Texas. The intensity of my previous experiences led me to the ICU in Dallas County’s largest hospital. Through my journey working as a Registered Nurse in the ICU, I knew God was calling me for something more. I discovered an incredible path in women’s healthcare and learned everything I could in Women’s Emergency Services. Influencing and caring for women holistically on a deeper level provided both my patients and me an experience that could never be matched. I felt I had more to learn and my desire to provide a more extensive level of care, led me to complete my Master of Science in Nursing -Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner degree, at the University of Cincinnati. My passion for empowering women continues to gain strength and understanding. I strive to give the choice to women in their own healthcare needs through holistic and comprehensive collaboration. I was blessed enough to deliver our second daughter in 2017 through Origins with three amazing midwives, after a very traumatizing first birth experience 12 years prior. The genuine love and personalized care I received changed my life forever. I knew my calling was to give that feeling back to other women. God created the experience I had prayed for, in all it’s turns and surprises, leading me full circle back to my Origins family, now getting to serve women beside the women I already loved so much.

With the support of my husband and two precious daughters, I’m able to live my dream of pursuing everything that women’s healthcare has to offer. There are no limits to what we can achieve in our industry, continuing to better health care practices and autonomy for each individual woman. “Every part of you is so beautiful, my darling. Perfect is your beauty, without flaw within” ~Song of Songs 4:7

Our Services

PRECONCEPTION

Preconception visits are available for women planning on or trying to conceive. At this visit we will discuss lifestyle choices, nutrition, vitamin supplementation, exercise and optimizing your chances for conception. We can perform some of the pre-pregnancy lab work such as a pap smear, your Vitamin D and thyroid levels (if desired) and help you prepare for pregnancy issues such as morning sickness. The cost of this visit is $200.00 plus labs and if you conceive within one year of the appointment and begin care with us, we'll apply $100 of this to your midwifery fee. It's all part of our commitment to healthy mamas and healthy babies!

PRENATAL

At Origins we believe in supporting women physically, emotionally and spiritually throughout her pregnancy. Your prenatal care is an opportunity for us to build a trusting relationship with each other, for us to educate you on the physiological process of pregnancy and birth, and for you educate us on your body, your baby, and your birth desires. All of these things work in harmony to create positive birth experiences. We laugh, we cry, and we grow together.

1st appointment – 28: weeks are monthly appointments
28 weeks – 36: weeks are bi-monthly appointments
36 weeks to birth of your baby: weekly appointments
Medical/Pregnancy History
Risk Assessment
Nutritional, Herbal, and Homeopathic Counseling
All lab work required by the state of Texas and any additional that are indicated
Urinalysis at Each Prenatal Visit
Blood Pressure Monitoring
Assessment of Fetal Heart Tones and Position of Baby
24-Hour Access to Your Midwives
Pregnancy/Childbirth Education
Diagnostic Sonogram Referrals
Breastfeeding Preparation
Consulting Physician Referrals as Indicated
Extensive Professional Referrals and Resources for All of Your Pregnancy Needs

LABOR/BIRTH

At Origins, we believe that birth is sacred. Whether you are birthing at our luxury birth center, or at home, we will enter your birthing environment calmly and quietly, joining you as you labor. Using our vast knowledge of positional and relaxation techniques, we will support you during one of the most intimate experiences of your life. Respectful and personalized care that reflects your beliefs and birth choices.

Family involvement throughout the labor and birth process is welcome and encouraged
Labor support and comfort techniques including positional guidance, massage, hydrotherapy, and use of essential oils
Full clinical assessment of maternal and fetal health throughout the labor and birthing process
Techniques for avoiding perineal lacerations by gently guiding you through your pushing stage and the use of warm compresses and water birth
Perineal evaluation and if necessary, use of numbing agents and advanced suturing skills or other repair techniques
Immediate and continuous skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby to promote bonding and encourage the initiation of breastfeeding
Delayed cord clamping to assist with transition of baby as he/she begins to breathe on their own, as well as allowing the completion of blood volume to the newborn
Therapeutic herbal bath for mother and newborn to aid in bonding and healing
Comprehensive newborn examination
Breastfeeding support
All birth attendants are current with CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation certifications and have immediate access to resuscitation equipment including oxygen
IV fluids and IV antibiotics available if indicated
Access to anti-hemorrhage medications
Erythromycin and Vitamin K injection available for the newborn, if indicated or requested
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

POSTPARTUM

There is nothing quite like holding your long-awaited newborn baby, studying their features, and falling in love with them as they are falling in love with you. Navigating this precious, yet often challenging season of your life can feel overwhelming at times. We are here to support, encourage, and guide you through this sacred time, not just as your midwives, but from our mother’s hearts to yours. By the time our journey comes to a close, we are woven together through the intimacy of birth, and the bond of motherhood.

Follow-up care appointments: postpartum visit within the first 72 hours, and again at 2 weeks and 6 weeks postpartum
Breastfeeding counseling and support
Newborn physical exams and weight checks
Metabolic newborn screening tests done at initial postpartum visit and again at the 2 week visit
Continued assessments of the physiological and emotional well-being of the new mother
Pap smears available at final postpartum visit, if needed
Family dynamics/Sibling advice
Family planning counseling
Documentation of birth certificate and social security filed with the state

INTERVIEW

Welcome to our Virtual Interview! We are thrilled to share a little about ourselves with you, so you have the opportunity to get to know us better. We hope this answers many of your questions. If you feel like we would be a good match for your care, we would love to schedule our first appointment to start our journey together. We are also happy to schedule an in-person meeting to answer any further questions you may have. Congratulations, we can’t wait to meet you!

Take A Tour

Our Stats

92%

Home & Birth Center Births

80%

Water Births

49%

Daddy Catches

Transport

Cesarean Delivery

Infant Transport

FAQ

1Why should I choose Origins Birth Services?

At Origins, we know that you’ll always remember the birth of your baby, it is an intrinsic and integral part of your life, your partner’s life, and your baby’s life. You will cherish the first time you felt their tiny hand grasp your finger and the first time you nuzzled your baby’s velvety head and looked into her eyes. The birth of your child is an experience unlike any other and shouldn’t be rushed or unnecessarily clinical. At OBS, we value the human aspect of birth and know that you don’t have to sacrifice the special moments or safety, to have the birth of your dreams!

2I heard that Origins Birth Services books up quickly. Will there be room for me?

Origins is blessed to have many repeat clients that call us as soon as the pregnancy test turns up positive! Our schedule books up quickly and often several months in advance. However, it is important to us to leave room in our schedule for new clients, but starting your care with us sooner rather than later is always best.

3I’ve been seeing another care provider, can I still transfer my care to Origins?

Absolutely. We will help you make a seamless transition. All you need to do to transfer your care is make an appointment with us and then get a copy of your medical records from your previous provider by completing a Medical Records Release form available in our office. It’s that simple.

4What makes OBS so different than a hospital birth?

Unlike at a hospital birth, you will have a close and trusting relationship with your midwives, who will walk through your whole birth experience with you. All our practices, including privacy, quiet, low-lighting and minimal interventions, are geared to promote the natural process of birth. You won’t have to fight to get the things you want or worry that we’ll do things you don’t want. No hassles – just loving support of the midwives to guide you through your birth. One of the biggest differences between a hospital birth and a birth with Origins, is that the mother-baby connection is not only encouraged by us, but that we facilitate this bond by allowing continuous uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby. Your baby will never leave your side as you take baby’s first bath together, spend time getting to know one another and initiating breastfeeding, and we perform the thorough newborn examination alongside you.

5Is an Out of Hospital birth safe?

The health of the mother, comprehensive prenatal visits, risk screening, referral and/or transfer to the hospital when appropriate, continuous support and care during labor and birth is what makes birthing with Origins Birth Services safe. Out-of-hospital birth (at the birth center or in your own home) is as safe as, or safer than, a hospital birth for the majority of women. The Midwife Alliance of North America has several studies, articles, and printouts that you can share with your family and friends.

6Why does Origins have such good outcomes?

First of all, we don’t care for high-risk women or babies. Furthermore, we do not perform services that increase your risk for complications such as, induction, continuous fetal monitoring, or pain medications. Holistic care begins with your first visit and continues throughout your pregnancy with one-on-one care. Our focus is on the prevention of problems through nutritional support, exercise, and utilizing allopathic resources. Birth, breastfeeding and recovery are all better when the woman is prepared, confident and well-supported!

7Am I a good candidate for out-of-hospital birth?

The majority of women are good candidates for out-of-hospital birth. We offer a complimentary screening to ensure that this would be a safe option for you and your baby.

8If I’m using Origins midwives, do I need to see a physician also?

We provide complete prenatal care as long as you and your baby remain low risk. If a situation requiring medical attention arises, we will refer you to one of several qualified physicians or you may visit a doctor of your choice. Very few of our clients have required complete transfer of care due to risk factors. Most of our clients like to schedule visits with our consulting obstetrician to establish a relationship.

9What about lab work and ultrasounds?

We have lab privileges and order any lab work or ultrasound that you may need. Blood will be drawn by one of the Origins midwives at our offices or ordered for a lab near you. For women wanting ultrasound, we utilize independent sonographers or you may schedule a sonogram with our consulting physician.

10Do you offer VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) services?

We do offer midwifery care and birth services for women with one prior, low-transverse cesarean section. For VBAC support and education go to ICAN-online.org and VBACfacts.com.

11Do you take clients near their estimated due dates?

Yes, as long as there has been prenatal care and the woman is healthy and low-risk (meaning no high blood pressure, gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications or health risks) and we can get all of her medical records. We get calls quite frequently from families that feel they cannot continue with their current plans and are seeking last-minute changes. This often is a result of childbirth education or because they are at the end of their pregnancy and being told they will need unnecessary interventions.

12Can my older children attend my appointments and/or be at my birth?

We absolutely LOVE having older siblings take part in your prenatal visits. At Origins, we strive to promote sibling bonding and we believe this begins in the prenatal period. Our “little helpers” assist throughout the appointment by measuring mommy’s tummy, and listening to baby’s heartbeat. Family-centered births are welcomed based on the mother’s and children’s comfort level.

13Do you allow waterbirths?

Absolutely! The buoyancy, warmth and relaxation of the water are very helpful during labor. Many women relaxing in the tub go on to give birth there. Mothers and babies love it. Kaitlyn and Gina have advanced water birth training through Waterbirth International. At Origins, the majority of our births take place in the water. Gina and Kaitlyn are both waterbirth mamas themselves.

14How involved can Daddy be?

As involved as he wants to be both prenatally and at the birth. Many fathers cut the cord and join with the mother in announcing the sex of the baby. Some fathers even want to be in the tub during the birth and help “catch” their babies. Others just want to be present. We support your choices.

15What does newborn care look like at the birth?

We believe that babies are people too! As such, they should be honored along with the mother and allowed the opportunity for their own physiological birth and transition into the world. Here are some of our practices and beliefs…..

Babies navigate the birth canal on their own – no pulling or tugging on their head and then waiting for natural rotation
Their first touch should be from the hands of those who love them
Their first sounds should be from the voices of those who love them
Leaving the cord intact so baby can be sustained with oxygenated blood during the transition to breathing on their own
Continuous skin-to-skin contact with mama
Baby-led breastfeeding – babies left in peace to find mama’s nipple and latch on, finishing the rotations of birth and breastfeeding.
Treat all babies gently, with dignity and respect

16Do you offer breastfeeding support?

Both Gina and Kaitlyn are Breastfeeding Support Specialists with years of personal and professional experience. We believe that facilitating a healthy breastfeeding relationship is a vital component of our midwifery care. We work together to support you with our own expertise and also utilizing area breastfeeding professionals. We recognize that preparing for breastfeeding before the birth of your child is a priority when considering that your breastfeeding journey will last several months to several years.

17What happens if birth doesn’t go as planned?

Although out-of-hospital birth is statistically safer, it does not guarantee a complication-free birth. We are highly skilled and trained to detect and manage most birth complications. We have all the necessary medical equipment and supplies including allopathic treatments, which preserves our capability to safely deliver out of the hospital. We’ve discreetly tucked away all necessary equipment such as oxygen, IV therapy, and medications. Deviations from normal that should not be managed out of the hospital often have early warning signs which permit ample time to transport to the hospital. In this rare instance that a transport does become necessary, we have working relationships with many of the area hospitals and physicians and we will continue to be an active participant of your care until the birth of your baby.

18Birth Center or Home Birth?

The decision to have your baby at home or at the birth center is a personal choice. The birth center is a great option for those who just aren’t comfortable with the concept of birthing at home. It’s a good option for those who live with other people, in an apartment with neighbors in very close proximity, or who will be having out-of-town relatives staying with them and don’t have the privacy needed.
The two major differences between the two are:
When choosing the Birth Center, you won’t have to do any preparation, tub-filling, laundry, or clean-up after the birth, and we provide all of the supplies. The downside is that you have to drive during labor and home again afterwards with your new baby.
When birthing at home, you have a continuum of labor, birth, and snuggling into your own bed afterwards. There’s no bag to pack, food or drinks to gather, packing up, or driving in labor or home again afterwards. The downsides are that you do have to gather a list of supplies, purchase a birthing kit, and waterbirth necessities. The other consideration is that some women just can’t relax with ‘guests’ in their home, albeit familiar guests.
When it comes to children, we’ve seen families choose either location for the same reasons. Some choose homebirth so that their children can continue sleeping in their own beds but for others, commotion in the house and birthing sounds would wake their little ones. These women will often have someone come to stay with their children at the home and give birth at the birth center. Other women choose the birth center so that they can have space and time to labor in privacy, away from their children. Your comfort and sense of security are key components to your birthing success, so choose whichever location that will help you to be less self-conscious and provide you with the privacy you need.

19Tell me about the Origins Birth Community…

At Origins, we are committed to creating a community for women to feel confident and secure in their birthing and parenting choices. To reach that goal, we have initiated a social media network to give our clients a safe environment to discuss pregnancy, birth, and parenting related questions. Please like our fan page on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and for past and current clients only, you may join our private facebook interactive group. Once you are a part of the Origins family, you are welcome to join our playdates, lunch gatherings, and natural living events. We have quarterly birth story nights, belly painting nights, and other fun affairs as often as we can.

Origins Outreach

Origins is committed to giving back to birth. We support both local and international charities personally, and we would love to give you an opportunity to join us. The local organization that we support is Mercy House. Kaitlyn and Gina offer their midwifery services and care for Mercy House clients, which are young single mothers that have no family or financial support. We are also committed to birth efforts globally, where in third-world countries infant and maternal mortality rates are alarmingly high due to the lack of skilled birth attendants, and in some areas, as high as 1 in 9 women die in and around the time of giving birth. As part of our global contributions we give to our personal friend and colleague, Beth Johnson, CPM, LM with Heartline Ministries, who is serving as a missionary midwife in Haiti. We invite you to join us in our efforts to give back by donating to Origins Outreach.

Blog

03/19/2015

Origins Founders Midwife Gina and Midwife Kaitlyn

03/19/2015

Interview with the Midwives

Having your baby is a very personal experience! Choosing your midwife is just as personal. Get to know the midwives of Origins and their personal quirks.

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