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

Meet The Staff

Kaitlyn

My journey to becoming a midwife began while I was a Pre-Med student with a focus in Obstetrics and Gynecology throughout college. I met my husband, got married, and became pregnant soon after, and realized quickly that I wouldn’t be attending medical school anytime soon. I gave birth to my first child in early 2008, and experienced a traumatic birth in a hospital setting. I spent my first several months postpartum gravely ill from an infection I received while in the hospital. My infection was directly related to having an epidural, so with my subsequent pregnancies I knew I wanted something completely different. I set out on a path different from what I had known, and I chose to have a homebirth with a midwife and doula, and it was an incredible and life-changing experience. It was clear the Lord was changing my path from medical care for women throughout their pregnancy and birth to holistic care through midwifery. My experience fueled my passion for natural birth and I began serving women as a Certified Birth Doula, knowing that my path was to eventually become a midwife. I wanted to integrate my passion for holistic care, with my love for obstetrics and help women achieve gentle births for both themselves and their babies. My experience as a doula forged my ability to connect with women and tend to their specific needs and desires for birth, – physically, spiritually, and emotionally. I purposefully chose to become a doula prior to beginning my midwifery apprenticeship because I believe deeply that learning how to connect with women during the most intimate and sacred moments of their life would help me become the kind of midwife I knew that I wanted to be.

Through my birth experiences, both in the hospital setting and at home, as well as medicated and un-medicated, I am able to connect with and support women wherever they are on their journey into motherhood. I have attended 500+ births, which gives me an extensive overview of the needs and desires of laboring women. Midwifery is my God-given ministry, my calling, and my passion.

Gina

My love for midwifery began in the summer of 2004, when I gave birth to my third child at a birth center using a midwife. Having been physically and emotionally wounded after two previous hospital births; I found what my spirit had longed for through the wonderful care I received during my delivery at the birth center. In 2006 I became a Certified Birth Doula and began to serve women in that capacity. Knowing that my heart’s desire was to be a midwife one day I patiently waited for God to open the door for me. In 2008 I began working as a midwifery assistant. The following year I developed and managed the postpartum care team and the Lactation Program at Gentle Beginnings Birth Center. I worked there as the Postpartum Team Coordinator and Breastfeeding Specialist until February 2011. At that time, I enrolled in a midwifery program and that was the beginning of my longtime dream to help women experience the wonders of what it feels like to be lovingly cared for through their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. I have now fulfilled my dream of becoming a Licensed Certified Professional Midwife.

Having experienced the full spectrum of childbirth options, with my first two in the hospital setting, the middle two at a birth center in the water, and the last in the comfort of my home; I feel that I have a unique ability to connect with women no matter their birthing choices. I have attended over 500 births, which has given me first-hand experience caring for laboring and birthing women on a safe and professional level. I am thrilled to be able to share my passion for midwifery with my clients and help them to bring the joys of a new addition into their family.

Justine

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”.

Roxanne

I first became a midwife in 1989. During my training in the 1980s, I had the privilege of a traditional apprenticeship in Texas with many senior midwives who were pioneers in the state of Texas and the nation. Watching their intuitive and natural style of attending women based on years of experience, I quickly developed my own faith in the ability of women to give birth. The confidence I gained at that time in the birthing process is still with me today.

After practicing as a midwife for several years I took a sabbatical from midwifery to focus on my family. When I came back to midwifery, I updated my clinical knowledge with local midwives and also went to Senegal, West Africa and the Philippines to gain cross cultural experience and attend the births necessary to complete my CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) requirements. I became licensed to practice again in Texas in 2011. Currently I also serve on the Midwifery Advisory Board for the state of Texas, and speak on various topics at midwifery conferences across the state.

I have three amazing older children that were all born at home, and that I had the opportunity of homeschooling K-12. I find that my experiences as a mother have become a huge part of the way I practice and relate to the birthing women and their babies that I now have the privilege of serving at Origins.

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 the entire price 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

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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

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.

04/29/2019

Little Love Counseling now at Origins!

Origins is so excited to welcome Caitlyn with Little Love Counseling! She will be in our office on Mondays and is available by appointment.

11/08/2018

How to pack the Best Birth Bag the Origins way!

It won’t be too long until your little one makes their grand entrance into the world. One of the best ways to prepare for that day is by packing your birth bag(s).

Contact Us

We are conveniently located two miles east of 35W and Golden Triangle tucked away in the Vista Ranch office development.
Our center is strategically placed just over a mile from our local hospital.
We are a short distance from Haslet, Roanoke, Southlake, North Richland Hills, and many other surrounding cities.