Consultative visit
This first visit is provided to you at no charge. The intent of our time together is for you to find out if our services are a good fit with your expectations and needs.
Accepting New Patients in January 2025
homebirth & midwifery care in Montana and Wyoming
Feel heard, feel valued, feel strong.
At Willow & Sage we strive to create safe, empowering environments for women to experience out-of-hospital birth.
Our mission is to partner with women and their families to provide them with the most current, evidence-based information so they are able to make fully informed choices through their wellness journeys, pregnancies, births, and early postpartum stages. As a women’s healthcare clinic, we strive to create an environment where women feel empowered and safe to ask questions about their healthcare options.
We focus on preventative healthcare/wellness with our main goal being providing full-circle, evidence-based care to women in our community and surrounding areas. We recognize that wellness, pregnancy, and birth are all very much family centered journeys and so we welcome any and all support persons you wish to have join you in your visits with us.
ASHLEY N. JONES, CERTIFIED NURSE MIDWIFE
Because You & Your Baby Deserve Experienced, Compassionate Care
“I strive to help patients become fully informed and feel empowered to make excellent decisions about their healthcare because they were listened to and had the opportunity to make those decisions based on a shared decision-making model.”
Ashley grew up in Montana and received her undergraduate degree at Montana State University-Northern and her graduate degree from Frontier Nursing University. She has practiced midwifery in both the hospital and out of hospital settings, including working as a labor and delivery nurse for 6 years prior to becoming a midwife. While Ashley has enjoyed her work in all of these settings, her heart is in the out of hospital setting where she feels she can adequately provide the type of care that her clients desire, and, where she is able to provide clients and their families with all of the information they need to make informed decisions.
Ashley chose midwifery as a career because she believes that all women deserve a healthcare provider who empowers them to be experts in their healthcare, and this is the core of midwifery. Educating women on their options using evidence-based information and then watching these women make healthcare decisions based on that information is Ashley’s favorite part of her job. She enjoys educating women on physiologic childbirth and helping advocate for the birth experience they desire. Ashley feels privileged to walk with women through their pregnancies, births, and postpartum times, as well as their wellness journeys.
When Ashley isn’t catching babies, you will find her spending time with her family and supporting her four children on the gymnastics floor, wrestling mat, and motocross track. Ashley also loves a good book and cup of coffee!
“Childbirth is a woman’s rite of passage, and the care provider’s role is to support her as she takes ownership of it.”
-Reclaiming Childbirth as a Rite of Passage by Rachel Reed
Embrace what your body is naturally designed to do
We're with you every step of the way - equipping you and your partner with the information you need to have the birth experience you want.
Homebirth
Bring your baby into the world feeling supported & comfortable in your own home.
Water birth
Laboring and birthing in water can provide natural pain relief, and is a preferred choice for many women.
birth center
The birth suites offer a kitchen, dining area, living room/waiting area, and “play” area for younger children.
prenatal care
We offer in-home visits for all appointment types while providing top-notch prenatal care.
Postpartum care
With regularly scheduled postpartum visits, we ensure all women are supported after birth and have their health needs met.
newborn care
We provide all newborns with complete care, including lactation services, newborn screenings, and physical examinations.
well woman Care
We love taking care of women across the lifespan, starting at puberty and all the way through menopause.
Weight management
We can provide education, guidance, and lifestyle suggestions to help clients with managing their weight.
Testimonies
Willow & Sage Birth Stories
“After 2 hospital inductions with an OBGYN, and told my body would never trigger labor on its own—I was devastated but still hopeful I could do it naturally. Once I got pregnant with my 3rd I wanted to switch gears and go the midwife more natural minded route. I was nervous at first especially since my 2nd pregnancy was a large 10 pound shoulder dystocia baby. I met Ashley at my first prenatal appointment and I knew I was in the right hands!
Throughout my prenatal visits, I quickly learned that Ashley was on my side 100% of the time—that this was my pregnancy, labor and baby, that she would allow me to feel empowered and be my own advocate while gently guiding me to what she knew my heart desired. After meeting with her the day before my 3rd baby was born—I thought I was dreaming when she told me this baby would be born by the end of the weekend… and fast! She was not wrong, but rather 100% spot on; no induction, not even time for an IV.
Ashley is kind, compassionate, knowledgeable and will fight with you in the depths of your care—never pushing but empowering you to follow your heart! I’m truly grateful I made the switch to midwifery care and found Ashley. She allowed me to have the pregnancy and delivery I had always dreamed of!”
- Shelby N.
“After having my first baby in the hospital during the 2020 pandemic and the birth being nothing that we had envisioned, we decided to go the route of a home birth when we found out we were expecting our second. I found Ashley’s FB page for Willow and Sage Midwifery and reached out for a consultation with her. From the minute we entered her clinic we immediately fell in love with her personality and calm demeanor. She always took the time to answer any questions I had (even when I felt they were silly) and she made sure to make my birth everything I wanted and then some. She stayed extremely calm when I felt I couldn’t go any longer naturally and used such a calming approach to get me through transition and giving birth.
My labor was extremely fast and she allowed my body to do what it needed to do. I was able to have a touch free birth and my husband was able to catch our baby. I will forever be grateful for her allowing us to get the experience we longed for birthing our son. After having him she allowed us time to rest as a family with very minimal interruptions and made sure to be available for anything we needed. She was absolutely amazing during his 24 hour check and stayed in close touch through the following 6 weeks to make sure that I was feeling well and handling the stresses of a new baby with ease.
Even after giving birth 2 years ago she is still active in our lives and I know I can reach out with any questions or concerns I have regarding woman’s health. Highly recommend!”
- Tori M.
“Ashley is an incredible person and truly everything you look for in a midwife. She is so kind and encouraging, and so knowledgeable. She truly cares about making sure you are fully informed and educated on all of your options and helps you make empowered decisions based off of education and not fear. She was my midwife for my second pregnancy, and she was so encouraging and empowering throughout my pregnancy that when we realized that we would not make it to the birth center and I was going to give birth in my car, I was able to trust my body and have a truly amazing birth regardless of where I was.
She inspired me to advance my education as an RN and become a certified nurse-midwife too! If I can do for even just one patient what she did for me and I know she does for countless others, it will be worth it.“
- Jamie P.
Photo courtesy of Christine Clair Photography.
“My husband and I welcomed our 4th baby this past September. Going into this pregnancy, we knew we wanted to do things a little bit differently, which is why we chose midwifery. I had a vision to have more of a hands off birth, and really just desired to submerge myself in the whole experience as naturally as I could. I reached out to Ashley first when I found out I was pregnant to see if midwifery would be a good fit for me, and it turns out it was everything I had hoped for.
I was able to see Ashley for many of my prenatal appointments and she was absolutely wonderful. She graciously answered all of my questions, made me feel heard, and provided the education I needed to make informed decisions for myself and for my baby. Having 3 other kids, it was rare that I was able to come kid-free to appointments. Ashley always included them and very much made our whole family part of the special experience. I also want to comment on Ashley’s postnatal care, which was top notch. I had a lot of nursing difficulty and she sent me in the right direction, which ultimately has led to 12 months of exclusively breastfeeding so far!
I am so grateful for my birth experience and the care I received from Ashley. She truly made such a positive impact on my life that I will never forget.“
- Sarah S.
We're with you every step of your birth journey
What You Can Expect From Willow & Sage Midwifery Care:
Our flow of care is designed to give you a comprehensive and personalized approach to pregnancy and postpartum care. From the consultative visit discussing your needs and expectations to the prenatal appointments focused on your health and well-being, we aim to create a relaxing and informative environment for you and your family.
With a flexible appointment schedule tailored to your specific needs, including additional visits as necessary, we ensure that you receive the necessary support and care throughout your pregnancy journey.
Prenatal Appointments
Most prenatal visits last 30-60 minutes. These appointments begin with your questions and concerns. We will discuss many aspects of the general health of you, your baby, and your family.
Labor & Delivery
Whether at home or a birth suite, our goal is to maintain a safe, comforting, and calm environment for you to bring your baby into the world. After labor & delivery, we plan to stay with you for 2-6 hours after birth to continue to support your needs.
Postpartum Care
During regularly scheduled visits, we thoroughly assess both your & your baby's overall wellbeing, and we are just a phone call away for any questions you may have.
In Case You're Wondering...
Frequently Asked Questions
Why birth with a midwife?
The definition of midwife literally means “with women.” A midwife provides compassionate, holistic, woman-centered healthcare. The practice of midwifery is commonly considered a blend of emotional care and clinical care that focuses on supporting women physically and emotionally. At Willow & Sage, we feel the birth of your baby is an experience unlike any other; not to be rushed, and without unnecessary intervention. We value the spiritual & human aspect of birth so that you don’t have to sacrifice the special moments or safety. Lastly, you choose a midwife to empower you to have the birth you envision, surrounded by people you love.
What's the difference between a midwife and an OB?
Both midwives and OB-GYNs provide comprehensive maternity care to women throughout the childbearing years. OBs are surgeons who are best fit to care for high-risk women. OB-GYNs typically follow the medical model of care, while midwives practice the midwifery model of care. The midwifery model of care is more holistic in that your provider looks at your physical, psychological, and social well-being; and it has been proven as the safest and most effective model for low risk and healthy pregnancies. At Willow & Sage, we approach pregnancy as a normal part of life, not as a medical problem.
What kind of training does a midwife have?
Just like any healthcare provider, midwives can have different levels of education and training. Ashley is a certified nurse midwife. A certified nurse midwife has the highest level of education and training among the different types of midwives. Certified nurse midwives have completed nursing school and are registered nurses. They also complete a master or doctorate degree in nurse midwifery and receive additional training in pregnancy and childbirth. CNMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and are recognized as part of the medical community. Ashley is an advanced practice nurse and also has prescriptive authority, so in the event you need a prescription for something, Ashley is able to provide that for you.
Who are good candidates for out of hospital birth?
Out of hospital birth is an option for any pregnant woman experiencing a healthy, low-risk pregnancy who desires to be supported and to give birth outside of the medical setting, with minimal interventions, and in the comfort of their own home or at a local freestanding birth center. Commonalities for women who seek out of hospital care include a strong sense of personal responsibility, a desire for a greater degree of personal autonomy, and innate trust in their bodies and in the birth process. Statistically when women receive holistic care that begins with the first visit and continues throughout, they have healthier outcomes. When you sign on with Ashley as your midwife, she guarantees to be at your birth unless there is some unforeseen emergency (this has never happened ).
Do you offer out of hospital birth for women who are having twins? Breech? VBAC?
Yes, we do, however you must be a good candidate, healthy, and have the ability to provide a thorough assessment of your medical history. With each client, we go through and evaluate the inherent risks. In addition, we discuss the need for ongoing assessments and required referrals needed to move forward. We agree to a care plan, as well as provide informed consent covering possible risks.
VBAC –We do offer midwifery care, and informed choice of VBAC birth, with prior low-transverse cesarean section. For VBAC education & research go to the following links:
- Another helpful source https://vbacfacts.com/
- Also, you can benefit by signing up for online classes on vbac.
Breech Birth –We do offer midwifery care and informed choice for breech birth. First, this is with frank and complete breech presentation. For more information and research on outcomes of out-of-hospital breech birth go to Breech birth at home: a new study of safety outcomes.
Twins –We do offer midwifery care and informed choice for vaginal twins. We encourage you to explore your options, gather information, education- research on natural twin birth, https://www.twinstuff.com/natural-twin-birth/ or read further information at this link; https://indiebirth.org/case-vaginal-twin-home-birth-cassie-snyder/
What are some reasons for transfer?
The vast majority of in-labor transports are situations in which the client is no longer low-risk, but are not emergencies. The most common reason for transfer is labor dystocia which occurs in 5.1% to 9.8% of all women planning for home births. Transfer for fetal distress varied from 1.0% to 3.6%, postpartum hemorrhage from 0% to 0.2% and infant respiratory problems 0.3% to 1.4%.
If the situation is non-emergent, such as a need for IV fluids, need for additional monitoring, or additional pain relief, you will be transferred via private vehicle to your preferred hospital. If the situation is a more time-sensitive emergency, we’ll go to the closest hospital to you. Ashley will remain with you through your birth in hospital (barring extraordinary circumstances), and also continue care through the postpartum.
What if there is an emergency?
Since home birth midwifery care is limited to healthy low-risk women and we provide careful monitoring in prenatal care, the risks of a true emergency are small. However, complications do occasionally arise. Ashley is trained and current in Neonatal Resuscitation (newborn CPR) and carries equipment and supplies to address complications such as newborn difficulty breathing or postpartum hemorrhage.
How long can I go past my estimated due date?
On average, most labors will start spontaneously before 41.3, or 10 days past the due date. In Ashley’s experience, pregnancies rarely go past 42 weeks. If you have a prior birth history of longer gestation, there are natural options that we suggest after 36 weeks. If we are nearing 42.0 weeks, we can discuss options and you can choose the path forward.
Can I decline having lab work or ultrasounds?
As a midwife, Ashley feels every woman should have a choice; however, to determine a mother to be low risk you will need assessments, and this is for maternal and fetal wellbeing and safety. I like to keep lab work and ultrasounds to a minimum, unless otherwise warranted with a condition to look into. Willow & Sage strongly suggests an ultrasound at 20 weeks of pregnancy called an anatomy scan. This detailed scan will assess fetal growth matching size for dates, placenta placement, amniotic fluid level, and checking fetal development as normal. You always have the final say at the end of the day, but in order to make sure the pregnancy is healthy and low risk, you might not qualify for an out of hospital birth with Willow & Sage if you choose to decline the 20 week anatomy scan.
Most labs have consent/refusal where you have a choice on how to perform the test, such as gestational diabetes screening and Group B strep screening.
How much are your fees and will insurance cover it?
A breakdown of fees, payment plan schedules, and insurance reimbursement questions are covered during consultation, not posted online. Most insurance companies will cover some (or all) of the cost of the care you receive from a certified nurse midwife. You will be provided with a superbill to present to your insurance company at which point they will be able to tell you how much of the fee they will cover.
When compared to the full cost of even an uncomplicated vaginal hospital birth, home birth is considerably less. Most clients who pay out of pocket tell us it’s worth every penny for the hours and quality of care received. Here’s an estimate of my average time spent with a client:
- 12-14 hours/prenatal visits
- 6-48 hours/ labor and birth
- 3-4 hours/ immediate postpartum
- 6 -8 hours/ 4-6 individual postpartum visits
- 8-10 hours of work you don’t see: answering your questions via phone, e-mail and text message, coordinating with other care providers when the need arises, researching topics particular to your needs, paperwork, and equipment maintenance.
Keep in mind that you are receiving highly personal, individualized care from a specialized care provider. Each birth is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Most people budget and plan for things they really want. Birthing a child the way you want is as important as the special things we expect to pay for out of pocket like a wedding, car, engagement ring, or vacation.
Are midwives the same as doulas?
A midwife is not a doula. A doula is a trained labor support person who provides emotional and physical support to those who are giving birth and their families. Doulas are not medical professionals but are valuable to the birth experience and we recommend everyone hire a doula! Ask Ashley for some local doula recommendations.
How long will you stay in my home after the birth?
I will stay with you for approximately 3 hours following the birth of your baby (at least 2 hours from the birth of the placenta). I make sure mom and baby are stable, breastfeeding is established (ideally within the first hour), the comprehensive newborn exam is complete, your home is cleaned (we leave everything exactly how it was when we arrived), your birth pool is drained and cleaned (if you had a water labor/birth), your laundry is pre-treated and in the washing machine, and your garbage is outside. We also make sure you’re fed and tucked in before we leave!
How do we get a birth certificate and social security card for our baby?
Ashley will fill out the baby’s birth certificate paperwork while at your home (or the birth center) during a postpartum visit. She will file the birth certificate at the appropriate vital statistics office and it will be available to purchase. If you choose to have one issued, a social security card will be mailed to your home 10-14 days from the date the birth certificate is filed.
Can i have a waterbirth?
Yes! Waterbirth is an option whether you are birthing in one of the birth suites at the birth center, or, whether you choose to have a homebirth. Please check out this website for more information on waterbirth https://waterbirth.org/faqs/
Can I switch to a midwife for a home birth if I already have established care with an OB or other hospital-based practice?
Absolutely! You can switch over to an out of hospital midwife no matter how far along you are. When you decide to switch over to an out of hospital midwife, your midwife will request your prenatal records from the office where you had previously been receiving prenatal care and will resume care where they left off.
When should I contact you if I'm interested in learning more or starting care?
Contact me as soon as you’re interested. I offer a free consultation visit and even preconception care. The initial prenatal visit is usually around 10 to 12 weeks (from your last period), which is when we can first reliably hear the baby’s heartbeat with a handheld doppler. Because offering this style of very personal care means taking a limited number of clients each month, it is best to make contact early, but if you are discovering midwifery care later in your pregnancy, don’t hesitate to check on availability.
“When you change the way you view birth, the way you birth will change.” – Marie Mongan
© 2024 All rights Reserved. Design by Salt + Sage Web Studio | Privacy Policy