Home Birth

home birth with

Haven Birth & Wellness

Your birth story is one of the most powerful experiences you will ever have. We’re here to help you write it your way.

At Haven Birth and Wellness, we believe your birth should feel empowering, peaceful, and truly your own. With the support of our experienced team of midwives by your side, you can feel confident in the care you’ll receive—personalized, relationship-based, and centered around your vision for your birth.

Your Birth, Your Way 

Every birth is unique, and at Haven, you’re always at the heart of our care. From the moment you join us, you’ll experience longer, more personal appointments that foster trust and create space for your questions, thoughts, and needs. Our certified nurse-midwives take the time to truly know you, your family, and your story–so that, when the moment arrives, your care team is prepared to honor what matters most to you.

What to Expect from Haven’s Home Birth Services

From the first visit through postpartum care, we support you through every stage of your journey, trusting you to make informed decisions about your body, your baby, and your birth experience. You’ll have 24/7 access to your midwives—whether it’s a question at 2 a.m. or support as labor begins, we’re here for you.
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Comprehensive Prenatal Care

During each visit, we check in on your baby’s growth and well-being, but we also talk about you. How are you feeling? How’s your stress? Your sleep? Your life outside of pregnancy? We look at the whole picture to support not only a healthy birth but a healthy, balanced life.

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Personalized Birth Plans

Around 36 weeks, we come to your home, walk through your space, and discuss exactly how you envision your birth. We go over any specific needs or preferences and talk through what will happen on the big day.

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Labor and Birth

When the time comes, you’re in control. You’re free to move, eat, and labor in whatever position feels right for you. We’re present to support you and offer gentle guidance, never rushing or intervening unless necessary. For some, the comfort of warm water in a birth tub is exactly what they need to relax and bring their baby into the world. For others, it’s the space to move and breathe as they wish. Whatever you choose, we’ll be right there with you—hands off unless you ask for more.

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A Calm, Supported Arrival

After your baby is born, they go right into your arms for skin-to-skin bonding. We believe in giving you that sacred, uninterrupted first hour to connect with your newborn. Our team quietly monitors you and your baby, ensuring you’re both healthy and stable while not disturbing the magic of those hours of bonding.

Lauren Drees, owner at Haven Birth and Wellness, supporting a laboring client in a birth tub.

ongoing
Postpartum Support

Our care doesn’t stop once your baby is born. We’ll return within 24–36 hours for a home visit, checking on you and your baby. From breastfeeding support to newborn screenings, you can expect continued support in those early days. At Haven, we know that postpartum care is just as important as birth itself, so we’ll continue to check in with you over the next six weeks to ensure a smooth transition into motherhood.

Safety
and
Preparation

At Haven, safety is always a priority. We’re prepared for the unexpected, bringing with us the necessary medical supplies and emergency equipment, though our goal is to minimize interventions. And in the rare case that a hospital transfer is needed, you won’t go alone. A Haven midwife will stay with you, supporting and advocating for you every step of the way.

Why Choose a Homebirth?

Choosing a home birth with Haven Birth and Wellness is about embracing a birth experience that is uniquely yours. Our approach minimizes unnecessary interventions and empowers you to trust your body. By receiving care in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by your chosen support system, you can experience a birth that is personal, peaceful, and centered on you.

Our midwives walk with you through every stage of pregnancy, providing care that nurtures your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. From nutritional counseling to postpartum support, we ensure that you and your family are cared for, not just during the birth, but throughout the entire journey.

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About Our Midwives

A headshot of Lauren Drees, owner and head certified nurse midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness.

Lauren Drees, CNM, MSN

Lauren Drees has been practicing as a Certified Nurse Midwife since 2010. Her journey into midwifery began in nursing school, where she witnessed highly medicalized births and felt drawn to a more holistic approach. After years of hospital-based care, Lauren felt called to open Haven Birth and Wellness to offer a more intimate, relationship-centered experience for women. For Lauren, being invited into a woman’s pregnancy journey is an honor, and she’s passionate about supporting women as they discover their own strength in birth.

When she's not catching babies, Lauren enjoys being active, whether hiking with her goldendoodle, Ruby or sweating it out at Burn Bootcamp, trying new recipes, and spending time with friends and family. She is also always dreaming up new ways to better service our families and employees at Haven!


A headshot of Carolyn Denning, a certified nurse midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness.

Carolyn Denning, CNM, MSN

Carolyn’s journey into midwifery began with her deep passion for supporting women through the sacred process of birth. After working as a doula and a nurse, she pursued midwifery and found her calling in providing hands-on, compassionate care. Carolyn has a wealth of experience in hospital and home birth settings, including international mission work. She had her own transformative home birth in South Africa, which reinforced her belief in the power of natural birth.

Outside of work, Carolyn loves traveling, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and exploring nature.


A headshot of Dawn Swendsen, a certified nurse midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness.

Dawn Swendsen, CNM, MSN, APRN

With over 25 years of experience in women’s health and nearly 1,500 births, Dawn has devoted her career to empowering women through education and shared decision-making. Her experience spans from labor and delivery to NICU and OB-Emergency care. Dawn believes in non-interventionist birth, trusting in the body’s natural ability to give birth unless intervention is truly needed.

When she’s not caring for families, Dawn enjoys running marathons, camping, and spending time with her husband and their five children.


A headshot of Lauren Schrenk, a certified nurse midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness.

Lauren Schrenk, CNM, MSN

Lauren’s journey into midwifery grew from a desire to provide holistic, community-based care. Her experience abroad caring for women in underserved areas fueled her passion for empowering women to give birth naturally and with confidence. She’s excited to be part of the Haven team and looks forward to serving women in their homes during these pivotal moments in life.

Outside of midwifery, Lauren loves hiking, camping, and exploring new places with her husband, daughter, and dog.


A headshot of Emmy Zarabi, a certified nurse midwife at Haven Birth and Wellness.

Emmy Zarabi, CNM, MSN

Emmy’s passion for midwifery is rooted in the deep relationships she builds with women, supporting them through pregnancy, birth, and wellness. Her journey began as a Labor and Delivery nurse at Vanderbilt, where she was inspired by midwifery’s holistic, evidence-based approach and pursued her dream of becoming a Certified Nurse Midwife. After gaining experience in hospital births, Emmy was thrilled to transition to home birth with Haven, where she gets to provide compassionate, personalized care in an intimate setting.

Outside of midwifery, Emmy values her faith and family. She enjoys playing basketball, exploring the outdoors, traveling, and discovering new restaurants with her husband, Josh.

Home Birth FAQs