Let’s Talk Homebirth with A Fort Collins Midwife

Exploring Home Birth: An Interview with Jen Grieco, Fort Collins Midwife

Giving birth is one of the most transformative experiences in a mother’s life. The way we bring our babies into the world shapes that journey in profound ways. As a Fort Collins newborn photographer, I spend a lot of time talking with new parents, and I often hear incredible birth stories—especially from families who have chosen home birth. Many of my clients describe feeling deeply supported and empowered through midwifery care, and their experiences have left me wanting to learn more.

As a mom of five who has had natural births, I’ve always been drawn to the quietness and intimacy of home birth. There’s something beautiful about welcoming a baby in a familiar, peaceful space, surrounded by care and support. I also get asked for recommendations from expecting families looking into home birth in Fort Collins and beyond, so I wanted to connect with an expert who could share real insight.

That’s why I reached out to Jen Grieco, a highly respected midwife serving families from Fort Collins to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to talk about the beauty of midwifery care and what families can expect when choosing a home birth. Whether you’re considering a home birth in Northern Colorado or Southern Wyoming, or you’re just curious like I was, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned.

So grab a cup of tea or coffee, and let’s dive into the world of home births with Jen Grieco Midwifery & Wellness.

How long have you been a midwife, and what got you into midwifery?

“I have been a midwife for over 15 years, but I was a nurse prior to that. The birth of my third child transformed my understanding of birth from a medical event to a miraculous, communal experience. This shift led me to midwifery care in Fort Collins and Cheyenne, and I left the medical model of childbirth.”

How do you work with families to create a birth plan that fits their needs and preferences?

“I take the time to build a strong relationship with each family, ensuring they feel heard, informed, and empowered in their birth choices. Through in-depth prenatal visits, we discuss their values, preferences, and any concerns.

I also provide evidence-based guidance to help them make confident decisions. Together, we create a personalized birth plan that prioritizes safety, flexibility, and their unique vision for a positive and supported birth experience.”

What would you say to someone who has concerns or fears about giving birth at home?

“I would first listen with compassion, acknowledging their concerns and providing evidence-based information to address any fears. Home birth in Fort Collins and Cheyenne is a safe option for low-risk pregnancies, and as a skilled midwife, I am trained to monitor both mother and baby closely, recognizing when intervention is needed.

My goal is to create a safe, supported environment where families feel empowered and confident in their birth choices.”

How do you help families prepare for the possibility of transfer to a hospital during a home birth?

“I believe in open and honest conversations, so we discuss the possibility of hospital transfer during prenatal visits and create a clear plan to ensure a smooth transition if needed.

I collaborate with families to identify their preferred hospital, prepare necessary documents, and discuss the signs that might indicate a transfer is the safest choice. My priority is to maintain continuity of care, offering reassurance and advocacy throughout the process so families feel supported no matter where their birth unfolds.”

What is the role of the father or partner during a home birth, and how do you support them?

“Partners need support too! They play a vital role in providing emotional and physical support during a home birth, and I help them feel confident and prepared for their involvement.

During prenatal visits, I offer guidance on ways to support the birthing person, from hands-on comfort techniques to creating a calm and encouraging environment. Throughout labor, I ensure they feel included, supported, and empowered in their role, helping them engage in the birth experience in a way that feels natural and meaningful to them.”

How do you incorporate evidence-based care into your practice, and what resources do you use to stay current?

“I integrate evidence-based care by continuously evaluating the latest research and applying best practices to ensure the safest, most effective care for my clients.

I stay current by engaging in ongoing professional development, attending midwifery and medical conferences, and reviewing peer-reviewed journals and clinical guidelines. Additionally, I am part of a network of midwives and healthcare professionals, allowing me to discuss emerging research and refine my practice based on the most up-to-date information.”

What are some common misconceptions about home birth that you would like to address?

“One common misconception is that home birth in Northern Colorado and Southern Wyoming is unsafe, but for low-risk pregnancies, studies show it can be just as safe as hospital birth with a trained midwife.

Another misconception is that midwives provide only labor support, when in reality, we offer full-spectrum care, including prenatal visits, newborn assessments, and postpartum support.”

Can you share your experience with water birth and how it benefits both mother and baby?

“Water birth is one of my passions, and I educate other birth workers and families on this topic. I have attended many beautiful water births (approximately 80% of my clients birth in water) and have seen firsthand how this option provides a soothing, gentle, and safe environment for both mother and baby.

Water immersion can ease labor pain, promote relaxation, and support the body’s natural rhythm, often leading to a smoother and more comfortable birth experience. Babies transition peacefully from the womb to the water, and many mothers describe feeling more in control, supported, and empowered throughout the process.”

How have you supported families who have had a previous traumatic birth experience?

“I have supported many families who came to me after a previous traumatic birth, often feeling unheard, disempowered, or fearful of repeating the experience.

Through compassionate listening, personalized prenatal care, and trauma-informed support, I help them regain trust in their bodies and the birth process. Many have gone on to have deeply healing home birth experiences, feeling empowered, respected, and in control, transforming their fears into confidence.”

Before we wrap up, what do you feel or do your clients/patients feel is the biggest benefit to having a homebirth? 

“I feel that the biggest benefit of homebirth, both from my perspective as a midwife and from what my clients share, is the deep sense of autonomy, trust, and personalized care that comes with birthing in a familiar environment. At home, birth unfolds in its own rhythm without the pressures of hospital timelines or routine interventions. Families feel deeply supported in their choices, and the experience is truly their own. The ability to move freely, eat, rest, and labor intuitively creates a more relaxed and physiological birth experience, which often leads to better outcomes. And of course, there’s nothing quite like crawling into your own bed after giving birth, surrounded by loved ones, in the space where you feel safest.”

Where can people connect with you to learn more about what you offer?

www.jengrieco.com
Instagram: @midwifejengrieco

If you’re exploring the option of home birth in Fort Collins, Cheyenne, or anywhere in between, finding the right midwife is an important step. Jen’s insights highlight the many ways midwifery care can support families throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond. I hope this interview helps answer some of your questions and provides a deeper look into the home birth experience.

Beautiful Birth Photography: Lindsey Eden Photography | Danielle Kent Birth Photography