Frequently Asked Questions
Am I eligible for Midwife care?
Any healthy woman experiencing a healthy pregnancy and expecting a normal delivery is eligible for Midwife care. When you first call, I will ask you some questions about your health and your medical history to see if you are eligible for care. Then at your first visit, I will do a complete physical exam and lab work to verify that you are in good health. I will continue to monitor your health throughout your pregnancy.
How do I begin care with Nurturing Beginnings?
After you have had a chance to look over our website, please contact me. I will discuss with you your eligibility and answer any preliminary questions you may have. Then I will schedule a free initial consultation for you so we can meet to discuss in detail options for your care and answer any questions you may have. If you decide to join me for your care, you will be given forms to fill out to bring with you at your first prenatal visit. At your first visit, I will do your lab work and physical exam, as well as regular prenatal care monitoring and a full orientation to your care. You may have a pap and pelvic exam at a later prenatal visit.
What about payment?
Midwife care offers a significant savings to you. The fees for Midwife care and homebirth are less than one-third the cost of obstetrical care and hospital birth. I offer flexible payment options and opportunity for discounts. In addition, most insurance companies will cover midwifery service and can be billed as "out of network" providers. I can help you determine if your insurance will cover all or part of the cost.
Your maternity care at Nurturing Beginnings includes:
Additional fees you may incur:
I offer a free consultation to become acquainted, answer your questions, address any concerns, and explain
my fees. Once hired as your midwife, I will provide you with a Financial Contract which allows you the opportunity to determine
your own payment plan. My policies will be explained to you in detail.
If you are covered by insurance, your insurance company
will be billed for you after the date of the delivery, but you are financially responsible for all services. I use a professional
billing service experienced in the coverage of midwives that has a high success rate for reimbursement of Midwifery services.
For clients without insurance I offer flexible payment plans, early payment discounts, and barter. I accept cash, check, money order,
VISA, MasterCard, and PayPal as payment.
When should I begin prenatal care?
You should begin care as soon as possible. It
is best to begin care in the first trimester, before 13 weeks pregnant. Early prenatal care will give you an advantage, because I
can assist you with nutritional counseling and easing of common discomforts such as nausea. We will usually be able to hear your
baby’s heart beat at about 10-11 weeks gestation (that is 10-11 weeks after your last menstrual period). Most women schedule their
first appointment between 8-12 weeks gestation.
Do I need an Obstetrician in addition to my Midwife?
No. Licensed Midwives offer complete
prenatal care and lab testing. You may be referred for an obstetrical ultrasound, and if necessary, you will be referred to an Obstetrician
if any situation arises that requires obstetrical care.
I am only weeks away from my due date. Can I switch care?
Yes, you can transfer
into care at Nurturing Beginnings at any point in your pregnancy. If you do desire to transfer care from another provider I will
have you sign a records release, and will fax a request for your records to be sent to my office. It should not be necessary
for you to personally interface with your previous care provider in order to transfer care.
What does prenatal care include?
Prenatal
care includes all your lab work (blood testing, urine testing, pap smear and cultures), monitoring of vital signs and weight, assessment
of your physical and emotional wellbeing, measuring your uterus to determine if your baby is growing well, assessing the position
of your baby, and listening to the baby’s heart beat. During your prenatal visits you will be given valuable information regarding
nutrition, exercise, childbirth preparation, concerns related to pregnancy, emotional health, preparation for parenting, and important
decisions that you will make concerning you and your baby’s health care. A typical prenatal visit will last 30-60 minutes - you will
have plenty of time to discuss any questions or concerns that you have.
May my family and children come to prenatal visits?
I highly
encourage family participation. Children love to be a part of prenatal exams, especially listening to the baby’s heart beat. This
is all part of the important bonding process for your family.
Why should I have a homebirth?
Freedom—At home, you are in control. You
can walk around, eat and drink freely, pick your birth position, and avoid routine IVs and continuous fetal monitoring. You can even
wear your own clothes! I will monitor you and the baby throughout labor, but in a very non-intrusive way.
Comfort—You will be
more relaxed in your own home which will encourage labor to progress more quickly. You will be surrounded by the people and atmosphere
that you chose.
Privacy—You will have complete privacy in your own home. You decide who comes to your birth. You will not be
cared for by strangers.
Personalized Care—During your pregnancy, I have the opportunity to know you and your family,
as well as your desires and wishes for your birth. Your birth plan is customized to accommodate your wishes. Would you like to avoid
an episiotomy? Would you like to avoid unnecessary labs and procedures? Would you like your partner to help “catch” the baby? Would
you like to choose your birthing position? Would you like a water birth? Would you like to be the one to announce if your
baby is a boy or a girl? Do you want to keep your baby with you at all times? Do you want to give birth by candlelight and play your
favorite music?
Choice—Midwives believe that you should make the decisions regarding your care. In your care, everything is up for
discussion and nothing is routine. I will help you be informed and educated, so that you are able to make the best
choices for your family.
Bonding—Your baby will never leave your side. I do not whisk the baby away for an immediate exam and
care. After your baby is born, I place him or her on your belly and the baby generally stays skin to skin at your breast until
breastfeeding is established. I will perform a newborn exam when the baby is at least one hour old right next to you in
the bed. If you choose to get up to shower or bathe, your baby can go with you or can be held by Daddy or any person that you choose.
With the whole family present at the birth or immediately after, bonding for the entire family is enhanced.
Breastfeeding Support—I
will encourage and assist you to breastfeed your baby soon after birth. I will follow up with a 24 to 48 hour visit and regular
phone calls during the first week to help you with any difficulties you may be experiencing. Lactation consultants and the 24 hour
LaLeche League hotline (1-800-LaLeche) is always available to you.
Cost Savings—The average cost of prenatal care and an uncomplicated
hospital birth is in excess of $16,000. Homebirth with a Midwife costs only a fraction of the cost of a hospital birth.
May my family
be present for the birth?
You can have as many people with you during labor and birth as you like. Some women like to have a big party,
while others enjoy privacy of being alone with their partner. You may also have your children present at your birth, if you like (I
do recommend that you designate an adult ~ other than you or your partner ~ to supervise small children whom you wish to be present).
May I take pictures and/or videotape?
You can take whatever pictures you would like. I recommend that you plan ahead of time what pictures
you want and designate a person(s) for taking pictures. I welcome you to share your pictures on our website.
May I have a waterbirth?
Is waterbirth safe?
Yes. Waterbirth is an all-natural method to reduce the hours and stress of labor. You will be more relaxed in the
water and experience less discomfort. Your baby will be born gently into the same environment that he or she is currently in. You
can birth in your tub at home, whether a regular bath tub, garden or Jacuzzi tub. You can also purchase a blow-up kiddie pool or rent
a waterbirth tub. The tub should be thoroughly cleaned, and the water should be between 98 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Waterbirth
is safe, because the baby is protected by the “Dive Reflex.” The baby has been in water throughout the entire pregnancy; until air
hits the face the baby will not breathe. The baby continues to receive oxygen through the umbilical cord just as he or she did before
birth. The Midwife will bring the baby out of the water within a few seconds after the birth.
