FAQs

 

What is a midwife?

There are a few different types of midwives in the United States. We are licensed Certified Professional Midwives. This means that our training is in home birth and birth center birth. We are trained in emergency skills such as neonatal resuscitation. Midwifery education also emphasizes shared decision making between the midwife and client, supporting the process of labor and birth by using minimal intervention, and holistic and individualized care for clients.

 

Can I have a water birth?

About 50% of the births that we attend are water births. We have four tubs that are available to clients on a first come first serve basis (though we usually don’t accept more than four clients into care per month). If you want a water birth, but the tub isn’t available during your due window then you can order a tub (with some guidance from the midwife) online. Water birth is a safe option that provides invaluable comfort during labor.

 

Is home birth safe?

Home birth with a trained and experienced midwife is safe. Evidence shows that, especially for people who have already had a baby, home birth is as safe as hospital birth and has fewer interventions. Other benefits to home birth are continuity of care (you know who will be attending your birth), decreased rates of cesareans, and increased satisfaction with your birth experience.

Can I have a home birth?

Home birth is for any low risk pregnant person who wants one. We’re used to working with clients with many different backgrounds, family structures, and values. If you’re uncertain if you’re low risk, please schedule a consultation, and we can discuss your health concerns.

 

Do you have pain medication?

Midwives don’t offer epidurals or standard pain relieving medications at births. The comfort measures used are movement, massage, hydrotherapy (birth tub), and even sterile water injections to treat back labor.

 

What happens if we need to transfer to the hospital?

Sometimes clients need to transfer to the hospital during their labor or immediately following birth. A variety of reason can lead to transfer including the need for induction or pain management to emergency support for the birthing person or baby. In any case, as your midwives, we arrange the transport by calling ahead to the nearest and most appropriate hospital to let them know of your arrival. Then we would fax records along so that the team receiving you at the hospital has time to review it before your arrival. The hospitals in Maine are familiar with home births and midwifery care, and we expect collaborative and smooth transitions of care. 

Transport would either occur by private car (non-emergent) or ambulance (emergent). If circumstances allow, one of your midwives will transfer with you and stay as a support person through labor, birth, and a few hours postpartum. Routine postpartum care resumes in your home after discharge from the hospital. 

Can I have a home birth in an apartment?

You can birth anywhere that feels comfortable to you. We’ve attended births in apartments, houses, trailers, yurts, campers, etc. Midwives are adaptable!

 

How much does midwifery care cost?

Our midwifery fee is $5000 and encompasses comprehensive care from conception through 3 months postpartum. The expectation is that clients will pay their fee out of pocket before 37 weeks pregnancy. Once care is complete we’re happy to help clients request insurance reimbursement through Jen of Roots Billing, a friendly and highly experienced insurance biller. Reimbursement isn’t guaranteed, but most families can work with Jen to find out what to expect for reimbursement before even signing on to care with us.

 

Do you have any evidence supporting the safety of home birth?

Sure do! Happy reading, and please feel free to reach out with any further questions.

Home birth safety in the US

https://mana.org/index.php?q=blog/home-birth-safety-outcomes

Home birth safety in North America

https://www.bmj.com/content/330/7505/1416.abstract

Home birth safety in the UK

https://www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/nice-recommends-home-births-for-some-mums/