What is a Midwife?
A Certified Professional Midwife, or CPM, is a national certification administered by the North American Registry of Midwives. It requires extensive academic training along with a hands on apprenticeship before sitting for the national exam. A Licensed Midwife, or LM, is licensed to practice within the state in which they are licensed. South Carolina is a licensed state, so midwives practicing in South Carolina should hold a state license. The Midwives Model of Care is the standard of care that I follow in my practice. You can read more about it in the link below.
Are Home Births safe?
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There have been many studies done on the safety of Midwife attended births. The most recent study published comes from MANA (Midwives Alliance North America). In this study, researchers found that women attended by Midwives could expect the following:
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When do we start care and how often should I be seen?
You can begin your care as early as you would like, although most people start at around 10-12 weeks. I will see you every month until you are 28 weeks and then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks. Once you hit the 36 week mark, we move to weekly visits until birth. Your 36 week visit is done in your home so we can look over your supplies and discuss how you envision your birth.
Can I have a water birth?
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Yes! Many of my clients are interested in having a water birth. For this reason I have a La Bassine Tub that I lend out to my clients with a pump to blow it up and a pump to drain the water post-birth.
If you are interested in borrowing my tub we will talk about it at your visit and arrange to have it at your house before labor begins. You will just need a few extra supplies that are easy to add on to your birth kit when you are ready to order. |
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Are home births messy?
The mess is one of the biggest concerns dads (and some moms) have. Believe it or not, home births are very rarely messy!
We have extensive training in "out of hospital" births and that includes ensuring the space is as clean or cleaner when we leave than when we arrive. We are experts in containing our work space and keeping everything protected. In addition, we suggest a few specific items to have on hand to insure that everything is neat and tidy when we leave. We'll walk you through every step of the way!
We have extensive training in "out of hospital" births and that includes ensuring the space is as clean or cleaner when we leave than when we arrive. We are experts in containing our work space and keeping everything protected. In addition, we suggest a few specific items to have on hand to insure that everything is neat and tidy when we leave. We'll walk you through every step of the way!
What do I need to have at my house for a Home Birth?
I have a birth kit that you can order directly to your door which contains most everything you need. I will also give you list of a few other common household items to be sure you have on hand (such as paper towels, trash bags, and the like). Click on the links below to see both.
How do I get a Birth Certificate and SSN for my baby?
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I manage all of the necessary paperwork for the filing of your baby's birth certificate and Social Security Number. After the birth, I will give you your half of the necessary paperwork to fill out and you will return it to me the following day. I then complete my half and send it all in to the Department of Vital Records for you.
A copy of the Social Security card will be mailed to your home 4-6 weeks after your baby's birth. The Birth Certificate will be available for you to request about 2 weeks after your baby's birth or when you receive their Social Security card in the mail. |
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What is your fee? Do you offer payment plans or take insurance?
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I charge a global fee for my services which includes all prenatal visits, the birth, and all of the postpartum visits for you and your newborn. There are some discounts that can be applied on a case by case basis. I require a $500 deposit to begin services. After that, I provide a payment plan for you to follow or we can come up with a plan that works better for you. Insurance is a complicated issue and the answer varies from company to company — but I'd be happy to discuss your options.
If you have specific questions about my fee, payment plans or insurance, click the button below to book your free consultation. |
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Can I eat and drink during labor?
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Absolutely! I encourage eating and drinking during labor. It is very important that your body has the nutrients, calories, and hydration it needs to give birth because labor is a marathon! No one would ever think it is a good idea to run a marathon without eating and drinking, so I recommend small, nutrient dense snacks with water, fruit juice, and electrolytes throughout labor.
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Should I have a doula at my Home Birth?
I think a doula is always a wonderful addition to any birth environment! Hiring a doula is a personal decision, but I love working with them and encourage my clients to at least look into the option.