{guest blog by East Coast Midwifery}

Why should I consider using a midwife and having a home birth?

Consider a midwife if you desire a peaceful birthing experience & environment. If you desire respectful care, a supportive birth team, and freedom of choice in all aspect of care. Consider a midwife if you wish to be honored and placed at the center of your birth experience. 

In a home birth setting you are in your element, in a safe, comfortable, comforting space. You surround yourself with a care team that is fully supportive of what you are up to. Birthing at home means you sleep in your own bed when you need to rest, have all your favorite foods on hand, and access your own bathroom. You have as much privacy as you would like. You get to set the mood with dim lights, music, candles, essential oils, etc. This will keep you as relaxed and comfortable as possible, allowing birth to unfold gracefully.    

 What is a midwife?

A midwife is knowledgeable about birth, she can create a safe space for women to be vulnerable and powerful, she trusts in the body, she sees birth as a transformative experience, she respects a woman’s autonomy and innate knowing of what’s right for her. 

A midwife is also a skilled medical care provider. She is trained to handle minor complications in pregnancy and birth. She knows when it is appropriate to seek the assistance of higher levels of medical care. She very much acts as a guardian, keeping a watchful eye and intervening when necessary.

A midwife is supportive, guiding, gentle, non-judgmental, informative, spends quality time with her client and their partner, is deeply connected, understanding, nurturing to all, and most of all – loving. 

What is a midwife’s assistant? What about a doula?

A midwife’s assistant is a trained medical support person, certified in CPR & Neonatal Resuscitation, trained to assist the midwife in addressing minor complications should they arise; assists with the setup and clean up of the birthing environment; is aware and experienced in what birth looks like; creates and maintains a calm, peaceful energy in the birth space. 

A doula is a trained labor support person who provides educational, emotional, and physical support for the birthing person and their partner during pregnancy, throughout birth, and postpartum. They are experienced in witnessing and supporting birth in all settings.     

What is a home birth? Do you use birth tubs?

A home birth is choosing to birth in your home under the care of a midwife. Birth tubs are available for use during labor for comfort and or water birth as desired.  

What is a birth center birth?

A birth center is a licensed facility, commonly a home like environment, where birthing people go to give birth outside the hospital. Most birth centers in Florida are own and operated by Licensed Midwives and therefore have similar supplies and equipment on hand that a midwife would bring to a home birth.

How far away will you take on a new mom as a midwife?

Distance: I travel up to 1 hour away from home, sometimes more depending on the circumstances. I serve all of Palm Beach County.  

Gestation : Ideally care starts around 10 weeks of pregnancy and continues throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I do accept clients who connect with me later in pregnancy and these late to care clients are considered on a case by case basis.  

What if something goes wrong? I have fears with birth in general. 

Many many women in modern american culture carry fears around birth. This is a super common concern. The best way to mitigate fears is the ask questions and educate yourself about what normal birth is like. Listening to positive birth stories, watching home birth videos, and researching for yourself. The more familiar you are with natural birth, the less scary the unknown becomes; the more connected you can feel to your pregnancy, your baby, and your partner; the more confident you will be with your birth choices.

Midwives are trained to monitor and identify risk factors that many creep up in pregnancy or during birth. Should an emergency arise I do not hesitate to transfer for emergency medical assistance. Midwives are also trained to handle minor complications at home. I maintain certifications in CRP, Neonatal resuscitation, and birth emergency skills.

Most transfers to the hospital in labor are not emergencies, they are agreed upon decisions made between the birthing person and care team. The most common reasons to transfer in labor are maternal exhaustion, request for pain relief, and non progress.

Are you my primary caregiver during my pregnancy?

A midwife is considered a specialist that acts as a primary care provider during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. This means a birthing person will having visit with their midwife throughout their pregnancy, being referred to higher levels of care only when necessary.

Do you offer any classes for birth, child nurturing, etc.?

Yes, we have several classes on an ongoing basis at our space including: Labor 101, Comfort Measures, Home Birth Ready, Daddy Bootcamp, Birth Fit Breath & Flow, and Postpartum Mama Care.  

What benefits do I receive for using a midwife versus an obstetrician?

The benefits of Midwifery care include continuity of care with your birth provider (you know who will be attending your birth); a connected relationship which cultivates safety, transparency, and respect; direct communication and access to your midwife at all times; emotional support; honoring of the spiritual aspects of pregnancy and birth.  

How much does it cost? Will my insurance cover my birth?

The out of pocket rate for complete care is $5,500. This fee covers prenatal visits, basic labs, attending labor and birth, postpartum and newborn care. We can create a payment plan as needed. We do work with some insurance companies. Coverage is dependent on individual plans and benefits.

What about my partner, will they receive information and knowledge? Ways to support me and our baby?

Yes, partners are always welcome and encouraged to participate in all aspects of care from coming to regular prenatal visit to attending childbirth classes. The more involved and educated partners are the more connected, confident, and calm the couple will be when birthing time comes. Partner’s are vital in creating a safe space for the birthing person to fully express themselves. Postpartum and newborn care are two important area in which partner presence will facilitate bonding with the newborn and support will aid in a smoother recover for the birthing person.

I had a difficult birth previously (or I am predisposed for a high-risk pregnancy), can I still use a midwife?

At our initial consultation we will review your health and medical history including prior pregnancies and birth experiences. I utilize a detailed risk screening tool to evaluate and determine if birthing outside the hospital is safe for you. Throughout pregnancy, we are meeting regularly to assess your health and discuss in depth ways to optimize your well being through nutrition, activity, and mindset. 

How does the process begin? 

We begin with an initial consultation at which you will receive an overview of midwifery care including the visit schedule, what’s included, standard testing options, emergency plan, and risk screening. We discuss birth preferences, what you are looking for in terms of pregnancy care and the birth experience. I explain my unique practice style. We review the distinctions between home and hospital birth. Following this meeting, if both wish to work together, an initial visit is scheduled to begin prenatal care.  

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