FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions

What is the prenatal care schedule? 

We will see you monthly starting at 12 weeks, bi-weekly starting around 30 weeks, and weekly appointments at 36 weeks. You can start care before 12 weeks and add visits if you have extra concerns such as history of miscarriage or hyperemesis. We can space out certain appointments if you are an experienced birther without risk factors. 

 

Do you do postpartum care?

This is where our care really stands apart. We come to your home for the first 2-3 visits so you can stay home and enjoy your baby, rest and recover. After that, we offer at least 2 additional visits in the clinic. Additional postpartum visits are available at an additional cost if you need more support. 

 

Do I need to keep seeing an OB for prenatal appointments?

Most people don’t. We are your primary maternity care providers for your entire pregnancy and postpartum and are able to order labs, make referrals when necessary, and monitor you and your baby’s well being from conception through postpartum. Sometimes complicated pregnancies require collaborative care with maternal fetal medicine physicians. 

 

What kinds of things would risk me out of care? 

High blood pressure, a baby that is not growing well, uncontrolled gestational diabetes, seizure disorders, cardiac issues, preterm labor, placenta previa, a baby with fetal anomalies are some of the risk factors. 

 

Can I have a VBAC at home? 

Yes, we are highly experienced at VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). We support VBAC births for those we consider to be appropriate candidates. Ask our midwives more details.

 

What if I am GBS positive?

We are able to give antibiotics in labor if you choose to receive them. GBS status does not risk you out even if you refuse antibiotic treatment, although it does change the way we manage labor. We also provide care from early pregnancy that could reduce your chance of being GBS positive by the time you are due.

 

Do you do delayed cord clamping?

We help you or your partner cut the cord only when you request it, only it is flat and white, usually about 20 minutes after birth to an hour or more based on client choice. 

 

Can I hire a doula? 

Absolutely. We encourage first time moms, people with anxiety and first time VBACs to hire a doula. Others hire a doula because they want professional photography, have a history of long births or desire more support throughout the process. We can recommend doulas that we know and trust.

 

Will I be pressured to induce if I go past my due date? 

We rarely induce. Unless you are at 42 weeks or there are signs that the baby needs to be born sooner, we let nature take its course for a natural, spontaneous labor. If needed, we have a highly successful protocol for natural home induction using natural methods. When people go past 41.0 weeks of pregnancy, we recommend specific antenatal testing to watch your baby and placenta closely. 

 

Do you take older moms? 

Yes, no problem. If you are over 35 you will be offered more monitoring at the end of pregnancy in the form of non-stress tests and a biophysical profile (ultrasound). We may recommend things like low dose aspirin and blood pressure monitoring at home but otherwise you will get the same care as any of our clients. 

 

What do you do in case of an emergency? 

We are equipped to manage and stabilize most obstetric emergencies, and get you to a higher level of care safely when needed.

 

What if I have to transfer to the hospital?

We will call the receiving doctors so they will be ready for your arrival. Your midwife will come to the hospital and make a warm transfer, minimum 2 hours, usually longer. Often someone from our team will be able to stay for your birth, especially if you are close to delivering, but it’s dependent on each situation. 

 

Can you be my midwife in the hospital?

No, we cannot. When we transfer care you will have a new provider. But we generally have a great professional relationship with receiving doctors and work with them to get you the care you need. 

 

What if my baby is breech? 

We can attend breech vaginal deliveries at home. If your baby turns (or stays) breech you will not have to scramble to find a new provider at the end of pregnancy. Another option is to refer you to specialists that perform external cephalic versions (ECV) or breech birth in the hospital. 

 

Can I refuse ultrasounds, gestational diabetes screening and blood testing and still be in your care?

We honor your choice and autonomy. With that said, we also strongly want to know you and your baby are healthy enough to give birth at home. Depending on the severity, we are not equipped to deal with surprise emergencies like babies with heart defects, placenta problems or other life threatening conditions. We can offer gestational diabetes testing alternatives, minimum required blood screening and do our best to keep ultrasound exposure to a bare minimum. 

 

Do you administer or require vaccines for me or my baby?  

We are required to inform you of CDC recommendations for vaccines for mother and baby but we do not stock or carry vaccines. You will need to have them administered at your pediatrician, pharmacy or primary care office. 

 

What about Vitamin K and eye ointment? 

We offer multiple forms of vitamin K as well as antibiotic eye ointment if you choose them.

 

Homebirth specific FAQ

 

Is a birthing center more safe than a home birth?

We bring the same equipment and staff to your home as we do in the birthing center with the exception of nitrous oxide. The only potential difference in safety would be due to distance to the hospital. 

 

Can I have a water birth?

Absolutely. We encourage mom to push and deliver in any position or location they feel most comfortable. However, we do not provide birthing pools, set them up, nor take them down, etc. We can recommend a birth pool rental service or purchasing one for personal use. 

 

Is my house big enough/nice enough for a home birth?

We have done beautiful home births in dry cabins, small sailboats, RVs, single wide trailers and even hotel rooms. You do not need an “Instagram” worthy space to have a baby. Just basic cleanliness. 

 

Who is going to clean up the mess? 

We leave your house as clean or cleaner than when we arrived. We offer a linen service option so you won’t have to worry about laundry after the birth. 

 

What about the noise? I’m afraid of disturbing my neighbors. 

A typical home birth is quite calm and quiet until the very end where mothers often make noises that sound like someone lifting heavy weights. It’s most likely you will a few yelps during transition, some grunting while you push and the cry of your new baby. It’s no more noise than your neighbor might make watching a football game, kids playing, a barking dog or people “making a baby”. :)