Info & Resources

Helpful links and information for expecting mothers

Frequently Asked Questions

.Q: What makes midwifery care different?

A: Midwives are experts in low risk pregnancy and normal birth and care for both mothers and their newborns throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. We provide a safe alternative to traditional hospitals care.

Q: What about prenatal testing and ultrasounds?

A: All laboratory testing and ultrasounds are available as part of your prenatal care. Blood draws are collected in office. Ultrasounds are performed by our contracted diagnostic imaging center.

Q: Do you offer waterbirth?

A: Yes! We encourage the use of water during labor and birth and happy to provide low cost birth pool options upon request.

Q: What equipment does a midwife carry to a homebirth?

A: We carry up to date medical equipment to safely evaluate and monitor your labor and birth at home. Supplies include, electronic fetal monitoring devices, pharmaceuticals, sterile instruments, newborn resuscitation equipment, oxygen, blood pressure monitoring devices, fluid test strips, herbal supplements and homeopathic remedies.

Q: Can I transfer from an OB to a midwife during pregnancy?

A: You may choose to transfer care to a midwife at any time. If you have been receiving care from another provider, we will request medical records and then evaluate your health and pregnancy history to see if homebirth is right for you.

Q: What if I don’t have insurance?

A: We offer a cash pay plan for those paying out of pocket. In additional, we offer a low cost laboratory package that will cover your routine labs. Ultrasounds are also offered at a discount at our contracted facility. At your initial visit, we arrange a payment plan that is comfortable for you. Most clients make monthly payments with everything paid in full by their due date.

Q: How safe is out of hospital birth?

A: “The risk of perinatal or neonatal mortality was not different when birth was intended at home or in hospital.” (2019DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.07.005) Studies have shown that out of hospital birth can be a safe option for low risk healthy women.

Q: What about referrals or medical backup?

A: We work with a variety of health care professionals who we are happy to refer you to including, Naturopathic Doctors, OB’s Nurse Midwives, Chiropractors, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists and Reflexologists. Medical backup is available should an emergency arise.

Q: What if a transfer to the hospital becomes necessary?

A: We work closely with EMS and medical staff to prepare for a smooth and safe transport and will make every effort to accompany you to the hospital and stay with you throughout your time there.

Q: Why choose homebirth?

A: Homebirth is an excellent option for low risk women who desire natural birth without the fear of added interventions. You’ll be an active participant in the care you receive and can expect one on one attention throughout labor and birth without the worry of shift changes or rotating doctors on call.

Q: Midwifery Educational Requirements

A: There are different paths to becoming a midwife. Some women apprentice train while others attend a MEAC accredited midwifery school. The process may take 3 or more years to complete. A CPM is a national certification that requires successful completion of both a written and practical skills exam through the National Association of Registered Midwives (NARM). A CPM credential is a requirement for midwifery licensure in most US states.

Q: What is the difference between a Licensed Midwife / Certified Professional Midwife and a Certified Nurse Midwife?

A: A Certified Professional Midwife Credential requires successful completion of both a written and clinical skills exam through the North American Registry of Midwives. A Certified Professional Midwife is able to provide care for a mother and her newborn in an out of hospital environment. Certified Professional Midwives are licensed in the state they wish to practice in. All states have individual regulations and requirements that must be followed in order to practice in their state. Certified Professional Midwives are specifically trained in normal pregnancy and birth and work in an out of hospital setting, i.e. home or birth center while a Certified Nurse Midwife is a Registered Nurse with additional training in Midwifery. CNM’s are usually affiliated with an OB/GYN medical practice and work under the direction of an MD in a doctors office and in a hospital setting.