homebirth faq's
Most people have a question or two not covered here. Feel free to call or email any question, comment, or concern. We'll promptly respond!
1. OK, so what if there's a complication?
Obviously, an important question and one with a long, thorough answer. But here it is in brief. The general consensus is that midwives are experts in normal, uncomplicated pregnancy and birth. In order to be a good candidate for homebirth midwifery care, you must have an uncomplicated pregnancy and be in good overall health. Throughout pregnancy, we will be working together to keep you in optimum health and good balance; we will also be vigilantly screening for complications. If, in spite of our best efforts, complications do arise, and the balance required for safe homebirth cannot be restored, an individualized transfer of care plan is in place. If a transfer of care is done during pregnancy, we will be available to provide doula support through the remainder of the pregnancy and birth. If a transfer of care is done during labor, we will make the necessary arrangements and accompany our clients to the hospital. Once there, we will remain with our clients and function as in-hospital labor support the entire time.
We care for our clients with the same reverence as we would our own sisters, daughters, selves. A homebirth is not our goal; our primary goal is a healthy mother and healthy baby. If it can happen at home (which it usually does) then that is wonderful. We come to births well-equipped to handle the very rare unforeseen emergency, we carry emergency medications and equipment, and we are trained and certified in Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR.
We represent a younger generation of midwives, and in doing so, strive to find a balance between traditional midwifery and contemporary maternity care. We hold on dearly to the traditional skills we have been taught so they are not lost, but we embrace and use the appropriate technology and testing available today. We consider ourselves a good fit for parents who are interested in homebirth, but want to utilize some of the tests and resources available in conventional care settings.
2. Do you accept insurance?
While we have been paid by a few insurance companies, we are not participating providers with any. We employ a billing service through which claims are processed and handled. Clients do not have to file their own insurance claims. However, due to the uncertainty of the insurance company's willingness to pay, we do require payment prior to the birth. It's important to note that different insurance plans reimburse different amounts for out-of-network providers. Clients with PPO insurance tend to have greater success with reimbursement than clients with HMO insurance. Our Financial Contract addresses the fact that this is a substantial out-of-pocket expense. Therefore we have created options to simplify payment requirements.
Sadly, there is no homebirth midwifery coverage through MassHealth at this time. For folks insured through MassHealth, you may qualify for a reduced rate.
3. How much do your services cost?
Homebirth midwives in Massachusetts generally charge between $3,000 - $6,000 and we are no exception. However, to better accommodate our clients, and make our services more available, we offer three different packages: In-Home Visits Only, a mix of Home Visits and Office Visits and In-Office Appointments Only.
We limit our births to 3-5 a month and we fill up fast so clients are asked to put a deposit down early in the pregnancy to secure their spot on the calendar.
Occasionally, we offer a flexible payment plan for those experiencing financial hardship. Please do not hesitate to ask, we don't want to turn anyone away who truly desires to have a homebirth. Potential clients who are receiving government aide (transitional assistance, food stamps, WIC, etc) and/ or have MassHealth, may also qualify for a discounted rate.
* The prices listed here are subject to change without notice.
4. Do you use medical equipment/medications?
We bring a Doppler for listening to the fetal heartbeat during labor, medical equipment for monitoring maternal vital signs, herbs, homeopathics, and various other supplies and equipment. We also carry oxygen and resuscitation equipment, emergency medications to stop bleeding, IV supplies, and suturing equipment with local anesthetic.
5. What do you think about waterbirth?
We love waterbirth! Warm water in labor can make a tremendous difference for many women, and there is some evidence that water can make a smoother transition for baby. We offer waterbirth tub rental for an additional cost.
6. Do you accept VBAC clients?
Absolutely, we do.
7. I live in an apartment, and I'm concerned about the noise.
Don't be. It's really not as loud as you might expect. We are conditioned to believe that birth is a loud, dramatic affair. The truth is birth is just another normal human biological process. Beautiful and amazing, yes. But also pretty quiet and kind of boring. Chances are pretty good your neighbors won't know you've had a baby until you make a formal, public announcement.
8. And the MESS???
The mess is a universal question. Everybody wonders what to do about the mess. And it's just not an issue. Families are often surprised (and relieved) to find that the midwives have left their homes as tidy as it was before the birth (sometimes tidier!) You may not have even believed a baby was born there, except that you are holding the little one in your arms!
9. I want my three year old son to be at the birth. What do you think?
We adore having children present for the births! Moreover, we think it's of significant importance for the bonding of the family and welcoming of the newborn. It's important, though, to have an adult present just for your child. Ideally, that adult should be someone who can be completely present and responsive for your child. And, of course, it should be someone with whom your child is comfortable. There are wonderful books and materials for preparing children for the sights and sounds of labor and birth; we can help you find these. Rest assured that children generally do great with birth, especially when they've been adequately prepared.
10. What about the birth certificate and social security for the baby?
We provide the necessary paperwork required by the state to obtain these documents. Massachusetts recognizes homebirth as a valid choice and you'll have no problem with this legal process.
