Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is home birth safe?
A. Yes! For women without serious underlying medical conditions home birth is very safe. Large scale studies conducted in the US, the Netherlands, England and other countries all show comparable outcomes for mom and baby with few interventions, lower rates of cesarean sections and higher maternal satisfaction with their birth experience. Throughout your pre-natal care, we carefully screen for any indication of a developing complication. If the need arises we can collaborate with other providers. During the labor and birth itself, we carefully monitor both you and your baby to ensure that the labor is progressing safely. We also carry emergency equipment to births to manage the unexpected.
Q. Who does home birth?
A. Families from all walks of life choose to receive their pre-natal care and deliver their children in their homes. Home birth allows women, and their families, to direct the process and deliver in the manner that feels best. Home birth encourages women to take ownership of their own health and that of their coming child(ren). It allows expectant parents to receive individualized care without the constraints of system protocols necessary in large facilities such as hospitals. Any one who is interested in taking an active role in their pregnancy and birth can choose home birth. Young mothers, 40 year old mothers, first time moms and fifth time moms all choose to birth at home.
Q. Can I use health insurance to pay for my care?
A. Possibly. In Vermont where midwifery is legal, most insurance policies as well as Medicaid do cover a portion of the expense. It is important to check your individual plan within your policy to see if it covers 'out of hospital/out of network providers'. I am happy to help you figure this out. For women who are covered by Medicaid, they pay a portion, but there will be some out of pocket expenses.
Q. Where will I receive my care?
A. At "Birth Into Being" Midwifery we provide all consults, and appointments at our office in Cabot. Home visits occur at 36 weeks gestation as well as day 1 and day 3 postpartum. But of course...the birth happens at your house!
Q. How long are prenatal visits? What do we discuss at them?
A. Prenatal visits are generally one hour long. We discuss a wide variety of topics, including common discomforts of pregnancy, nutrition, exercise, emotions surrounding changes that you are going through, family relationships,and prenatal testing options. The physical assessments include blood pressure, weight, urinalysis, belly measurements and auscultation of fetal heart tones. Asking questions is encouraged. Over the course of your pregnancy, we will be establishing a trusting relationship, exploring the hopes for your birth and eventual parenthood.
Q. What happens if there is a problem during labor and/or birth?
A. During your labor, we are closely monitoring the health of both Mother and Baby. If we feel that there is any compromise to either of their health, we will openly discuss with you the situation and your options. Unlike most Hollywood birth movies, there is most always ample time to transport a laboring Mother to a hospital facility to handle these situations, before it is termed a 'dire emergency'. My most common reasons for transporting a woman in labor is exhaustion, failure to progress, disproportion between fetal presenting part and pelvis, and baby compressing the cord. In these situations we call ahead to the hospital and usually drive there in personal vehicle. Of course there are some situations which are true emergencies in which transport by ambulance is both quicker and necessary. Once transport occurs, we will stay by your side for support, encouragement and to help you make decisions.
