FAQs
Answering Your Questions
What kind of training and experience do you have?
I took a state-approved course in midwifery through the Association of Texas Midwives and I completed an apprenticeship of at least 18 months with an approved preceptor. During my apprenticeship, I had to attend at least 30 births, and be the primary midwife for an additional 20 births under the supervision of my preceptor. I also had to complete a certain number of other clinical skills as well. To maintain my licensure, I am required to take 10 hours of continuing education classes each year. Since becoming a licensed midwife in 2007, I have attended more than 350 births.
Do you do VBACs?
Before agreeing to do a VBAC, I will require a copy of the surgical report on your c-section. Both the outer and inner incisions must be low transverse. I will also look at the reason(s) why the cesarean was done. I prefer that you live within 15 minutes of a hospital (or be willing to use the birth center in Mount Pleasant).
Do you do waterbirth?
Yes! You can rent or buy a birth tub from various places online or you can borrow one from me, or use a deep garden tub if you have one. Once the baby is born, I immediately lift it up out of the water into your arms so he can take his first breath. I have specific written guidelines for the setup and use of a birth pool.
Do you accept insurance?
I can file insurance claims with most companies, however, only a few are easy to get reimbursement from. At your consultation or first prenatal, insurance eligibility can be checked for a $25 fee. This will give us an estimate of what portion of my fee you will be responsible for. I ask that you pay that estimated portion, and then I will file a "global" bill with your insurance company after your last postpartum visit. There will be a separate claim for any "extras" and for services for your baby. Once the claims have been completely processed, you may owe more or you may be due a refund.
If you prefer, I will gladly give you the detailed billing receipts that you need to file reimbursement claims with your insurance company yourself. Most companies have a form that you fill out and fax or mail to them to file a claim for health care that you paid for out-of-pocket. You may be able to get reimbursed for your expenses more quickly with this method. My insurance biller will also do this for you for a small fee. I am also happy to work with Christian sharing plans (they are a pleasure to do business with and I highly recommend them!).
Most insurance companies (even those that won't pay for a licensed midwife's services) will at least pay for the lab work that is done and for a sonogram. If you have any questions about insurance, please ask at your consultation.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Medicaid will not pay for a home birth. Medicaid will pay for a birth center birth, necessary lab work and sonograms. I am in the process of registering my birth center as a Medicaid facility. Until that process is complete, I do offer a $500 discount. Please speak to me and we will try to work out a payment plan that is mutually agreeable.
What areas/towns do you serve?
I basically serve the entire northeast Texas area -- Texarkana and New Boston, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Vernon, Winnsboro, Daingerfield, Linden, Atlanta, Marshall, Jefferson, Longview, Gilmer, and all points in between.
Due to the size of my practice, I am unable to do home visits for prenatal care and postpartum care, other than the home visit I do at 2-3 days after the birth.
Is home birth safe?
When the mother has cared for herself well during her pregnancy and she is at low risk of developing complications, AND she is served by a well-trained birth attendant, then yes, home birth is safe. Of course, there is nothing that is perfectly safe, not even a hospital birth. Do your research. Studies have shown that home birth for a normal, healthy woman, pregnant with a single baby is just as safe as birth in the hospital.
How do you deal with complications at birth?
There are a few things that could go wrong that would constitute a true emergency. I have specific medications and training to be used in these situations and would immediately transport the mother/baby to the closest hospital while giving emergency care, or I would give care until EMS arrived to transport the mother/baby. Most complications are non-emergent. The most common reason for non-emergency transfer to the hospital is "failure to progress."
What if I need something for the pain?
If you really feel that you need pain medication during labor, you will need to be transferred to the hospital. All pain medications have side effects for you and the baby that necessitate medical supervision and care. However, remember that during a home birth you are able to move around, eat, drink, bathe, and rest where you are most comfortable. You are not confined to a room or a bed and you can work with your contractions. You might just surprise yourself and find that the contractions are manageable under these circumstances!
What if someone goes into labor at the same time as I do?
Yes, this does happen rarely. It depends on where both of you are in your labors. I always try to bring an assistant with me to a birth, so I might be able to leave to check on the other person if they are nearby. Or, more likely, I would call another midwife to go check on the other person and attend the birth if I couldn't make it. I do try to limit the number of clients I take so that this sort of thing doesn't happen. My clients are always welcome to arrange a meeting with any of my back-up midwives.
Do you work with any other midwives in this area?
I have backup arrangements with a couple of other midwives in the area. I also have at least one midwife who often comes to births with me to help me out when I need it. I may also have apprentices who assist me in giving care to my clients during prenatal visits and births. You are encouraged to meet all of us!
What do you think are the greatest benefits of midwifery care and home birth?
The individualized care and time spent in education about normal pregnancy and birth that you receive from a midwife are invaluable. There are also a lot of immediate and long-term benefits for both mother and baby from having a natural birth when the process is respected. These include better bonding, more successful, long-term breastfeeding, healthier babies, less trauma, lower chance of c-section, and often smoother and shorter labors.
I am here to answer any questions you may still have. Contact me for more details or to schedule a free consultation today!