FREQUENT INQUIRIES
DO YOU PRACTICE AS A SOLO MIDWIFE OR IN A TEAM?
While I am the only acting midwife, I do have a team that supports me during your birth. This includes an assistant and a student. Sometimes it is one or the other and sometimes it is both. You will have an opportunity to meet anyone who may be in your birth space prior to your birthing time if you would like, and we will have informed discussion about what your are comfortable with.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MIDWIFE AND A DOULA?
a midwife is your care provider, there as a watchman over your pregnancy and birth to help keep you and your baby safe. a midwife will take vitals do exams and be able to do manuvers or procedures if warranted. Of course we also become your friend and get to know your deepest desired and honor your autonomy. But msot people hire a midwife to help them know where to draw the line fore safety.
A doula is a helper, a supporter of you with education and encouragement. A doula also often times also provides comfort support during your labor to keep you as comfortable as possible and she will also promote your partners involvement to do the same.
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HOW MANY APPOINTMENTS WILL WE HAVE?
If you hire me at the beginning of your pregnancy our first prenatal appointment will be between 10-12 weeks, although I'm happy to support you by phone call or messaging in your first trimester. After that we will see each other every 4 weeks until the 3rd trimester when we go to every 3, 2 and eventually weekly appointments. I will do a homevisit around 36-37 weeks. Once you deliver I will return to your home for a one day visit, 3 day visit or phone call and one week visit, then i will see you again in my office for your 3 and 6 week postpartum visit.
DO I NEED A BIRTH PLAN?
It is very good to know what you want for yourself and your baby during pregnancy, birth and postpartum time. But you don't really need to write out a birth plan. during our appointments in the months leading up to the birth we will have time to discuss all of your desires and I will honor them. I believe each family have every right to make their own personal decisions.
DO YOU OFFER OR SUGGEST TAKING CHILDBIRTH CLASSES?
I DO! Included in the cost of your care is a childbirth class and breastfeeding class taught by Grace Piatt. I highly recommend first time parents and first time home birthers take this home birth specifically curated class for free.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO TRANSFER TO THE HOSPITAL DURING OR AFTER BIRTH?
In the event that plans change to transfering to the hospital, i will call ahead to the recieving hospital and give report to the charge nurse, as well as send over your records. I am happy to accompany you to the hospital if you desire and act as your doula once we are there.
DOÂ YOU OFFER BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT? WHAT IF I DON'T WANT TO BREASTFEED?
I do offer breastfeeding support. I have personally have to go through my own breastfeeding challenges with my 3 children and I am happy to help guide and support you within the realms of my knowledge. If there are challenges that require a greater expertise i have names of incredible CLC and IBCLC that will be able to help you as well.Â
the beautiful thing about midwifery care is that a core belief is that you have autonomy and freedom to make your own choices. I will absolutely support anyone choosing not to breastfeed, and will help you with bottle feeding and formula education.
WHAT IS YOUR TRANSFER RATE?
This is a difficult question to answer! When running a solo low volume practice my stats change easily year to year. But overall, IÂ would estimate IÂ have a transfer rate of around 10%. Most of the transfers I have are non emergent and slightly more likely to be a first time mom or a VBAC seeking pain relief.
DO I NEED A DOULA?
Doulas are incredible! I fully support and encourage you to have a doula if you would like one, especially if this if your first birth or first unmedicated birth. With that said, it is not required and please know that you will not have to defend your choices to me! I am on your team!
HOW MANY CLIENTS DO YOU SERVE PER MONTH?
Typically I take 3-4 clients per month, and take time off for 2 vacations per year. I have found this to be the best balance for me to serve all of my clients well, while also honoring my own family.
DO YOU ATTEND VBACS, BREECH BIRTHS AND TWINS?
I have attended all of the above! There are some discussions to be had about your individual situation before i could just say yes to everyone, but IÂ am certainly open to discussion. With breech or twins I typically will build a special birth team by bringing in another midwife/team.
DO YOU OFFER WATERBIRTH?
YES! waterbirths are so lovely and hydrotherapy is a wonderful tool for labor. I lend you the pool at no additional cost, you just buy a liner and a new clean hose. I will leave to birth pool with you at 37 weeks and my team will clean it up and I will take it home after your birth.