Here are a few of the most common questions that are typically wondered. Remember, each pregnancy and each person is different. Free consultations are offered to all prospective clients to chat, ask questions, and see if out of hospital birth and Chava Birth are the right choice for you!
1
Is Home Birth Safe?
Midwives specialize in normal, low risk pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum care. This also means we are trained and experienced in recognizing when things fall outside the normal range and are able to see warning signs long before an emergency would occur. I am certified in both adult and neonatal resuscitation, and so are all of my assistants. During your prenatal care, you will learn when it is safe to be at home and when we would need to transfer. If there is a need or even a want to go to the hospital, I will coordinate your transfer, making the transition as smooth as possible. I will accompany you to the hospital and stay with you as additional support and as your advocate during labor, if desired.
2
Will there be a big mess?
Not at all! This is often one of the first worries that comes to mind when someone considers having a birth at home. Surprisingly, birth is not at all like it is portrayed in the media and it really isn’t very messy. And if it is, we know how to clean it. You will receive a birth kit, which includes large flat pads to help protect your bed and floor. Your birth team will clean up any sign of your birth before we leave your home so your visitors won’t even know where the birth happened. We often leave things cleaner than when we arrived!
3
What equipment do you bring?
I am certified in neonatal resuscitation and CPR and will have related equipment on hand. I will also bring medical supplies such as oxygen, medications for hemorrhage, a doppler to monitor baby’s heartbeat, a baby scale, equipment to check vitals (blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, thermometer), IV equipment, suture and lidocaine for perineal tears, a pulse oximeter, and a variety of herbal and homeopathic remedies. Clients also have access to use of a birth tub during labor if water birth is wanted.
4
What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?
Doulas provide continuous emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after birth. Midwives can offer this kind of physical and emotional support, as well, but will need to switch gears iif a situation comes up. However, unlike midwives, doulas don’t provide any medical care so they can stay focused on supporting you in this role the entire time. Doulas are great at offering comfort measures and supporting both the laboring person and not-laboring partner from early labor until after baby is born. I encourage each family to consider having a doula at their birth, and a reference list of a few of my favorite local doulas is available upon request.
5
How do I know if I'm a good candidate?
If you have a healthy pre-pregnancy medical history and a healthy, low-risk pregnancy – and you want to birth at home – you are a great candidate! To make sure you have the best chance of a successful home birth and stay low risk, you will have ongoing risk-screening that begins at the initial visit and continues through the completion of care.
6
Will insurance cover my care?
At the end of care, I am able to provide clients with a superbill that includes an itemized list of services I charge for. Clients can submit the superbill to their insurance to see if they are eligible for partial/full reimbursement as home birth midwives are generally considered out-of-network providers by all insurance companies.Health share plans such as Christian Healthcare Ministries, Medi-Share, and Samaritan Ministries will often cover our fee. Another option for families is to use their FSA/HSA's. For specific pricing questions, please contact chavabirth@gmail.com