FAQ

These are some of the most frequently asked questions I get as a home birth midwife! If you’re considering hiring me, this page will help answer some of your initial questions. If you can’t find the answers you’re looking for please send your questions through my contact form.

You can also set up an in person or virtual consultation! This is a great way to get every answer you need before making the decision to hire me. In a consultation we will sit down together and have a casual conversation. I will answer all of your questions and ask you a few of my own to ensure that you’re a good fit for my midwifery practice. You can schedule one right now through my Calendly.

How is a midwife different from a doula?

• A doula is trained in pregnancy, labor, and postpartum support including emotional, physical, and information support. Doulas are NOT medical professionals and are not qualified to give medical advice, administer medications, or perform medical procedures. Doulas are extremely valuable to many people during their birth experiences and I highly recommend hiring one!

• A midwife is a medical professional. Midwives are trained to perform medical procedures, administer medications, perform CPR and NRP, provide prenatal health screenings, and more! Midwives can provide primary care for low-risk pregnancies.

Why do you usually transfer to the hospital during labor?

• Most of the time we choose to go to the hospital for pain relief and very long labors. We make a transfer plan with each client so that we already know what hospital we would go to and what travel there would look like. Less commonly we may transfer for prolonged rupture of membranes (waters being broken a very long time) or non reassuring fetal heart tones (baby’s heart beat doesn’t sound as it should). There are many other circumstances that would lead us to the hospital and we can talk about that during your consultation.

Who can have a home birth?

• Home birth is best for someone with a low-risk pregnancy. While the definition of “low-risk” will vary among providers, most midwives in WV generally agree on the same guidelines. Complications such as high blood pressure, premature labor, placenta previa, gestational diabetes that requires insulin, or fetal abnormalities would indicate that a hospital is the best place for you to have your baby. If you have questions about your specific health history you can ask this during consultation.

What is a midwife?

• Midwives are health care professionals who provide expert primary care to people during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Some midwives also provide newborn care. Midwives are the experts in low-risk pregnancy and physiologic birth. Some midwives mainly work in the hospital, while others provide home birth or birth center care. In WV there are three kinds of midwives: Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Professional Midwives, and lay midwives. I am a Certified Professional Midwife.

What is a Certified Professional Midwife?

• A Certified Professional Midwife, CPM, is a skilled professional that provides independent midwifery care. A CPM has met the standards for certification with the North American Registry of Midwives and may also hold a state license if applicable. They are qualified to provide care during pregnancy, postpartum, birth, and for newborns. You can find more information at www.narm.org

Do I still need to see an OB if I hire you?

• Most clients do not still need to see an OB for standard pregnancy care, however we may refer to the hospital for ultrasound, advance testing, or consultation in higher risk cases. Otherwise as your midwife I will provide all of your routine visits and care!

Can my kids be there?

• Your children are welcome to attend all your visits and your birth. I ask that you ensure your children are respectful of my space if they attend office visits with you. If you would like your children to be at your birth I highly recommend having a care-giver who can focus on them (not you or your partner) and take them somewhere else if they do not want to stay and watch. Please use your best judgement in regards to your children’s attendance, not all children will feel comfortable in the birth space.

What is postpartum care like with you?

• I will do the majority of your postpartum care at your home! Typically I visit in the postpartum at 24 hours, 3-7 days, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. I do tailor each person’s care to their individual needs, and will visit as often as needed to ensure the health of you and your baby. If I believe that you or your baby need care outside of my scope I will make a referral.

How long will you stay at my house after the birth?

• I will stay at least 2 hours after your birth, but typically it’s more like 3-4. Before I leave I ensure that your bleeding is controlled and that you have eaten, drank, gotten up and out of bed, and used the toilet. I will also ensure that baby is successfully feeding and has had a comprehensive newborn exam. My team will also ensure that your house is tidy, the birth pool is cleaned and packed up, and that all laundry and garbage is dealt with. I will not leave if I believe that you or baby are unstable! I may recommend a transfer to the hospital if you or baby are unable to stabilize within a few hours of birth.

Do you offer a discount if I hire you during my second or third trimester?

• I charge a package price and do not discount based on when you hire me during your pregnancy. When you come to me later in pregnancy we need to spend extra time developing a trusting relationship, doing prenatal screenings, and reviewing prenatal records.