"Birth is an experience that demonstrates that life is not merely function and utility, but form and beauty." ~Christopher Largen
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use health insurance to pay for my care?
A. If you have insurance, you will be working with our birth billing specialist Deanna Smith for both well woman care and childbirth services. You will register with her early in the course of your care by sending her the proper form and a registration fee. She will contact your insurance company to determine how your company will reimburse for midwifery services. It is recommended that she has contact with the insurance company rather than you, as she has a high record of success in obtaining insurance reimbursement for midwifery services. Please be aware that there is no guarantee that your company will reimburse any specific amount for your care. Once the insurance monies are received at our office, any amount that has been prepaid to us by you will be immediately reimbursed to you, minus Deanna’s fee for service for her services (currently 7% of reimbursed fees).
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 prenatal care, we carefully screen for any indication of a developing complication. If the need arises we can consult and 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. A recent study was conducted by the Midwives Alliance of North America confirming the safety of home birth,. To read the article, click on: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12172/full
Q. Who chooses home birth?
A. Families from all walks of life choose to receive their prenatal 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).
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'. In most situations we call ahead to the hospital and usually drive there in personal vehicle. Of course there are some situations that are true emergencies in which transport by ambulance is necessary. Once transport occurs, we will stay by your side for support, encouragement and to help you make decisions.
Q. A man midwife? I thought only women were midwives.
A. At North Branch Midwifery we believe that it is the whole being of the person, and not our gender, that defines who we are. Thorin encompasses a deep passion and a gentle soul that combine to make women and families comfortable with him in all settings. Midwife means "with woman" and there are many men who are wonderful midwives. We are grateful for his commitment, skills and service as he embarks on this path. For an interesting discussion of males in a birth related role, please read: http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/12/02/men-at-work-for-women-in-labor/?_r=1
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Every midwife knows that not until a mother’s womb softens from the pain of labor will a way unfold and the infant find that opening to be born.
Oh friend! There is treasure in your heart, it is heavy with child.
Listen. All the awakened ones, like trusted midwives are saying, 'welcome this pain. It opens the dark passage of Grace.' ~Rumi