Gentle Beginnings Midwifery Care

Birth Services in Corvallis, Oregon

FAQ

This is my first baby, is homebirth right for me?

You will hear from many that you should have your first baby in a hospital – just to be “sure” everything is OK. I would suggest that as long as you are having a healthy pregnancy, that it is wiser to have your first baby at home. Generally, your first birth will be your most challenging and arduous. Having a provider familiar with natural birth who is able to be with you throughout your labor, helping you to manage, is critical. What you need from your provider is patience:

  • Patience for labor to begin on its own so you can have the best birth your baby and body intended
  • Patience to allow dilation to occur instead of forcing it to happen per a graph or curve
  • Patience during the pushing stage, encouraging mothers to push in different positions so babies can participate in their birth

Not to mention the time and attention you receive in the weeks after your birth.
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If I have to transport will you come with me?

Assuming careful prenatal screening and good health of the mother, the majority of homebirths occur at home as planned. If we need to make the transfer to the hospital, I will call ahead and alert the on-call midwife or doctor as to why we are coming. Our local hospitals are receptive and attentive to supportive care from home birth transports. It is well documented that this improves outcomes for mothers and babies.

In the event of transport, I will remain with you to provide continuity of care and will assume a labor support/advocate role while you are in the hospital. We continue with postpartum care regardless of where you give birth.
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Do you provide care for a Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC)?

Yes, if you are otherwise an appropriate candidate for a homebirth. As Cesarean rates continue to rise the number of women seeking a vaginal birth after cesarean is also rising. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the ideal rate for cesarean sections should be between 10 – 15 %. The rate in the US is greater than 30%. A typical c-section rate for a homebirth practice is between 5 -10% (part of this is attributable to working with healthy women). There is plenty of evidence that supports VBAC over repeat cesarean section.

A VBAC provides considerable benefits to mom and baby; a shorter recovery time (especially helpful with a little one at home) with fewer postpartum complications, including infections. Babies like it too! They adjust better to breathing and the emphasis is on immediate bonding and breastfeeding. On the other hand, there is a small increased risk (< 1%) of uterine rupture. As with any other possible complications of birth, midwives are trained to be alert for early warning signs of rupture, which would necessitate a hospital transport.

For women that are motivated to have a VBAC it is helpful to choose a provider that believes you can do it. I have difficulty with the term TOLAC (Trial of Labor after Cesarean) which is how hospital practitioners phrase your choice to have a VBAC. I believe it is a vaginal birth you desire. I want to give you every opportunity to achieve that. For those that labor at home and then give birth by cesarean again, my hope for you is that you know you gave it your all. It’s nice to know that your cesarean birth was an appropriate outcome based on natural birth and not a myriad of interventions and rules that don’t pertain to you.

I have found myself telling VBAC mama’s that I just want to treat you like a normal pregnant woman. Yes, I understand that we need to be aware that physically you’ve had a previous surgical birth. Yes, I understand that you have emotional issues that are unique to you, and, I want to hear about them. I am happy to support you and your family if you choose a home VBAC. I admire your courage and determination as you seek the birth you desire.
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What about waterbirth?

Many women benefit from immersion in water during their labor. Some women desire giving birth in the water. It’s clear the comfort of a birthing pool can be beneficial. I have been facilitating water births for many years and am comfortable with them. I do have some curiosity about how water birth effects the colonization (seeding) of the newborn gut/microbiome.
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Where will you travel to attend a birth?

My office is in Corvallis. I attend births in the Corvallis/Albany/Philomath area as well as Eugene, Lebanon, Monmouth/Independence, and the Coast Range.

I offer a free initial consultation.
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What is included in the cost?

The fee for homebirth is inclusive – you pay for midwifery care. You won’t be charged a facility fee or extra charges for newborn care or postpartum visits. There is a small cost for a birth kit and supplies, but other than that items used for birth and the immediate postpartum are included. Lab and ultrasound fees are separate and typically billable to your insurance. If you choose to use my birth tub there is no additional charge for that. In addition to our time spent together, a midwife is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – without having to go through an answering service.
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Does insurance pay?

Most Insurance companies cover licensed midwives and homebirth at out-of- network rates. I will be happy to contact your plan to determine what your coverage will be. You would be responsible for your deductible and percentage while pregnant, I will bill them after the birth and we settle your account once they have paid.

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) can be used to pay for your homebirth provider as well.

In some cases, while homebirth may be covered at out-of- network rates, it may be less than your total out-of- pocket cost of an in-network hospital bill.
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Do you take the Oregon Health Plan (OHP)?

I am not currently an OHP provider. OHP qualified women receive a reduced rate with payment plan options to choose from.
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Why have a homebirth with a midwife?

  • Midwives hold a holistic view of health
  • Midwives respect and honor the women they serve
  • Midwives take the time to tailor their care to the needs of the individual
  • Midwives believe pregnancy and birth are natural, normal events of life
  • Midwives encourage women to become educated about relevant issues, take responsibility for their choices, and be empowered by their experiences
  • Midwives use interventions only as needed, not routinely
  • Midwives improve the outcomes of birth

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