| What
do you bring to a birth?
You will purchase a birth supply kit before your
due date. It will include sterile, disposable supplies.
In addition, we bring the following equipment: oxygen
and resuscitation equipment, sterile instruments
(for clamping and cutting baby's umbilical cord),
a fetoscope and doppler to listen to baby's heart
rate during labor, supplies for perineal repairs,
and general support items.
What
if there is a problem during the labor and/or birth?
While there are many different types of situations
one can encounter during labor or birth, we strive
to be as non-interventive as possible, thereby reducing
any risk of complications. Should
an issue arise, there is usually ample time to transport
to the hospital. Hospital choices and access are
discussed prenatally, with the parents, taking into
consideration insurance coverage, physician relationships,
and general support / respect for homebirth families.
Of course, priority is given to the closest hospital
for emergency transports. Once we transport with
a client to the hospital, one or more of us stay
by her side helping her and her partner with decisions,
support and encouragement until her baby is safely
delivered and both mother and baby are stable. Postpartum
appointments then continue as normal, as well as
breastfeeding and parenting support.
What
about the mess?
This is the most common question we hear. Some people
believe birth is very messy. While there are fluids
such as amniotic fluid and blood involved, the mess
is often quite less than the general public would
assume. Instructions are given prenatally on how
to make up a bed so that the mattress stays clean,
as well as precautions for floors and carpets, and
underpads are included in the birth kit to help
absorb fluids during the birth process. The average
birth generates a small waste basket of garbage
and leaves behind no evidence other than your sweet
baby.
Can
we have family, friends and or siblings at the birth?
It's up to you whom you choose to have attend your
birth. During prenatals and over the course of your
pregnancy, we can discuss your concerns and hopes
regarding your birth, the atmosphere, and what is
important to your and your family.
What
happens after the birth?
You will be provided with immediate breastfeeding
support, made sure mother and baby are stable, given
a newborn exam, checked for perineal tears and repair
them if necessary. By the time we've done all of
these things, generally 2-3 hours have passed since
the birth. Some women need us to stay longer and
some women are glad to have their privacy after
an hour. Postpartum visits are at one week, two
weeks, then a last visit at 6 to 10 weeks (with
a Pap smear and/or birth control information, if
desired).
How
much do your services cost?
Lindy,
Laura and Christina work with each family individually
to find a fee that is affordable and realistic.
We believe strongly that for anything to have value
and to be valued an exchange must be made. Often
it is uncomfortable to discuss financial matters
and because of that we prefer to settle any fee
discussions during the first or second visit. If
you have special circumstances, please be open and
honest about what your ability is to pay. At this
time Badger Care will not pay for Licensed Midwives
but other insurance companies will. We consider
barter to be a viable payment option in some circumstances.
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