Question 1

How many births do you attend each month?

Accepted Answer

We don’t limit the number of births we have each month, but we tend to average between 1 and 4. This feels like a good balance for our team right now, but as the practice grows we may adjust the number of births we have each month.

Question 2

Do you work alone or in a team during labor?

Accepted Answer

It is our policy to not attend births alone (once the baby is born, we have two patients). There is usually a 2-person team made up of providers you have already met. If we have the team for it, we may bring 3 people, but this 3rd person is usually in charge of documentation and may be a less experienced student.

Question 3

Is any portion of the midwife cost refundable if care is transferred to an OB at any point prior to the birth?

Accepted Answer

Yes - we provide refunds on funds that are being held towards future care.

Question 4

Do you recommend working with a doula?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! I highly recommend hiring a doula especially for first-time parents, families who want extra support, or for families who are having their first out-of-hospital birth.

Question 5

Do you provide nutritional support during pregnancy and labor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. During your pregnancy we discuss nutrition and how best to support your body during this time. During labor we encourage you to eat and drink as normally as possible, offering snacks and beverages that are available in your home or that you have brought with you to the birth suite. We keep some snacks stocked (cheese sticks, popsicles, etc.) and always have electrolytes and ice water on hand.

Question 6

Do you provide and/or require any pregnancy screenings?

Accepted Answer

I do require the OB panel. After that, we can discuss other testing (such as first and second trimester genetic screenings, gestational diabetes, Group B Strep, etc). I usually strongly encourage testing for clients that have risk factors, but try to offer alternatives when possible.

Question 7

Do you routinely check glucose and protein levels via urine samples at visits?

Accepted Answer

I do not. This isn’t considered standard of care or even best practice any longer!

Question 8

If you are unable to attend my birth for any reason, who will attend in your place?

Accepted Answer

There are several other midwives working in the Bitterroot and Missoula. We would call one of them, and then make sure that at least one of your planned birth team members is still attending!

Question 9

What happens in the case where two clients are laboring simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Thankfully it is rare for two clients to be delivering at the same time. We could either have both clients deliver in the birth suites (we have the ability to expand to two birth suites in the building, if needed), or in the case of two home births, we could call another local midwife to attend the 2nd mother that goes into labor.

Question 10

What equipment do you bring to the birth?

Accepted Answer

We have a whole bag! Including: postpartum hemorrhage medications, IV’s, antibiotics, laceration repair supplies, gloves, water birth accessories, newborn resuscitation equipment (including oxygen), stethoscopes and blood pressure cuff, Doppler, amniotic fluid indicator swabs, amnihooks, birth stool, instruments to cut the umbilical cord with…the list goes on!

Question 11

Do you have a birth kit for purchase and if not will you work with me to assemble one?

Accepted Answer

I provide a list of supplies which you will need to gather before the birth. Most of the supplies are things you would have around your house or something you can purchase from the grocery store. If you desire to order from a birthing supply store, I like cascadehealth.com.

Question 12

Do you have any preferences regarding how many people attend the birth?

Accepted Answer

Minimizing your birth room attendants can help your birth go smoother. Birth isn’t a spectator sport! We want you to feel supported, but not watched. Usually our clients labor with their partner, a close friend/family member/doula, and then we have our birth team there (2-3 people). Including the laboring mother, that’s already 6 people! Any more than that can be too crowded or even distressing for the laboring mom.

Question 13

At what point during my labor will you come to my home?

Accepted Answer

We attend you when you reach active labor so we can monitor baby and offer support. Usually active labor is starting when you are about 5-6 cm dilated. Any sooner than that, and labor can stall or just take a longer time. We want our medical team to be as fresh as possible in case of complications, so we leave the early labor support to your doula and your additional support people.

Question 14

What tools do you use to monitor the baby during labor and after their birth?

Accepted Answer

We use a doppler for labor and birth, and monitor the baby with a stethoscope and pulse oximeter after the birth.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions