Frequently asked questions commonly asked about Homebirth
Consults
Contact Christiane to schedule a complimentary consultation. Visits will in person at my office located at 967 W Hedding ste 110 San Jose. In the offices of the South Bay Homebirth Collective/Haumea Birth.
Prenatal Visits
Midwifery care prenatal visits will last approximately one hour per visit. During that time you will have ample time to connect with your midwife. Topics covered include but are not limited to; pregnancy concerns and expectations, plans for your birth, nutrition, exercise, prenatal testing, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, family concerns, postpartum plans and adjustments. Also included in your visit will be the standard prenatal exam; measuring your baby's growth, checking on your baby's position, checking your vitals, and listening to your baby's heartbeat.
Prenatal visits will occur monthly until 28 weeks gestation, bi-weekly until 36 weeks, then weekly from 36 weeks until the birth of your baby.
Prenatal visits are in person, partners are encourage to attend.
Can I have a Doula?
We strongly encourage you to hire a Homebirth experienced doula to assist in prenatal preparation, labor coping and an added layer of postpartum support for your family. Your Midwife will provide a list of doulas with homebirth experience. We recommend every family consider hiring a birth and/or postpartum doula.
Can I Have A Birth Photographer?
Yes! We are happy to welcome professional birth photographers to your birth team. Your Midwife has connections with several local Birth Photographers.
Home Visits
Your Midwife will schedule a 36 week home visit at which time she will discuss your birth plan, birth set up, your birth kit, additional supplies to have on hand, and when to call. It is recommended to also have present all persons that you plan to have attend your birth; your doula, friends or family members.
Postpartum
Your midwife will visit you in your home two times in the first week after your baby is born. Additional visits will be in the office at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks postpartum.
Birth Location
Homebirth can be utilized no matter the size or location of your home. Reach out to Christiane with any questions you might have about your prospective birth location.
Your Birth Experience
Your Midwife will be on call for you 24/7 from weeks 37-42. She will support your birth via phone and text before joining you in person at your home. Her Birth Assistant will join the team under her guidance. Your birth team will remain with you for approximately 3-4 hours postpartum or until you are stable and comfortable.
Your Immediate Postpartum Care
Your Midwife will facilitate the birth of your placenta, monitor your bleeding, scan vitals for both mother and baby. She will assist with breastfeeding, perform a comprehensive Newborn Exam, as well as assess for any needed sutures (local anesthesia provided). Her Birth Assistant will facilitate a thorough cleaning of your birth space, ensure that you and your family have eaten and are comfortable in addition to her duties for your Midwife.
Postpartum Baby Care
California Midwives are licensed to care for healthy newborns for the first six weeks of life. Newborn Screen and any additional newborn testing can be discussed with your midwife. We highly recommend staying home with your baby for the first two weeks postpartum. We suggest choosing a pediatrician familiar with Homebirth choices to continue your baby's care after six weeks. Your Midwife will provide recommendations.
Birth Certificates and Social Security Numbers
Birth Certificate paperwork will be provided to you by your midwife. You will follow up with our county's Birth Registrar to complete your baby's birth certificate. At that time you will be given instructions on how to get a Social Security number.
Licensure and Training
California Licensed Midwives are autonomous medical providers. They are licensed through the California Medical Board as well as holding a National Certification. Midwives are required to attend a MEAC accredited school for a minimum of three years as well as additional rigorous clinical apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced Midwife.
Pain Relief Options
Homebirth families utilize a variety of natural and alternative pain relief options. We would recommend that you research information on Doula support, childbirth preparation and partner support techniques, mediative childbirth preparation methods such as HypnoBirthing, comfort measures such as massage and labor positioning, and water birth.
Hospital Transfers
If you risk out of Homebirth delivery for any reason and require a hospital birth. Your midwifery team can continue to support you in the hospital or via virtual support if your transfer hospital only allows one support person.
Emergencies
California Midwives are required to complete stringent and comprehensive training in emergency skills, including but not limited to; CPR, Neonatal resuscitation, and Birth Emergency Skills Training. Midwives are required to complete continuing education classes in these skills in accordance with their licensure and certifications. In the rare instance that an emergency is outside your Midwives' scope of practice, you would be transferred to your local hospital.
Does My Insurance Cover Homebirth Care
Most PPO's will cover a portion of your prenatal and postpartum visits as well as your Homebirth delivery under the care of a Licensed Midwife. Christiane utilizes the services of an experienced medical biller who can best optimize your insurance coverage. FSA and HSA can also be utilized for a portion of your Midwifery fees. HMO and Kaiser Insurance will not cover any portion of Homebirth Midwifery Care.
Contact Christiane to schedule a complimentary consultation. Visits will in person at my office located at 967 W Hedding ste 110 San Jose. In the offices of the South Bay Homebirth Collective/Haumea Birth.
Prenatal Visits
Midwifery care prenatal visits will last approximately one hour per visit. During that time you will have ample time to connect with your midwife. Topics covered include but are not limited to; pregnancy concerns and expectations, plans for your birth, nutrition, exercise, prenatal testing, mental and emotional health and wellbeing, family concerns, postpartum plans and adjustments. Also included in your visit will be the standard prenatal exam; measuring your baby's growth, checking on your baby's position, checking your vitals, and listening to your baby's heartbeat.
Prenatal visits will occur monthly until 28 weeks gestation, bi-weekly until 36 weeks, then weekly from 36 weeks until the birth of your baby.
Prenatal visits are in person, partners are encourage to attend.
Can I have a Doula?
We strongly encourage you to hire a Homebirth experienced doula to assist in prenatal preparation, labor coping and an added layer of postpartum support for your family. Your Midwife will provide a list of doulas with homebirth experience. We recommend every family consider hiring a birth and/or postpartum doula.
Can I Have A Birth Photographer?
Yes! We are happy to welcome professional birth photographers to your birth team. Your Midwife has connections with several local Birth Photographers.
Home Visits
Your Midwife will schedule a 36 week home visit at which time she will discuss your birth plan, birth set up, your birth kit, additional supplies to have on hand, and when to call. It is recommended to also have present all persons that you plan to have attend your birth; your doula, friends or family members.
Postpartum
Your midwife will visit you in your home two times in the first week after your baby is born. Additional visits will be in the office at 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks postpartum.
Birth Location
Homebirth can be utilized no matter the size or location of your home. Reach out to Christiane with any questions you might have about your prospective birth location.
Your Birth Experience
Your Midwife will be on call for you 24/7 from weeks 37-42. She will support your birth via phone and text before joining you in person at your home. Her Birth Assistant will join the team under her guidance. Your birth team will remain with you for approximately 3-4 hours postpartum or until you are stable and comfortable.
Your Immediate Postpartum Care
Your Midwife will facilitate the birth of your placenta, monitor your bleeding, scan vitals for both mother and baby. She will assist with breastfeeding, perform a comprehensive Newborn Exam, as well as assess for any needed sutures (local anesthesia provided). Her Birth Assistant will facilitate a thorough cleaning of your birth space, ensure that you and your family have eaten and are comfortable in addition to her duties for your Midwife.
Postpartum Baby Care
California Midwives are licensed to care for healthy newborns for the first six weeks of life. Newborn Screen and any additional newborn testing can be discussed with your midwife. We highly recommend staying home with your baby for the first two weeks postpartum. We suggest choosing a pediatrician familiar with Homebirth choices to continue your baby's care after six weeks. Your Midwife will provide recommendations.
Birth Certificates and Social Security Numbers
Birth Certificate paperwork will be provided to you by your midwife. You will follow up with our county's Birth Registrar to complete your baby's birth certificate. At that time you will be given instructions on how to get a Social Security number.
Licensure and Training
California Licensed Midwives are autonomous medical providers. They are licensed through the California Medical Board as well as holding a National Certification. Midwives are required to attend a MEAC accredited school for a minimum of three years as well as additional rigorous clinical apprenticeship under the supervision of an experienced Midwife.
Pain Relief Options
Homebirth families utilize a variety of natural and alternative pain relief options. We would recommend that you research information on Doula support, childbirth preparation and partner support techniques, mediative childbirth preparation methods such as HypnoBirthing, comfort measures such as massage and labor positioning, and water birth.
Hospital Transfers
If you risk out of Homebirth delivery for any reason and require a hospital birth. Your midwifery team can continue to support you in the hospital or via virtual support if your transfer hospital only allows one support person.
Emergencies
California Midwives are required to complete stringent and comprehensive training in emergency skills, including but not limited to; CPR, Neonatal resuscitation, and Birth Emergency Skills Training. Midwives are required to complete continuing education classes in these skills in accordance with their licensure and certifications. In the rare instance that an emergency is outside your Midwives' scope of practice, you would be transferred to your local hospital.
Does My Insurance Cover Homebirth Care
Most PPO's will cover a portion of your prenatal and postpartum visits as well as your Homebirth delivery under the care of a Licensed Midwife. Christiane utilizes the services of an experienced medical biller who can best optimize your insurance coverage. FSA and HSA can also be utilized for a portion of your Midwifery fees. HMO and Kaiser Insurance will not cover any portion of Homebirth Midwifery Care.