What are the payment options, and do you accept insurance?

I require complete payment by 36 weeks' gestation to ensure that I am officially “on-call” for your birth. I accept only a limited number of births per month, and I often turn down potential clients to ensure adequate time for each family. During the initial appointment, I require a non-refundable $500 down payment toward the total. With that in mind, I am very understanding, and if we have a game plan set by the second appointment, that will be completely acceptable!

Currently, insurance does not cover midwifery services, but many health shares do! If you're part of a health share and they require a superbill, I will happily print one for their records. Though insurance does not pay for midwifery care, our fees often fall within insurance deductibles, which makes midwifery care affordable.

Do I still need to see an OBGYN while in care with you?

Great question! Unless we need to collaborate with a physician on a situation that requires additional insight, or your pregnancy is no longer low-risk, you won't need to see an OBGYN while in care. We follow the same prenatal visit schedule (monthly until 28 weeks, every two weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until birth), and we run routine labs in the office, with the option of glucose testing and GBS screening.

Why birth at home?

Home birth is not for everyone, but being able to labor and birth in the comfort of your home is a human right available in Texas with a licensed midwife. Delivering your baby at home is a beautiful, powerful, and redemptive experience. Birthing at home used to be common, surrounded by fellow midwives and the mother’s family since the creation of man. At Heartland Birth & Wellness, we focus on individualized care with an approach of informed consent and decision-making that works best for your family.

What is your transfer rate?

I respect this question. I remember asking my own midwife this when I was pregnant. I remember her response perfectly: “I will transfer 100% of the time if the situation warrants it.” There comes a time when midwives will experience a string of back-to-back transfers and then months of none because every labor and birth is different. Personally, I want a healthy and safe mother and baby, and if I see a trend that shows me that home birth is no longer safe, I will transport 100% of the time. I would be hesitant if you interviewed a midwife who states that she has never transferred.

What happens if I need to be transferred to the hospital?

If there is a situation where we need to transport you to the hospital during labor, I will accompany you and your family. I will then shift from provider to doula to support and advocate for you. If we need to transfer either the mother or baby to the hospital in the immediate postpartum period, I will ride with the patient. At the same time, the licensed midwife continues care with the one who stays home to ensure the mother/baby is stable and can be discharged, and reunites at the hospital, if desired.

If you decide to transfer care to another provider or your pregnancy is no longer low-risk, there may be reimbursement depending on how many appointments/labs/etc. were done during your care. We will not issue refunds after 36 weeks of pregnancy.

What if I tear?

Fortunately, tearing is very uncommon in a homebirth setting due to the ability to move and fully feel the sensation of pushing and your baby at your perineum. After the baby is born and the placenta is delivered, we will inspect for any lacerations. If a tear does not approximate on its own, sutures may be needed. In Texas, midwives are trained to repair 1st- and 2nd-degree lacerations, which are the most common, with local anesthetics. If the tear enters the GI tract, that indicates a higher level of care and requires repair by a physician. Typically, if that occurs, it is a quick procedure, and you’re back at home the same day. 

Are doulas the same as midwives?

Doulas are wonderful! But they are not midwives. Doulas are hired to provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to you before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Unlike midwives or doctors, doulas are non-medical professionals focused on comfort, advocacy, and guidance, helping you to feel safe, empowered, and supported. In contrast, midwives are medically trained providers, and while they support and advocate for you, their main focus is your and your baby's safety. At Heartland Birth and Wellness, we love doulas! We highly encourage doulas, especially for first-time mothers and first-time homebirthers.

Do you accept late transfers?

If you’re already seeing a provider and want to transfer care, reach out! I would love the chance to get to know you, understand your goals, and see what we can do for you and your desired birth.

Who is all allowed at the birth?

If you want your whole family there in the room - great!

If you only want your birth team and your partner - that is wonderful, too!

At the birth, I will hire a birth assistant, another licensed midwife, to help. All the assistants I choose are reliable, intelligent, and like-minded, and are great assets to have at your birth. I recommend inviting someone into your space who is encouraging and has no ill feelings toward your decisions. Remember, this is your birth and your story. You do not want someone in your house who carries criticism and skepticism about your decisions.  

Do I need to buy anything for the birth?

No, you do not need to buy anything specific for the birth. At the 36-week home visit, I will be dropping off a birth kit with all the basic supplies we will need for birth. When I arrive at your house when you’re in labor, I will also bring additional equipment at that time (i.e., oxygen, medications, resuscitation equipment). At that 36-week home visit, I will give you a supply list of what would be helpful to have at home during the birth, including plenty of towels.

How do you feel about breech birth?

I believe that a breech presentation is another normal variation of birth. I am not afraid of breech labor and birth, and I have taken hands-on training from Birthing Instincts, Dr. Stuart Fischbein. I believe that every care provider needs a basic understanding of breech presentations and how to prepare for the possible surprise breech.