| Home Birth FAQ
Q: I didn’t know that you could have your baby at home; is midwifery and homebirth a new thing?
A: The word midwife means “with woman” and it simply connotes a woman supporting another woman in labor and birth. Women have been helping women with birthing throughout history. The World Health Organization (WHO) statistics show that in the countries that utilize midwives for up to 70% of their births have the best outcomes. The number of women choosing home birth in the US is steadily increasing as more people become aware of homebirth as a safe option.
Q: What’s the difference between midwifery care and the medical model of obstetrical care?
A: Midwifery care is tailored for each individual woman and we provide continuity of care. We spend a lot of time with our women at each visit, offer childbirth education classes, and do visits in your own home. We are dedicated to fully supporting the needs and healthcare of woman throughout their pregnancy, birth and during the postpartum phase. We look to preventative alternatives and natural medicinals to ensure the health and well being of our moms and babies.
Q: Is a home birth safe? What happens if there is a complication?
A: Home birth is safe with well-trained midwifes present. If complications do arise, the midwives and assistants are trained in emergency care and have the same equipment available that you have at an LDR (labor and delivery room) at the hospital to resolve the problem quickly. The preventive healthcare we offer prevents most major complications from developing. Close monitoring of mother and baby allow any problems to be treated before they become true emergencies. On the rare occasion a complication arises that a midwife cannot treat, the woman is transferred to the hospital. Most transfers are not emergencies, and we transport in our own vehicles.
Q: I have heard that legislation was passed recently to license non-nurse midwives in the state of California. What can you tell me about that?
A: In 1993, it became possible for midwives to receive licensure. Those of us who had been practicing for a number of years and could prove an extensive amount of experience were ‘preceptored’ in and sat for the first state board exams.
Q: How would someone go about finding a midwife in their area?
A: Word of mouth is often the best way. Asking at healthfood or herb stores, local chiropractor or other alternative healthcare providers offices can be helpful. Many midwives advertise in the yellow pages, or small community papers. State midwifery organizations can be located online.
Q: How did you choose this line of work, and how did you go about becoming a midwife?
A: The home birth of my son in 1982 transformed my life and I felt a calling to support other birthing women. (click here for more details) I apprenticed with midwives and doctors in my area and trained at a birth clinic in Texas, so I was fortunate to have a variety of training experiences, which gave a well-rounded education in midwifery. I certified with California Association of Midwives (CAM) long before licensing was available. The certification was a form of self-regulation, so the birthing families would feel reassured that their midwife was qualified. (This self-certification, created by CAM, was more rigorous than the State licensing process).
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