Home birth it is! We decided this week, and I am beyond excited to be preparing to welcome my baby in to the world in our very own home. The midwife will come meet with me for the first time (since our original interview) on November 20th. She’s fantastic *and* she’s bringing me fresh pressed cider from her organic orchard. :) We will have our final ultrasound the first week of December, where we will attempt to continue to not know the gender of Poppy.
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Brook | 04-Nov-08 at 12:27 pm | Permalink
Are there legal ramifications to home birth? Does someone have to verify that you do, in fact, have another child and are not just trying to get an extra tax credit? Do you need special equipment? Does the midwife send you a bill, or does she send it to your insurance company? Does your insurance company even cover home birth? You have raised many questions for me. I’m glad you’ve decided, though, and that you’re excited about it.
rachel | 04-Nov-08 at 1:23 pm | Permalink
My, you’re full of questions. Legal ramifications vary *widely* between states. In some states (Nebraska, Illinois, Kentucky) midwifery is illegal, and if a midwife is caught practicing she can be put in jail. Some states (like Louisiana) allow direct-entry midwives to practice under the supervision of an OB (making it effectively illegal in a lot of areas because it is *very* difficult to find an OB who is willing), and only if the client agrees to 2 ultrasounds, certain lab work, etc. In either situation, a mother would not be prosecuted for having a home birth, but the midwife would. In some states, this leads women to have an unassisted home birth rather than go to a hospital. Montana recognizes and regulates direct entry midwives, but they only are required to “suggest” that we find a backup OB. The midwife files for the birth certificate and acts as a witness. She carries oxygen and pitocin, something to tie off the cord, etc. We’ll be purchasing a birthing pool, but obviously, that’s optional. Most people I know end up paying out of pocket for a homebirth (which generally runs right at 2K) but occasionally, some insurances will cover it, at least partially. (A regular, natural hospital birth runs around 10k anywhere I’ve lived). Hmm. I think I hit them all. If you think of any more, let me know.
Michelle Borden | 05-Nov-08 at 8:59 am | Permalink
Congrats on the choice. I hope it goes smoothly and will pray for that. I can’t say I would do it any other way, but who knows, given the circumstances. You have two beautiful little kids, by the way. They look so much alike, no denying they’re related. Hope your enjoying the northern weather.