What are some considerations for choosing home birth?
Increased attention, care, observation and monitoring by the same midwife, resulting in fewer problems or complications and greater self-confidence for the laboring woman;
Midwife is familiar with the woman. Small problems can be addressed before they become big ones, and overreaction can be avoided because the midwife has content and perspective;
Chances of infection are greatly decreased. Microbes, including and especially antibiotic-resistant ones, are not found in homes. Women are far less likely to have interventive procedures that increase the risk of infection;
A familiar, supportive and relaxed home environment promotes strong, regular and effective contractions;
The laboring woman is the center of undivided attention while the midwife and all others are invited guests. There are no maternity care policies designed to process many women and babies efficiently; convenience of a staff is not a consideration;
A woman has the opportunity to discover that she can cope with labor using her own resources and strengths; emerging from the birth feeling capable and confident; and
Women experience less pain at home. Hormones released by a woman’s body regulate sensations of labor pain. During labor at home, oxytocin works in harmony with endorphins; they are both released unhindered as the woman needs them and adrenalin release is diminished.
Where will my prenatal visits take place?
Song of Life Midwifery’s offices are at approximately I-70 and Wadsworth Parkway in Arvada.
How far will you travel to attend a birth?
We will travel anywhere along the front-range and some mountain communities. Please contact us for more information about location.
Are home birth midwives legal?
Yes. In the state of Colorado, home-birth midwifery is regulated by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. You may access this agency here for more information.
What is your transport rate and why would you transport to a hospital?
Approximately 5-7%. Typically, we transport for maternal exhaustion or pain relief, or we see signs that are not ideal. It is not often that we transport for a true emergency situation.
What type of insurance do you accept?
We have a professional private medical insurance biller in our employ. Fees are expected to be paid up front by 36 weeks gestation. Following the final postpartum visit, insurance will be billed for reimbursement. Additionally, Song of Life Midwifery is a specialty provider with the state of Colorado CHP+ program.
Do I have to see a doctor during my pregnancy?
Most of our clients do not see a doctor while they are receiving midwifery care from us. Should a complication arise, we may refer you to a medical provider until the situation resolves. If the problem does not resolve prior to delivery, we may be able to accompany you during labor and delivery and/or resume care for the postpartum period.
What do midwives bring to the birth?
We bring all necessary equipment and instruments, as well as oxygen, herbs, IV equipment and medications as permitted by the State of Colorado.
Who will attend my birth?
There will be two licensed midwives attending your birth, a primary and secondary. There have been a few times that baby has arrived before the secondary midwife, but the plan always incorporates two midwives for each birth.
Is home birth messy?
We get this question quite a bit. We clean up any mess that is made by the birth and do our best to leave your home tidy and clean. Contrary to what is seen on television and in movies, home birth is actually not that messy.
What if there is an emergency?
Infrequently, it is necessary to seek emergent help from a medical provider. When we come to your home for the 36-week home visit, we discuss the emergency plan already in your chart, including possible reasons for transport to a hospital and when it may be necessary to seek medical care.
What if you have two births at the same time?
This has only happened one time in many years of practice! We carefully plan the number of clients we serve at any particular time in order to avoid this situation to the best of our ability. We have a small group of midwives with whom we participate in monthly midwifery peer review. Should someone go into labor while we are at another birth, we may call upon one or more of these licensed midwives to attend you until we can rendezvous at your home as soon as possible. The midwives with whom we work have similar skills and are women we know and trust.
