Who can have a home birth?

Home birth most indicated for low-risk pregnant people who are pregnant with a single baby (i.e. not twins or multiples). Most people can have a home birth even if you had a hospital birth or c-section before. If you have concerns whether you are a candidate for a home birth, please schedule a complimentary consultation so we can discuss!

What is a midwife?

While there are a few different types of midwives in the United States, as licensed midwives we are trained providers who are licensed by the state. Elizabeth is also a naturopathic doctor and received her Masters in Midwifery from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA. As midwives we are trained in normal physiologic birth but also in emergency procedures including neonatal resuscitation, CPR, managing blood loss and other things that can come up in birth from time-to-time. Midwives are also experts in normal woman and infant care. Midwives can perform lab testing and order ultrasounds and other diagnostic tests. At Maine Coast Midwives we practice naturopathic midwifery which combines the principles and training of naturopathic medicine with the Midwifery Model of Care. 

What is naturopathic midwifery?

Naturopathic midwifery combines the principles and therapeutic order of naturopathic medicine with the Midwifery Model of Care. Naturopathic midwives are naturopathic doctors often specializing in women's health and pediatrics and also trained midwives. Naturopathic midwives are experts in health optimization in pregnancy in addition to well versed in treating common conditions of pregnancy naturally. Naturopathic midwives often do more laboratory testing and in depth health analysis in pregnancy than the average midwife. 

Is home birth safe?  

Studies have confirmed what midwives have known in practice for a long time: home birth is safe for low-risk women when a trained provider is in attendance. Midwives monitor mothers and babies throughout the prenatal period to ensure they are good candidates for home birth. Midwives bring equipment and medication to births that greatly increases the safety of home birth. By monitoring the birthing person and baby closely throughout labor, midwives continue to ensure birth is safe for the home setting and will work to coordinate a smooth transition to the hospital setting if it's believed additional resources are needed for the time of birth. 

Can I have a water birth?

In short, yes! Though sometimes babies do decide to come quickly like in the case of Elizabeth's daughter, Sadie, who was born on the walk to the birth tub!

What happens in the case of a hospital transfer?

In the case of a hospital transfer, we ensure a smooth transition by contacting the hospital ahead of time, faxing over records and alerting the hospital to your arrival. Most of the time, transportation will happen by private car, though on certain occasions, EMS may be called. A midwife will accompany you to the hospital and stay with you for the duration of your labor, acting in a doula role. A midwife would be with you at the time of birth and for a few hours postpartum. After you are discharged from the hospital, postpartum care would resume in your home. 

How much does midwifery care cost?

Maine Coast Midwives charges a global fee of $5000 which includes care from 8 weeks of pregnancy to 12 weeks postpartum including all appointments, a home visit, in-home postpartum visits and being on call for birth from 37 weeks of pregnancy. Labs and ultrasounds can be billed through insurance or paid with cash. We request payment in full by 36 weeks and typically create a payment plan with patients. We work with an experienced biller to work to get our patients reimbursement once care has concluded.