Frequently asked questions.
Photo Credit: Hanna Russo Birth Services
What is your availability if I have a question or concern?
I am available 24 hours a day for urgent needs throughout your pregnancy, and respond to non-emergency questions within 12 hours. Call for emergencies, or you can text for non-urgent questions.
What if I tear?
I carry lidocaine and suturing equipment to suture perineal and labial tears. The only types of tears we would need to transfer to the hospital for are extremely rare in the homebirth setting.
How do I get a birth certificate for my baby?
At the first postpartum home visit I will go over a worksheet with you that covers the information needed for birth certificates and social security cards. Once completed and signed, I submit the information to the state within 5 days of baby’s birth. The state will then mail you your baby’s birth certificate and SSN card. I can supply you with a verification of birth letter if it’s needed for insurance purposes while you wait for the final documents to arrive.
What about newborn state testing?
At the first postpartum home visit, I will do the metabolic testing (heel poke) and critical congenital heart screening (non-invasive). The hearing screening is done usually at the first office visit postpartum. This is all of the same testing that is done in the hospital. There is an additional fee for this (About $150) that is paid directly to the state, but depending on your household income, this fee may be waived.
What does postpartum care look like?
The first few visits take place at home. At each visit, I will check your blood pressure, bleeding, and monitor your uterus by palpating your abdomen. I offer support with nursing as needed and answer any questions or concerns. Your baby is seen during these visits as well! I perform assessments and measurements on baby’s health as they transition into newborn life on the outside.
What payment options do I have?
I take all forms of payment including cash, check, card, or HSA. A retainer fee is due at the time of your intake appointment with me. The common amount is $500-$1000 but I never want money to be the reason you don’t get care so I am happy to make changes to this as needed. The full amount is due by 36 weeks. No discounts are given for coming late to care but if extensions are needed for any reason, I only ask that you communicate with me. I can also supply you with a superbill to submit to insurance for reimbursement if that is a service your carrier will cover at all.
What does prenatal care look like?
Appointments are about an hour long each time. At every appointment, I will check your blood pressure, monitor baby’s heart beat, measure your uterus, and when they are big enough, feel their position by palpating your belly. All of this usually takes no more than 10-15 mins which means the rest of the appointment is spent on education, getting to know you- your wants and needs, helping you build your support system as needed, nutritional guidance and natural pain relief options. Labs are taken in the office and this can include genetic testing if you desire. Ultrasounds are done by referral to another provider.
How frequent are appointments?
Prenatally, every 4 weeks until you hit 28 weeks. Every 2 weeks until you hit 36 weeks. At least weekly until you go into labor. Most appointments are held at my home office except the 36 week appointment where I come to your home. Postpartum, I come to you for day 1 and day 3 and/or 5. Most are able to come to the office for weeks 2, 4, and 6.
What if an emergency happens or I’m risked out of homebirth?
We will discuss the “what ifs” throughout your prenatal visits which includes emergent situations and transfer of care. Continuity of care is very important to me, so I usually switch to co-care as described under the Services page. I am equipped and trained to handle unexpected emergencies. Certified in neonatal resuscitation and adult and child CPR. I also carry emergency equipment such as oxygen and medications/herbs for common complications like hemorrhage.
E.K.
“Thank you for everything you have done for my family, Ashley!! You have been such a breath of fresh air and shown me there is so much more to healthcare than the typical hospital experience. Thank you for your consistently positive attitude and your big heart. I always felt at ease with you and it was such a comforting part of the experience. You are a wonderful midwife and an exceptional human!”