Is home birth safe?
Healthy childbirth is a natural, normal process which can be safely attended at home by a trained professional. In fact, the countries with the lowest mortality and morbidity rates are those countries where midwifery is an integral part of obstetric care and where home birth is commonly practiced.

A 2-year study conducted by the U.S. Center for Disease Control indicates that a planned home birth with an experienced attendant is actually safer than a hospital birth. The results of the study showed that the infant death rate in hospitals was 12 per 1,000 live births, whereas the death rate for planned, attended home births was 4 per 1,000 live births.

In 1990 the World Health Organization joined together with the International Conference of Midwives to issue a statement that when midwifery was utilized for pregnancy and childbirth, outcomes for mothers and babies were more favorable. Together the two organizations urged all countries to offer midwifery education, confident that the increased availability of more midwives would improve birth outcomes throughout the world.

Do you have guidelines or restrictions about who can give birth at home?
Generally any woman who is in good health can consider a home birth. Women who have a high risk medical history such as heart disease, early onset diabetes, or injury which has changed their pelvic shape, or who develop uncontrollable toxemia of pregnancy should be under the care of an obstetrician. Woman who cannot quit smoking or who are addicted to drugs or alcohol will want to birth in a hospital for the sake of the baby.

Certain normal situations such as carrying twins or a breech baby need to be evaluated carefully, but can be considered in individual cases. Generally, if you can birth vaginally without medical intervention for the sake of your or your baby's health, you can do it at home.

What if something goes wrong?
Midwives are experts in normal, natural childbirth. I have been trained to recognize the early signs of medical complications that may occasionally arise. Throughout your pregnancy, labor and birth I will regularly assess your health and your baby’s health. Together we will plan for the rare emergency. If a complication arises we will transport to your local hospital where I will stay with you throughout your birth as your advocate.

What is the difference between a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), a Licensed Midwife (LM) and a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?
CPM -Certified Professional Midwife. Granted by the North American Registry of Midwives. Authorizes holder to practice midwifery in many states without additional license according to the Standard and Practice Guidelines of the Midwives Alliance of North America. CPMs are trained by a variety and combination of methods, including apprenticeship.

LM -California Licensed Midwife. Granted and regulated by the Medical Board of California. Authorizes the holder to manage prenatal care, normal delivery, and post partum care for mother and baby in any setting - home, hospital or birth center.

CNM -Certified Nurse Midwife. Certified by American College of Nurse Midwives, and regulated by the Board of Registered Nurses, to persons who have first gone to college to become nurses and then gone on to a midwifery program. Training is in a hospital setting with a clinical "preceptorship."

In California, a CPM and an LM are equivalent licenses, however, with notable exceptions, CNMs practice in hospitals and birthcenters, while LMs practice in the home.

What happens if two babies are born at the same time?
The midwives of Monterey County work closely together to provide a network of backup coverage for one another in case of emergency. In the rare occasion that I am unable to attend your birth, another experienced, qualified midwife will take my place.

Can I have a home birth if I’ve had a C-section previously?
Yes! If you and your baby are healthy and your pregnancy is progressing normally, you can have a vaginal birth at home.

I’m over 35. Can I have a home birth?
Yes! If you are healthy and have no health risk factors, you can have a home birth.

Can I give birth in water?
Yes! Many women find that water is soothing during labor and birth. I have attended numerous water births. You decide where and how you want to labor and birth. You are in control. My job is to help you have a safe, supported birth.

What is the best time to start midwifery care?
Midwifery care is a package of care. The earlier you start the more care you receive. You may come as early in your pregnancy as you wish. It is not uncommon, however, to make the decision to have a home birth late into a pregnancy. Remember, it is never too late to decide to have a home birth.

What is your fee and what does it include?
My fee is $4,200. It includes prenatal care, hands-on continuous support during labor and birth, assistants during the birth, breastfeeding support and post-birth visits. Of course, I am also always available to answer your questions throughout your pregnancy and after.

Who comes to the birth?
For the safety of you and your baby, it is very important that at least two well-trained attendants be at your birth. I am always assisted by Rachel Wahl, Advanced Apprentice, who also shares prenatal duties.

Do you take insurance?
Yes. However, not all insurances cover midwifery care. You’ll need to check your individual coverage.