Over the years I’ve found families have many similar questions. Below is a list of many of those.
Midwifery and Homebirth
Why choose to birth at home?
Families enjoy the comfort of knowing their birth team, choosing their own supplies, feeling involved in the decisions regarding their care, and avoiding unneeded intervention. Having water birth as an option and choosing who will be present are also important reasons.
In the end, the choice is extremely individual. Your needs are what sculpt the landscape of your care!
Do you serve my area?
I am willing to travel for the birth if the family will come to me for prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care. Most of my families are from the KC Metro area and north into rural Missouri and Kansas.
My partner is hesitant about birthing at home.
Many people are hesitant about the idea of giving birth outside the hospital. It may feel unfamiliar at first but our main goals are for you and your baby to be safe, healthy, and happy! The easiest way to find a middle ground is to come for an interview and express every concern. The best birth happens when both parents are on the same page. We work towards that foundation your entire pregnancy.
When did you begin practicing?
I began practicing 2006 and was certified as a CPM in 2007. I crested over 1,000 births attended in various roles in 2020. I’m still in awe that I have witnessed that miracle so many times!
Am I able to have an ultrasound if use your practice?
Absolutely! I refer parents for ultrasounds at several different locations in the KC metro area
What are prenatal visits like?
Prenatal visits begin with conversations about how your life is going: work, family, stressors, and how you are eating are all things I like to know. Then you’ll learn about topics important during this part of your pregnancy and choose which things you’d like to do. The fun part is when we listen to your baby’s heartbeat, measure your baby’s growth, take your blood pressure and feel your baby’s position!
Our visits leave time for the kind of care that few women ever experience!
What tests do you recommend?
I recommend an OB panel, an anatomy ultrasound, some form of glucose testing, and GBS screening.
Where do you see families?
I see families at one of the three locations: North Kansas City, South KC (Olathe), and St Joseph, MO.
Do you do home visits?
I will come to your home for a prenatal visit sometime around the 37th week of your pregnancy and then again shortly after your birth.
What do you believe creates the ideal birth environment?
Because it’s different for each person, I help to guide you in finding what that looks like for you. Quiet and privacy are often at the top of the list, but it’s not unusual for grandparents and children to be there too. Some of the other common needs are: prayer, music, physical touch, birth tubs, hypno birth, and words of affirmation.
Who may have at my birth?
It’s your birth! You may invited anyone you choose to your birth. We talk about appropriate birth partners during your care to help you bring the people who will serve your needs the best.
What about the mess?
I clean before I head out. Typically, there is no mess by the time I leave. Birth is usually not messy at all if you plan ahead.
Do you attend water births?
Yes. Waterbirth is something many families want!
Do I have to buy a pool?
You may or you may rent one from me.I rent Birth Pool in a Box Mini and Oasis pools. I sell another pool if you want to have your own.
Have you dealt with the common complications?
Yes. I have been practicing for so many years I have seen almost everything.
Who will you bring to my birth?
My goal is to provide exemplary care. Often I will have one midwife (me), a senior student, and a junior student. My families know my team and can help me cater their care to their own needs. I like to have hands for both you and your baby.
Do you offer breastfeeding support?
Yes. I can also refer you to a KC metro IBCLC.
What should I expect in my postpartum period?
Postpartum I offer much more care than the standard in the American model. Normally I come to you once after the birth. Then you come to the office in the first week, second week, and sixth week.
Will I be able to get a birth certificate or social security card if I have my baby at home?
Yes. We will fill out a birth certificate together and you will send it off to the state that you live in. Both Missouri and Kansas will file the social security card for your baby if the certificate is filed in a timely manner.
What about newborn testing like metabolic screening, congenital heart disease screening, and hearing screening?
I am able to offer all needed newborn screening tests!
Do you take insurance?
I am not in network with any insurance company and have no skills in coding invoices or receipts.
I can direct you to a billing company to work with to see if you would expect any reimbursement after your birth if they file a claim for you.
How do I know if you are the right midwife for me?
You know you have met the right midwife for you when you go home feeling relieved! It is good to interview several midwives and get a feel for training, education, personality, and how the midwife may practice. Kansas city has many wonderful midwives!
