What kind of training do you have? --  I have taken a state approved course in midwifery through the Association of Texas Midwives and I have completed an apprenticeship of at least 18 months with an approved preceptor.  During my apprenticeship, I had to attend at least 30 births, and be the primary midwife for an additional 20 births under the supervision of my preceptor.  I also had to complete a certain number of other clinical skills as well.  To maintain my licensure, I am required to take continuing education classes each year.  I have currently attended over 100 births and I have been the primary midwife at more than half of those.  

What areas / towns do you serve? --  My office is in downtown Pittsburg and I basically serve the entire northeast Texas area -- Texarakana and New Boston, Mt. Pleasant, Mt. Vernon, Winnsboro, Daingerfield, Linden, Atlanta, Marshall, Jefferson, Longview, Gilmer, and all points in between.  I will consider doing home visits for prenatal care on a case by case basis for an extra charge.

Do you accept insurance? -- Not at this time.  Perhaps in the future.  (Why not?)

Do you accept Medicaid? -- Medicaid will not pay for a homebirth or the services of a licensed midwife.  However it will pay for any labwork and testing, as well as a sonogram if it is medically necessary.  If you truly desire a natural, home birth, please speak to me and we will try to work out a payment plan that is mutually agreeable.

Is homebirth safe? -- When the mother has cared for herself well during her pregnancy and she is at low risk of developing complications, then yes, homebirth is safe.  Of course, there is nothing that is perfectly safe, not even a hospital birth.  Do your research.  Studies have shown that homebirth for normal, healthy women is just as safe as birth in the hospital.  

What if something goes wrong? -- There are only a few things that could go wrong that would constitute a true emergency.  I carry pitocin, methergine, and oxygen to be used in these situations and would immediately transport the mother/baby to the closest hospital while giving emergency care, or I would give care until EMS arrived to transport the mother/baby.  The most common reason for non-emergency transfer to the hospital is "failure to progress." 

What if I need something for the pain? -- If you really feel that you need pain medication during labor,  you will need to be transported to the hospital.  All pain medications have side effects for you and the baby that necessitate medical supervision and care.  However, remember that during a home birth you are able to move around, eat, drink, bathe, and rest where you are most comfortable.  You are not confined to a room or a bed and you can work with your contractions.  You might just surprise yourself and find that the contractions are quite manageable under these circumstances!

Do you do VBACs? -- Before agreeing to do a VBAC, I will require a copy of the surgical report on your c-section.  Both the outer and inner incisions must be low transverse, and double layer suturing should have been done.  I will also look at the reason(s) why the cesarean was done.  I also prefer that you live within 30 minutes of a hospital (if you don't, talk to me and we may be able to arrange an alternative).   (Have you been denied a VBAC by a doctor or hospital?  See this site.)

Do you do waterbirths? -- Yes.  You can rent or buy a birth tub from various places online, you can use a Rubbermaid water trough (really!) or a deep garden tub if you have one.  Once the baby is born, I immediately lift it up out of the water into your arms so he can take his first breath..

What if someone goes into labor at the same time as I do? -- Yes, this does happen occasionally.  It depends on where both of you are in your labors.  I always try to bring an assistant with me to a birth, so I might be able to leave to check on the other person if they are nearby.  Or, more likely, I would call another midwife to go check on the other person and attend the birth if I couldn't make it.  I do try to limit the number of clients I take so that this sort of thing doesn't happen.

Do you have other midwives that you work with? -- I have backup arrangements with a couple of other midwives in the area.  I also have at least one trained assistant who comes to births with me to help me out when I need it.  Once my practice is more established I will also have apprentices who will assist me in giving care to my clients during prenatal visits and births.

What do you think are the greatest benefits of midwifery care and home birth? -- A midwife takes more time to get to know you and your family during your visits.  The care is very personal and individualized.  Birth at home is much more comfortable because you are with people you know and trust in a place that you are familiar with.  You don't have to pack a bag and go anywhere, and after the birth you can all snuggle up in bed and take a well deserved rest!  You also won't be exposed to all those very nasty, drug-resistant germs and bacteria that you'll find in hospitals.  Your body has already built a resistance to the germs in your own home, and you'll pass it on to your baby while nursing.