Why chose a homebirth with midwives?
Growing numbers of couples are choosing to have their babies at home with Certified Nurse - Midwives. Studies have shown that planned home births with a CNM is as safe or safer than hospital birth. The World Health Organization states that "... it has never been scientifically proven that the hospital is a safer place than home for a woman who has had an uncomplicated pregnancy to have her baby." Home birth allows the parents to have control over the circumstances of the birth, including who is present, and what the care giver does. Birth is a natural process! It is not a sickness. Women are more relaxed in their own homes with loved ones, than in a hospital with strangers.
How is a midwife different from an obstetrician?
The word "midwife" translates as "with woman". That's the essence of midwifery care--being with the woman from pregnancy through the postpartum period. A doctor's primary training is to handle complications in birth, and he or she will anticipate problems in delivery. A midwife sees birth as a natural, physiological event, not a medical problem.
What is your training?
I received a BS degree in Nursing in 1982. I worked as a nurse in a variety of
settings. In 1985, I started working in labor and delivery in a hospital
setting. In 1987 I started working in a birth center assisting the midwives at
births for five years. During that time I became a certified Bradley instructor
and did additional labor support for hundreds of woman. In 1994 I graduated from
Frontier School of Midwifery and Family Nursing and started working as a nurse
midwife in a hospital. In 1996 I started my home birth practice. I have
continued to further my knowledge through continued study and attending courses
about homeopathy and midwifery, water birth and the birthing from within
teaching workshop. I also facilitated a study group for midwives, doulas, and
childbirth educators for several years.I am a
Certified Nurse Midwife registered by the New Jersey State Board of Medical
Examiners. I am a member of the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Will my insurance company pay for the CNM services for a home birth?
Almost all insurance companies pay for home births, but how much they pay depends on the insurance company. Some pay everything, some pay as little as half.
Can I have a water birth?
I have three portable tubs to do water births. You pick up a tub and set it up in your home in advance of your due date.
How do I contact you?
The best thing to do is call my office Monday through Friday during the day at 973-983-7560. I will meet you at my home office in Rockaway (it's free!). It's good if your partner can come too.
Who can have a home birth?
To be eligible for a home birth, you have to be "low risk". I continuously
monitor you during the pregnancy to make sure you stay low risk. If necessary,
I'll have you change your diet, take vitamins, etc. to keep you low risk. I also
provide herbs and homeopathic remedies as needed.
How does a home birth compare to a hospital birth?
I keep the birth as natural as possible. I have a very low transfer rate (under
10%) and cesarean rate (under 5%). The majority of women and
families expressed a much greater preference for a home birth. The experience is
kept as natural as possible with minimum intervention. The mother is able to
eat, drink and move about as she desires. She is not rushed to hurry up. She can
follow her own natural rhythms. Water can be used for relaxation and pain
relief. The baby is not separated from the mother. The dad can help catch the
baby. The other child can be there and be a part of the experience.
It is very difficult in the atmosphere of the hospital
to achieve the sacredness that belongs around birth.
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