WHAT INSURANCES PAY FOR YOUR SERVICES?
The insurance billingfor our services will be going through our supervising physician.However, now that we are in private practice, our care is no longersubsidized by the St Luke’s Women's Center. In order for our practiceto maintain itself it will be necessary to charge a significant out ofpocket fee for our services over and above what your insurance willreimburse you. That fee, still to be finally determined, will be on asliding scale. You will decide where you fit on the sliding scale. Ifyou can afford to be at the top end of the scale that will enable ourservices to be available to people who can afford less.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOMESTYLE MIDWIFERY CARE AND MIDWIFERY CARE OFFERED AT OTHER HOSPITALS?
There are many differences(see Homestyle Midwifery Care). Three of the mostbasic ones are:
- Homestyle Midwifery Midwives are available to attend your birth 24/7.
- You will definitely know the midwife who attends your birth. We make sure that get to know each of us during your pregnancy and that each of us gets to know you.
- We provide a “homestyle” environment for labor and birth including a water birth tub and a large futon on the floor. (see Homestyle Midwifery Care)
IS HOMESTYLE MIDWIFERY ONLY FOR WOMEN WHO WANT “NATURAL” CHILDBIRTH?
No, not at all.Although many of our clients choose natural childbirth, we are committedto guidingyou and supporting you in whatever choices you make for yourself andyour family.
WHAT IF I WANT AN EPIDURAL?
If you choose an epidural youcan obtain one easily and quickly. An anesthesiologist is available 24/7.Even withan epidural you will still experience many of the benefits of HomestyleMidwifery care. If you are not sure you want an epidural, but you wanthelp coping with pain, we can assist you with a large variety of non-pharmacologicalways of relieving pain. These include: massage, acupressure, Jin ShinJyutsu and vibrational healing, hypnobirthing, breathing and soundingtechniques, position changes, hot packs, presence, encouragement andlove. We also provide a large Aqua Doula labor tub. Being immersedin warmwater can help you deeply relax and has enabled many of our clients togo through the most intense part of their labor without an epidural.
WHATIF I WANT TO HAVE SONOGRAM AND GENETIC TESTING?
All level sonograms andthe latest genetic tests are available to you through our relationshipwith CaliforniaPacific Medical Center.
I HADA C/SECTION WITH MY LAST BABY. WOULD IT MAKE SENSE FOR ME TO COME TOYOU?
Yes, we are committed to helping you have a vaginal birth ifthat is your choice. If you choose to have or need to have another C/Sectionyou still get many of the benefits of Homestyle Midwifery care, suchas the relationship with your midwives and the extended prenatal andpostpartum care. If you need another C/Section of course one of ourconsulting obstetricians will be doing it. But we will be with you inthe operating room. Our role is to make sure your baby stays with youand your partner throughout your recovery, to help you and your partnertake care of your baby, and to assist you to breastfeed as soon as possible.
WHATIF I DEVELOP COMPLICATIONS DURING MY PREGNANCY?
We will consult with ourcollaborating obstetrician,and if appropriate we will arrange for you to have as many appointmentswith her as necessary during your pregnancy. We will continue to stayconnected to you throughout your pregnancy. Once you are a Homestyleclient you continue to benefit from Homestyle’s unique personalapproach.
WHAT IF I DEVELOP COMPLICATIONS DURING MY BIRTH?
One of ourcollaborating obstetricians is always available to consult with us andif necessaryto attend your birth. We will stay with you throughout your birth andearly postpartum period. Even if it is necessary for the obstetricianto deliver your baby by C/section we will also be with you in the operatingroom, to make sure your baby stays with you throughout your recovery,to help you and your partner take care of your baby and to assist youto breastfeed as soon as possible. We will continue to be involvedin yourpostpartum care throughout the first 6 weeks.
HOW IS HOMESTYLE PRENATAL CARE THE SAME AS CARE WITH MY REGULAR OBSTETRICIAN?
We offer all of thestandard genetic, diagnostic tests and ultra sounds, and provide theusual schedule of prenatal visits.
HOW IS HOMESTYLE CAREDIFFERENT THAN CARE WITH A REGULAR OBSTETRICIAN?
There are many differences.(See Homestyle MidwiferyCare)
HOW MUCH CAN MY PARTNER BE INVOLVED IN MY CARE?
As much as you choose! We welcomethe involvement of your partner and other loved ones. We encourageyou to bringyour family with you to prenatal visits. At your birth we create an environmentwhich encourages intimacy between you and your partner. If you choose your partnercan “catch” your baby (with our assistance!), and can cut your baby’sumbilical cord.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOMESTYLE MIDWIFERY AND HOME BIRTH?
HomestyleMidwifery incorporates aspects of home birth such as the personal relationshipwith a midwife, and the “homestyle&rdqou; environment we create inthe hospital. The primary difference is that all Homestyle Midwifery birthstake place in the hospital.
WHEN CAN I MEET THE HOMESTYLE MIDWIVES AND VISIT THEBIRTHING ROOMS AT ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL?
The best way is to come to an OPEN HOUSE (place and time TBA - stay tuned to this website).
I AM ALREADY GETTING CARE SOMEWHERE ELSE. HOW WOULD I TRANSFEROVER TO YOUR CARE?
It's easy to transfer. We have developed a packet that has the "4 easysteps for transferring to Homestyle". You will be able to receive thepacket at the OPEN HOUSE.