Do you allow water births?
Yes. We ask that you provide your own birthing tub or pool, and related equipment. Babies do not try to breathe until they come out of the water, so they will not drown. Water births are very relaxing for the laboring mother, and also help to prevent tearing of the perineum.
I am due in a few weeks. Is it too late for me to start care from Mountain Midwives?
We assess each case individually. Assuming that yours is a low-risk pregnancy, and that there is adequate time for preparation, we will certainly consider accepting you as a client.
I would like for my children to be present at their sibling’s birth. Is this OK?
Brothers and sisters are welcome to participate in the arrival of the new baby. This is a rare learning and bonding opportunity for them. Please select an adult birth helper, whose sole responsibility at the birth is to care for the children. Neither the birthing mother nor father can adequately assist the older kids during labor and delivery, as the parents’ total focus needs to be on the birth itself.
What about the mess?
There is no more “mess” at home, than there is in the hospital. The midwives make sure that everything is cleaned, laundered, and organized within minutes after the baby arrives. We have all sorts of tricks for removing stains, and disposing of messy items in a responsible way.
What equipment do you bring with you?
We carry standard midwifery tools: a doppler, blood pressure cuff, stethoscope, suction equipment, oxygen, baby scale, and suturing supplies. You will purchase your own birth “kit”, which includes most of the disposable items. You should also gather your own baby blankets, diapers and other personal supplies.
My last baby was born by C-section. I am pregnant again. Can I have this baby at home?
Montana allows midwives to offer VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) deliveries. Wyoming is more specific in their rules, allowing for VBAC if there has been only one prior section. Mountain Midwives have successfully attended many VBAC’s. We have also screened out clients who are pursuing a VBAC. It really depends on the cause of the previous surgery, and the likelihood that this will repeat itself. For example, If the C-section was performed because of twins or for a breech delivery, this will probably not reoccur. If the problem was a very small pelvis, this condition will not change. Please make an appointment, so we can determine the wisdom behind this decision.
How much does a home birth cost?
We charge $4000, with a discount for clients who pay with cash or check. We accept credit cards too. This is about 20% of the cost of a hospital birth. Our fee covers all of your prenatal care, the birth class, labor, delivery, postpartum and newborn care. You will pay a separate fee for labwork (about $80), ultrasound testing, which is optional ($350), and birth supplies (about $90).
Will my insurance pay for a home birth?
Many insurance companies will cover this cost, if the midwife is licensed by the state. Medicaid does not (yet) pay for home births om Montana or Wyoming.
I love my epidural. Do you offer this or any sort of medication for the pain of labor?
No. You will find that laboring in your own home will actually reduce the pain. The information you will receive from our birth classes will equip you with many options in positioning, massage, and environmental management which will also decrease the pain of labor. The reality is … it hurts to have a baby. But the pain is worth it, to protect your child from dangerous drugs, and to totally experience birth as it was meant to be.
I have had easy births, and want to have my next baby without any assistance. Will you provide my prenatal care?
No. In the past, we sometimes agreed to take care of women during their pregnancies, even though they were planning on giving birth at home without assistance. We found that 100% of these women ended up calling with questions, concerns or requests for emergency help, either during their labors or immediately after delivery. This puts everyone in a bad position. Why would you want to give birth without help? Are your reasons rooted in past experiences, financial concerns, someone else’s expectations, fear? Talk to us, please. Traditionally, woman have attended other women during childbirth.
I heard that midwifery was illegal in Wyoming.
For many years, the law in Wyoming prohibited midwives from practicing. During that time, the determined families of Wyoming would travel across state lines in order to fulfill their plans for a midwife-attended birth. In 2010, Wyoming changed their laws, now offering licensure to qualified midwives. Pat can now legally deliver your baby in your own home.
My husband wants to “catch” our baby when it comes out. Will you let him do that?
Of course! And we’ll be standing by if he needs us.
Older brother Sam, born at home, welcomes his little brother Coye, also born at home.
