Q&A

Who do you work with?

Healthy people who feel that homebirth is the best option for them. People who are willing to make their own decisions and understand that they are ultimately responsible for their decisions. 

I work with people of all religious and spiritual beliefs along with all pronouns. 

People with a wide variety of backgrounds and economic status.

And ideally with people who have a good sense of humor.

Is homebirth for everyone?

Nothing is for everyone. If YOU are wanting or pondering a homebirth you can reach out for a free consultation. 

Is homebirth safe?

Everything we do carries risk. Homebirth is a great option for normal physiological births with people who truly want a homebirth.

Part of what makes midwifery care safe is the relationship we build with each other during our prenatal visits. I get to know you and your baby. You get to know me and that I’m on your team. We build trust with each other and I know you and your baby’s ‘normal’ so that if somethings starts to deviate from normal we can identify it and take appropriate actions.

CLICK HERE for an article from Sara Wickham about this.

How much does a homebirth cost?

$5,500

A free consultation is available.

At our initial prenatal a $700 non-refundable retainer is due.

Full payment is due by 36 weeks of pregnancy and is nonrefundable at this time.

We can talk over your individualized payment plan at the initial visit. 

Accepted: cash, check, HSA/ HRA cards & checks, and credit cards. Credit cards and HSA cards will include a processing fee.

Is there a discount for late-entry into midwifery care?

There is not. Late-entry clients have a lot of catching up to do. Part of what makes midwifery care safe is the relationship and trust built between clients and the midwives. This takes time. Late-entry clients usually have more frequent appointments right away. Also, we go over a lot of information during our time together. If we have less time together, there is more to cram in. 

Who will be at the birth?

Who do YOU want to be present at the birth?

On my end, I will be there along with another midwife or birth assistant. The assistant typically arrives as birth is imminent to help assist with the birth, immediate postpartum and clean up.

Do I need to see an OBGYN if I hire a midwife?

Nope. A midwife is a primary care provider trained in supporting normal physiological pregnancy, birth and postpartum. There are times when a midwife may refer a client to a doctor for a specific reason. However, in general you don’t need to see more than one health care provider regularly throughout pregnancy. 

You can also choose co-care where you see an OB along with your midwifery care. If you are planning to do so we will talk over the benefits and drawbacks. 

Are lab work and ultrasounds available with a homebirth midwife?

Yes. Lab Work is done in-office and is run through the St Luke’s lab. Basic lab work is included in the midwifery ‘package’ at the beginning of care: Blood type, RH factor, Antibody screen, Rubella immunity, CBC, OB panel, Iron TIBC, Ferritin and Urine culture. 

Lab work is offered again around 28 weeks to check for optimal blood expansion and possible anemia. Extra labs are available at cash prices (which are typically WAY cheaper than insurance!!)

If you are wanting an ultrasound, a referral will be sent to St Luke’s or Essentia (your choice) then the scheduler will reach out to you. Ultrasounds are not covered in your midwifery package.

If you are wanting an ultrasound to help you figure out dating, then the sooner the better as later ultrasounds are less accurate for dating. If you are only wanting one ultrasound I recommend an anatomy scan around 20 weeks where the scan checks the development of the organs and spine.

What areas do you serve?

Typically any area within a 60 mile radius of Duluth. This includes parts of Wisconsin. 

Sometimes I travel outside of this radius, though it depends on my discretion and the birth calendar.

If you live a ways away (I’m looking at you Grand Marais), consider finding a location near Duluth for your homebirth. 

Where are the prenatal appointments located?

All prenatals (except the 36 week homevisit) and the final six-week postpartum visit are held at my home-office in the Lincoln Park neighborhood of Duluth. 618 Atlantic Avenue, Duluth. The red and cedar wood house with lots of plants. 

I want a homebirth but my partner / parents / friends don’t want me to have one.

This is a bummer and all too common. You don’t have to convince anyone that the decision you are making is the best decision for you. And at the same time it is best to have the support of your partner. 

Many people are scared of things they don’t understand. This is often true for homebirth too. While I’m against trying to convince people to do things they don’t want to do, I am passionate about sharing resources and information to those who are open.

Resources you could share with them: Born at Home film or another resource of your choosing.

I want a homebirth but my partner doesn’t. So we’re going to do a hospital birth and if all goes well we’ll do a homebirth next time. 

Mmmhmmm. Please, seriously consider hiring a doula. 

Can I hire you as a doula for my hospital birth?

Nope. I’m a Midwife. There are many great doulas in the area to meet with and choose from!

CLICK HERE for a list of local resources.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A midwife is a primary care provider trained in normal physiological pregnancy, birth & postpartum. A midwife does all of the prenatal, birth and postpartum care up to 6 weeks; including newborn screenings.