Research shows us that planned home birth with a skilled provider is safe for the low-risk mother. Access to consultation and transfer to hospital if necessary is also an important factor. We are very grateful to have good relationships with local hospitals and smooth transfers when needed. Everyone who attends your birth will be trained in birth emergencies and Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), and CPR certified. Risk assessment is frequent, if anything is becoming higher risk, I will discuss with you, and consult or transfer care as appropriate. Please see the studies linked below as references.

I joke that I learned just as much about laundry as I did about midwifery when I was a student! We do our best to contain any mess, and do a very good job cleaning up anything else. I will take care of setting up and cleaning everything, by the time I leave the only difference in your house should be a baby in your arms and a load going in the washer!

A midwife is your medical provider during your pregnancy. It is my main job to assess your and baby’s physical and emotional well-being, provide education and resources, and to identify and manage complications appropriately during the prenatal time, labor, and postpartum. A doula is a labor support specialist. They typically do one or two prenatal and postpartum visits, but labor is where they shine! Her job is being your cheerleader and comforter through your labor, in whatever way you need. They do not provide medical care. I highly recommend hiring a doula for your homebirth, especially if it is your first baby, or first unmedicated birth. A good doula can make all the difference in an unmedicated birth!

The main differences between home and birth center birth is the location (and proximity to the hospital), and who travels to whom. Home birth may be a good option for you if you feel most safe in your own home, you don’t want to drive during labor or with a brand new baby, and you live relatively close to a major hospital. Birth Center may preferred if you do not live near a large hospital, or you would not feel as comfortable giving birth at home.

I do not file insurance, at your initial consultation we will discuss a personalized payment plan. I can also provide you information for a biller and an itemized bill to submit to insurance for reimbursement.

I will file the paperwork for baby’s birth certificate and social security card after the birth. The social security card arrives in the mail approximately two weeks after paperwork is filed, to get a physical copy of the birth certificate you will need to request one online or in person from DHEC.