Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some answers to our most frequently asked questions:
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What is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?
A CPM is a knowledgeable, skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is qualified to provide the Midwives Model of Care. The CPM is the only kind of midwifery credential which requires knowledge and experience in out-of-hospital settings. CPMs usually work in peoples homes or birth center type practices throughout the US, Canada and Mexico.
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Certified Professional Midwives provide continuous care for women throughout the childbearing cycle. CPMs average 3-6 births each month, allowing for more personalized and comprehensive care than typical obstetrical practices. Fruitful Vine Midwifery KC typically takes 1-3 mama's due each month.
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The guiding principles of the practice of CPMs are to work with women to promote a healthy pregnancy, and provide education to help her make informed decisions about her own care. In partnership with their clients, CPMs carefully monitor the progress of the pregnancy, labor, birth, and postpartum period and recommend appropriate management if complications arise, collaborating with other healthcare providers when necessary.
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Read more about CPMs here.
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Is homebirth safe?
Please see 'Why Home?' for more information on the safety of giving birth at home.
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What if there is a complication at birth?
For women with normal, healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, a planned homebirth with a skilled birth attendant is as safe, or safer, than hospital birth, and 90% of all births progress normally without complication. However, there are risks involved in giving birth regardless of where it occurs. While most births are normal, your midwife is trained for how to manage the moms and babies who need extra help, and to know when transfer to the hospital is necessary.
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Careful monitoring of the mother and baby throughout pregnancy and labor, and limiting unnecessary interventions, work together to avoid most complications and emergencies in labor. Most transports to the hospital which occur are for non-emergency situations, with the most common being a long labor and the exhausted mother desiring pain medication. During prenatal care, we do our best to educate and assist you in how to plan to endure the possibility of a long labor. In the weeks leading up to your birth, you will make the decision about which hospital you would like to transfer to if it becomes needed.
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Who is a good candidate for a homebirth?
Women who are in generally good health, who make a healthy lifestyle a priority, and who are well informed about their options and know they want a home birth. Women who have a low-risk pregnancy and are willing to take full responsibility for the outcome of their birth.
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Who will be present for the birth?
Our team consists of two midwives, and one or two students to assist the midwives. You may have whoever you chose there to support you, and we can help you think through who you want on your birth team in the weeks leading up to birth.
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Do you provide doula services?
Midwives are professionals who attend to the physical and healthcare needs of mom and baby. They are responsible for the assessment and wellbeing of the mom and baby. As midwives, we do offer a degree of labor support but our primary role is to ensure all is unfolding normally in your progression of labor, birth, and immediate postpartum.
Doulas are professionals who attend to the emotional and mental needs of women, while also providing hands-on labor support when needed. Doulas are not healthcare providers, but can be an integral part of the birth team! We especially encourage our first-time or VBAC moms to hire a doula.
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Do you offer waterbirth?
We are happy to support women who want to give birth in water, and have the equipment needed to monitor the fetal heartrate in water. If you choose this option, you will be provided with an inflatable birth tub in the weeks leading up to your birth. Some additional supplies would be needed as well. Some women choose to use their own bathtubs or simply stand in their shower during labor. I am happy to work with you to create a birth plan you are happy with!
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Does Insurance cover homebirth?
Sadly, many insurance companies do not cover home birth or midwifery care with a CPM, though I encourage you to check with your particular insuring company to find out what your plan covers. We work with a billing company to try and get some reimbursement, yet it depends on the specific insurance company. The good news is that a homebirth typically costs about 1/2 or 2/3 of the cost to your insurance company for a typical hospital birth. This is worth pointing out to your insurance provider! Your out-of-pocket costs will depend on your particular insurance plan.
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Midwifery care, even without insurance coverage, can be affordable! This is because the cost for your complete birth package is often similar to or less than the cost of your deductible for maternity care in the hospital, and that doesn't even include additional doctor's fees, hospital stay fees, prenatal or newborn care. We believe that money should not be the reason you do or do not choose a certain care provider, so please contact us to determine if we can create a plan for payment that will work for you!
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Another option to consider is using a Medical health Cost Sharing group which does cover homebirth with a CPM:
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However. you must be signed up with them before the start of your pregnancy to have your birth covered.
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How much does a homebirth cost?
The cost of a homebirth with a CPM varies greatly depending on the state and region you are in. Our rate is comparable with other midwives in the Kansas City area. We do offer a discount if the full fee is paid on the day of the first prenatal appointment, which is usually discussed at your initial consultation. The average cost of a homebirth is about 2/3 to 1/2 of the cost to your insurance company for a hospital birth. A normal vaginal delivery in the hospital can cost upwards of $8,000, and a c-section may cost more than $30,000.
As midwives, we do our best to make midwifery care affordable for you and your family. We believe every woman should have the option for excellent midwifery care during their pregnancy and birth. Please contact us to discuss your own financial situation.
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Can my children come to appointments and be involved in my birth?
Yes. Siblings are more than welcome to attend your prenatal visits. We do want families to know that our office space is small but we have basket of toys & books available for young children. Prenatal visits can give your children an opportunity to be involved in your pregnancy and prepare for having a new baby in the home.
If you decide to have your children at your birth, we highly encourage you to have a friend or family member come to be available in caring for your children so you can focus on laboring. Who you want at your birth is your choice! Our main desire is for you to feel comfortable and calm with whoever is there.​
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What supplies do I need for a homebirth?
Your midwives will bring most of the things needed for you to give birth at home! There is a disposable birth kit you will be asked to order and have by your 36 week home visit. This kit is about $60-90 depending on what optional items you want to add to the kit. You will also be given a list of household items to gather to have on hand for the birth, such as towels, washcloths, and bedsheets. If you decide you want a waterbirth, some extra items will be requested ($75-100).
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Isn't birth messy?
This one is for the dads! People are often surprised by how little mess is involved with homebirth. Your birth kit includes disposable, waterproof underpads which can be rolled up and thrown away after the birth. Your midwives also have a system for cleaning up your birth space and will get a load of laundry started before leaving your house. We want you to enjoy your baby, not think about a mess!
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I am a first-time mom. Can I have a homebirth?
There is no need for you to have a "trial run" by giving birth for the first time in the hospital. What better time to plan your home birth than with your first baby? Labor tends to take longer when it is your first time, but it is especially rewarding to have your very first birth in the comfort of your own home. We also highly recommend you hire a doula to support you through this process!
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I want to have a homebirth, but I am afraid of the pain! What kind of pain relief can you offer at home?
There are many factors which contribute to your perception of pain in labor. One of the biggest contributions is being in a place you are unfamiliar with. This is not at play when you stay home! Studies have shown that when you have a continuous support person in labor, your perception of pain is decreased and you are able to cope better, having higher success rates of natural births. Other things to help you cope with the intensity of labor include massage, hydrotherapy, and position changes. When you face the powers of labor, you may be surprised by what you are able to accomplish. Your body is powerful and God designed birth to work!