Circle of Life Childbirth Practice


FAQ





Can I have a water birth?

Yes. About half of our clients choose water birth. 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 Circle of Life?


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.



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 your prenatal visits 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.





How much does a home birth cost?


Our base fee is $7,500 which pays for all the services listed below. Our base fee includes: – Prenatal care throughout your pregnancy, including 2 Home visits – Labor, delivery, immediate postpartum and newborn care in your home – Postpartum follow-up care 24-72 hours after delivery, 2 weeks and again at 6 weeks – this fee does not include: Ultrasounds and Lab Work – which is required by state law.

Birth Supplies included. Clients will receive a payment form at their first prenatal appointment, on which they will create their own payment schedule and method of payment. Full payment is expected by 34 weeks of pregnancy.




Will my insurance pay for a home birth?

Our Midwives Are Out-of-Network

We are a self-submitting private practice and unfortunately do not manage insurance claims. Many of our clients are reimbursed directly from their insurance company and some clients report reimbursement rates between 50%-90%. We provide you with a Global Superbill (Statement for Insurance Reimbursement) that contains your procedure and diagnostic code for the insurance company. They will use this to reimburse you for the maximum amount at the end of your pregnancy. If you have any reimbursement questions, we recommend that you contact your insurance company first as they can best answer your concerns regarding coverage. Common insurance companies that our clientele have reported reimbursement are: Blue Cross Blue Shield Aetna United Cigna


We DO accept FHA and FSA payments!



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. By the way, issues surrounding your baby’s birth are not ours … to “let”. This is YOUR birth and YOUR baby. You make the decisions.​





Circle of Life Childbirth Practice