What is the difference between midwifery care and Ob care?

Midwifery model of care is fundamentally different from the medical model. It is one of the oldest professions of the human race. Midwives care for normal physiological birth, and specialize in low-risk pregnancy and birth. Obstetricians are trained surgeons that specialize in high risk pathological pregnancy and birth. Our visits last a minimum of 60 minutes with suggestions, resources in the community and referrals to local community providers. We listen to your concerns and navigate with you about plans and strategies to assist with common conditions that occur in the perinatal period. We stay up to date with the latest evidence-based research while also offering the standard of care with the ability to respect your decisions for your family. We understand that you are the expert on your body and your baby.

What are the benefits of midwifery care and home birth? 

• More autonomy with birth plans

• hour long visits

• focusing on nutrition and use of herbs

• minimal 5 postpartum visits

• Food and drink during labor

• movement in labor

• natural birth

• VBAC and TOLAC (Trial of Labor after Cesarean)

• higher rates of term birth and higher neonatal birth weights

• lower cesarean rates

• lower levels of maternal and infant mortality overall

• Breech and Twin providers (consultations required)

Is home birth right for me?

Community birth and midwifery care is a safe option for low-risk pregnancies. There are certain conditions that may require co-care with an Obstetrician or other health professional to ensure that the pregnancy can remain low-risk. Here is a short list of conditions that are outside the midwifery model of care scope: 

• Heart disease

• Diabetes

• Epilepsy

• Current dependency on drugs and/or alcohol

• Sickle Cell Anemia

• Bleeding disorders

• Renal disease

• Active Rubella infections

*This list is not exhaustive of conditions but if you think there might be a condition of concern please contact us for a consultation.

When should I start care?

Everyone has a different journey but we are excited for you to start as soon as possible. Birth is an intimate space and we want to build a strong relational foundation so that you feel comfortable in our care. While we would love to start care with you at the beginning of your pregnancy journey, we will accept transfers into our practice up to 36 weeks. If you are in need of a "confirmation of pregnancy" letter we are able to provide this service as well.

What are standard labs and services offered? 

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)

• Obstetric Panel

• Blood type and Rh factor

• Antibody screening

• Rubella Tithers

• STI/STD, HIV testing

• Complete Iron panel

• Hepatitis screening

• Genetic screening, Carrier screening, NIPT puls fetal blood typing with Unity

• Glucose screening and testing with Fresh test

• Thyroid and hormonal screening

• Liver and Kidney function testing

• Vitamin and mineral levels

• Yeast, Bacterial Vaginosis, Vaginitis testing

• Group Beta Streptococcus testing

• Urinalysis and Urine cultures

• Pap smear

• Newborn Metabolic Screening

• Neonatal hypoglycemic testing

• Ultrasound services

*this is not an exhaustive list, more are available as required.

What is needed for my home birth?

We require a kit to be purchased that we have compiled for you and will deliver to your home at 37 weeks. We will bring a birth stool and birth pool along with other essentials for your home birth. We do require you to purchase a birth pool liner by 36 weeks. We highly recommend a doula for first time moms and birthing people, first time home birth , unmedicated birth and those wanting physical and emotional support during labor. Doulas play a vital role in birth and postpartum and we understand their role and support their position. We would love for you to have the comforts of snacks and hydrating liquids for your labor, birth and immediate postpartum.

What happens if an emergency happens during my pregnancy or birth?

Complications can arise at any time during your pregnancy, birth or postpartum. It is important that we collaborate and refer to proper healthcare providers for those ailments. This might mean a transfer out of care for home birth but midwifery co-care may still be available. We are committed to being in community and caring for you (w)holistically, though we do not have privileges at hospitals, we do make sure we create the best relations with each hospital in the area.

Do you accept insurance?

At this time we do not accept insurance due to the nonacceptance of insurance companies reimbursement for home birth. Many insurance companies do not value midwifery care but we are continuing to fight for acceptance of this option on a nationwide scale. Some insurance companies do cover Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) but at Radicle Midwifery we are Licensed Midwives (LM) that are Certified Professional Midwives (CPM). You may request a superbill at the end of care and submit that to your insurance company for reimbursement. There are some FSA/HSA, Samaritan and Christian HealthShare plans that cover expenses for midwifery care, please contact your company plan for more information.

What are my payment options for midwifery care?

We offer a sliding scale option, discounts for medicaid clients and bartering services. This is an equitable sliding scale that allows for all persons to be able to access midwifery care. There is a non-refundable deposit required of 10% at the time of signing the contract. We require the midwifery balance to be paid in full by 36 weeks. We know that flexibility is required in life and individualized care and payment plans are available.

Does the midwifery costs change due to late transfer to care?

Unfortunately, it doesn't. We have a shorter amount of time to build that intimate relationship with you and the family while continuing to do risk assessments, obtaining and reviewing medical records. We want to ensure you and baby are safe, low-risk and receive individualized care, support, informed choice and shared decision-making for your pregnancy journey.

Are refunds available?

Typically refunds are not available. If there is a transfer of care prenatally, there may be a prorated amount that will be refunded. If there is a transfer during labor, birth, immediate postpartum or postpartum period there are no refunds available.