How do families prepare for homebirth?
What do midwives bring to be prepared for homebirth?
The "birth kits" that are distrubuted by WHO in many countries a little plastic bags that have a bar of soap, a clean cloth to dry the baby, and a sterile blade and cord ties.
The homebirth kits that US midwives have women prepare for birth are not much fancier. They include: towels, sterile cord clamps, bulb suction and things for cleaning, like a plastic bed liner and peroxide. BTW... birth is not that messy, chux pads do make cleanup easier, and the midwife gets any other laundry mess cleaned before she leaves.
Oh, and the bulb suction isn't even needed because, new flash, babies are amazing at absorbing and clearing their fluids on their own!
So, birth is usually as simple as clean hands, clean cloths, and clean cord instruments.
If transferring prior to labor, you choose a practice that will accept you and that you prefer. I can facilitate this by asking colleagues (CNMs & MDs) if they will assume your care. Your records will be sent. Dr.Bootstaylor does offer you to hire his practice, SeeBaby, as your physician backup for prenatal and labor needs, and I will encourage you to consider this option.
During labor, if there is no emergency, we can proceed by car to your preferred backup hospital. If you have hired a hospital provider, such as SeeBaby, you'll begin care with them, and I will be with you as support. If you have not hired a hospital provider, then you will be in the care of the on-call group. In this situation, I prefer Atlanta Medical Center because I have worked with these physicians many times.
In the uncommon situation of emergent need for hospital care, we will call EMS and go to the closest hospital. I will accompany you/baby, give report, and give your records to the team. Transfers should go smoothly, but don't always due to attitudes of staff. However, being with a midwife who is licenesed to practice in Georgia means I will stay with you.
Learn more about risk criteria-
Moonlight Midwifery LLC practices evidence-based care that is consistent with guidelines of our professional organizations.
ACNM
American College of Nurse Midwives
MANA
Midwives Association of North America
AABC
American Association of Birth Centers
It is my obligation to mothers and babies to uphold my standards of practice and "risk out" clients that no longer fit safety criteria for out-of-hospital birthing. This can be personal discretion- but I do engage in professional consultation, as well as peer review, to help me not compromise care standards. Requiring standard screening labs and anatomy ultrasound are required parts of my prenatal care plan. I am prepared to care for healthy mothers and babies that are appropriately planning and preparing to birth at home. Together we make this the safe place for your birth.
If you have read the information I have provided, but feel you need a better understanding of whether homebirth is a safe option for you, contact me.
Learn about how birthing at home can be not only a Safe, but the safest option.