The hospital is pretty low on the list of places most expectant parents want to go these days. Because of fear of the virus lingering in the air or on surfaces, understaffed or overworked staff, and the inability to have a doula or family members present, most try to avoid hospitals and other public places in all expenses.
And what if you want to stay home for the birth of your baby as well?
We received many calls from pregnant Wichita mothers and couples who were scared looking for different options, many of them towards the end of their pregnancies. They ask if we can deliver their babies (we can’t), or if we know who can, and if they get insurance, and what supplies they need, and the list goes on. I hear the fear and uncertainty in their voices, and I try to speak with the utmost care and compassion as I explain the difference between doulas and midwives and let them know that I can’t deliver their baby, but I can I recommend home birth care providers. and be their supporter in the process.
I’m certainly not discouraging home birth – heck, I’ve had two home births myself – but it is something that must be thought about seriously and responsibly, and I want to make sure there is good information out there for those who are thinking of stepping away from what is considered normal and ordinary.
Here are some things we want parents to know if they’re thinking about moving to a home birth in Wichita:
A: The first step is to hire a midwife to provide birth care
A doula is not an alternative to a midwife. A doula is a non-medical support person who guides and encourages parents through pregnancy and birth. A midwife is an important medical caregiver who provides prenatal care and evaluation, infant delivery, and infant care and evaluation. Although as doulas we can fully attend your home birth or birth center birth and support you with the midwife, you must have a professional midwife attend for safety. More on the difference between a doula and a midwife.
B: Interview your midwives
If you are serious about switching to a homebirth, you should be prepared to fully research what is all involved and the people who will be assisting you. Your midwife should be certified, experienced in a wide range of birth and emergency situations, know neonatal resuscitation, and have at least one assistant to provide emergency care. The midwife should also inform you of all the risks and benefits and have a transfer protocol with a local hospital/doctor in case you need to be transferred to hospital in an emergency. Experienced Wichita midwives we have worked with and recommend including Born Midwifery (currently full for April/May 2020), Fruitful Vine Midwives, Wichita Birth Help, Yoder Birth Center.
C: You must be low risk and healthy
To have your baby at home, you must be in good health with no complications. Multiples, preeclampsia, placenta previa, premature delivery (labor before 37 weeks of pregnancy), and some other situations may not be suitable for a home birth. You should be committed to staying healthy through exercise, good diet, and positive thinking.
D: You must be willing to give birth without access to pain medication
Giving birth without an epidural should not be chosen lightly. Labor is difficult and can be debilitating if it lasts a long time (the average length of labor for a first-time mother is 12-14 hours and it is not uncommon to have a 24-48 hour labor). You must prepare your mind and body to allow the powerful contractions to wash over your body, not fight them, over and over again. You must believe in what you are doing and have a strong reason for your desire to do it this way. You should listen to positive birth affirmations, read books and listen to podcasts about unmedicated birth, and surround yourself with people who support you and encourage you in what you are planning to do.
E: You may have to pay out-of-pocket
Although some Wichita midwives accept insurance, it really varies depending on a few different factors so you will need to confirm with both the midwife and your insurance company. If your insurance does not cover your home birth midwife, you will have to pay some or all of the fees out of pocket. Almost all midwives will accept monthly payment plans, which certainly makes it easier if you have 9 months to prepare financially, but if you are 38 weeks pregnant and suddenly faced with the decision to switch to home birth , you may find it more difficult if the budget is tight.
Home Birth Wasn’t Right For Me And I Stayed With My Hospital Birth.
If you don’t qualify for a home birth, or can’t afford it, you may be thinking of some ways to have a great hospital experience. Keep your immune system healthy by eating a good diet with low sugar, probiotics and fermented foods, lots of fruits and vegetables, and taking your vitamins. Wear a mask, and do not touch anything in the admission or waiting area at the hospital. Try to keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face. A doula is also an invaluable addition to your hospital birth. We can help you write a birth plan, work at home and decide when it’s time to go in, and we can be a comforting and familiar presence in a room full of masks.
Wesley Birth Care allows doulas to attend and has no plans to change that. For parents delivering at Ascension Via Christi, we offer a reduced rate package that includes labor support in your home until it is time for you to go to the hospital to deliver, where we will support you through FaceTime.
We are truly blessed with many great doctors and nurses in Wichita, and I want to encourage you that you can still have a wonderful, healthy, and safe hospital birth experience even during this scary and uncertain time. As your doulas, we are here to support you, encourage you, and cheer you on throughout the process – whether at home, birth center, or hospital.
