FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Get Informed
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
You can find us at 114 s second st, Fowlerville, Mi 48836. Just around the corner from our old clinic we are excited to have an entire house on a quiet side street across from the chapel and kiddie corner from the village offices.
DO YOU ATTEND BIRTHS ALONE?
We work in a team of three; primary midwife, assisting midwife and birth assistant. Relationship building is imperative to safe out of hospital birth, because of this any student that is involved in the care of our families is asked to come to nearly all prenatal appointments. We work with doulas and birth photographers that we are happy to recommend as well. Visit our "meet the team" page for more information.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DOCTOR, A MIDWIFE AND A DOULA?
Midwives are not MDs or DOs. Midwives are healthcare professionals that offer; well person care, prenatal care, deliver babies, and offer postpartum care for low risk patients. Midwives in Michigan can be nurses or trained following an apprenticeship model. After licensure passed in 2017 Midwives must attend a MEAC accredited school to become a CPM. Doulas are non-medical support people, that are sometimes certified through various agencies.
When should I hire a midwife
We love to have your first prenatal visit at around 12 weeks gestation, when we can hear baby with the doppler. We do book quickly, so be sure to reach out when you decide you would like to hire a homebirth midwife. Patients past twenty weeks gestation will be considered on a case to case basis.
What will risk me out of Homebirth
Per our licensure home birth midwives can not care for those with HIV, Gestational hypertension, Diabetes and other health concerns that would qualify them to no longer be "low risk".
HOW MUCH DOES HOMEBIRTH COST?
Our universal fee is $5,500 due at 35 weeks gestation. This covers; prenatal care, on call time, labor and birth, birth pool and supplies, birth assistants, and postpartum care to eight weeks. A $500 non refundable deposit is due at onset of care and will be credited to your universal fee.
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Some insurances will reimburse all or part of my fee after the birth. This requires self pay and then requesting reimbursement. I do not charge insurance. Medicaid does not cover any part of homebirth in Michigan. Health shares and flex spend accounts can be used.
CAN YOU WRITE PRESCRIPTIONS, GIVE MEDS, ORDER ULTRASOUNDS AND LABS?
I carry the same anti-hemorrhagic medications you would be given in a hospital setting (Pitocin, cytotec, methergin), along with; oxygen, IV supplies, IV antibiotics, IM vit K and prophylactic eye antibiotics. I can not write prescriptions, but can order labs and ultrasounds.
CAN I KEEP SEEING YOU AFTER I AM DONE HAVING BABIES?
Yes! I am passionate about offering well person care from menarche beyond. I offer, PAP smears, physicals, STD testing, and more. Please keep an eye on our listed upcoming workshops, natural family planning and similar workshops coming soon!
HOW DO I BECOME A MIDWIFE?
To be a licensed midwife in Michigan you must attend a MEAC accredited school and have an apprenticeship. This can take 2-7 years and result in an associate or bachelor’s degree. Interested in discussing the pathways and possibly working in our practice? Student consultations can be booked through our website.
WHAT DO YOU BRING TO A BIRTH?
I carry the same anti-hemorrhagic medications you would be given in a hospital setting, neonatal resuscitation supplies, IV supplies, Doppler, everything to take vitals on parent and baby, and more! Read “What’s in my bag” blog coming soon for a more in-depth look. One of the benefits of birthing in the Birth House is that I have set up all my ideal with supplies that we can't always tote around! Oils, birth stills, balls and peanut balls, and many comfort measures!
DO YOU OFFER A SLIDING SCALE, PAYMENT PLANS OR DISCOUNTS?
Payment plans must be discussed before onset of care (signing of main disclosure) and can be arranged in special circumstances. I am able to barter part of my fee, and am happy to discuss such opportunities.
I HAVE QUESTIONS OR AM LOOKING FOR A MIDWIFE
I offer free thirty minute in person consultations. Just email us at sarah@michiganmidwifery.com or fill out our "contact" form, or book directly on this site. I love when prospective patients bring lists of questions and partners, it is a great time for them to ask questions as well! These consultations are designed for families that are currently pregnant and looking for a provider. If you are looking for a fertility or pre-conception consultation this is an hour long paid appointment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM A CONSULTATION?
We offer a free consultation before we start prenatal care. This virtual meeting lasts about 20-30 minutes and give the midwife and the pregnant person and their family a chance to see if we are a good fit to work together, and ask questions. If you are looking to birth at the birth house is it strongly encouraged that you attend a tour offered bi monthly.
I HAD A CONSULT, LOVE THIS PRACTICE AND WANT TO MOVE FORWARD.
We will send you an invitation to our electronic healthcare record portal and schedule you for an initial visit. The initial prenatal visit tends to run a little longer than other visits and occurs at around twelve weeks gestation.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OF THE INITIAL VISIT?
The first prenatal visit usually takes an hour or more, whereas prenatal visits after typically last 30-45 minutes. We will review your health history and if preferred conduct a quick physical. Unlike an OB office, we will not conduct any vaginal exams during pregnancy unless requested. Prenatal appointments take place in my office and the first is scheduled at or after twelve weeks gestation.