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BIRTH FAQ
Have questions about birthing at BirthWise Wellness Center? Visit our FAQ page for answers about our birth services, midwives, home births, water births, and more.
birth FAQ, frequently asked questions about birth, midwifery care FAQ, natural birth questions, birthing services information, BirthWise Wellness Center
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CASCADE OF MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS

Shifts the balance of power from woman to hospital. It is uncomfortable, cold and she may be concerned about modesty with the open back of the gown not intended for walking around in.

The #1 reason for births ending in cesarean section, often done because of suspected “big baby”, past the “due date”, or provider or client convenience. Does not increase safety for mom or baby if there was no actual medical need for the induction.

This type of monitoring keeps the mother immobile in bed. The use of EFM is not evidence-based, and has no effect in improving outcomes for babies. The only effect continuous monitoring has had is that it has increased the cesarean section rate.

IVs restrict a woman’s mobility and makes it easy to administer fluids and medications that interfere with natural birth. IV’s are uncomfortable and give the impression that a laboring woman is ill or unhealthy.

The use of Pitocin makes labor more painful and more difficult for the baby to tolerate. Studies show that Pitocin use may contribute to postpartum hemorrhage and may interrupt bonding with baby, also contributing to postpartum depression.

Because contractions are so unnaturally intense with Pitocin, the mother will often choose to receive an epidural for pain relief.

Epidurals keep a woman confined to bed for the duration of the labor and birth, literally unable to feel or move her body from the waist down.

Epidurals tend to slow or stop contractions, resulting in the need for increasing dosages of Pitocin to keep the labor advancing which leads to greater risk of stress to the baby.

The epidural interferes with the woman’s ability to push effectively and in a timely enough fashion for OB time limits and often leads to a c-section due to “cpd” or “too big of baby”.

Reduced blood pressure from the epidural combined with Pitocin induced, unnaturally hard contractions and lack of blood flow to the baby will cause the baby to go into distress.

After having exhausted all the tools at the obstetrician’s disposal, the cesarean section is the only one that remains. (women sometimes say “thank goodness I was in the hospital because my baby was in distress and I needed a cesarean section” not realizing the cascade of interventions that led up to this “need”.)

SUPPORT FOR A NATURAL BIRTH

Keeps the balance of power neutral. You feel comfortable, safe and relaxed; free to walk and move without having to feel concerned about modesty.

The #1 reason for births resulting in a normal vaginal birth. When women go past their anticipated due date, a close assessment of mom’s and baby’s well-being and awaiting spontaneous labor is the safest approach in most instances.

Allows mom to be in any position or place she desires, including in the shower or birth tub; allows us to monitor the health of baby safely and without disruption. Intermittent monitoring is an evidence-based practice and should be used regularly in all settings where mom is planning a natural birth.

Women are encouraged to drink fluids and to nourish their hard working bodies with food while in labor. This keeps energy up, blood sugars normal, helps cope with labor sensations, and helps her body to work efficiently. Mobility is not restricted.

No arbitrary time limits. Labor will happen in its own time. Every woman and every labor is different and we will encourage the things that keep a woman and her labor strong and healthy throughout this time such as: movement, rest, hydration, nourishment and support.

Use of water, freedom of movement, massage and continuous support throughout will get a woman through a natural labor.

Most women will walk, lean, sway, and change positions to attain continued comfort in labor. They are in control, and not restricted by cords, wires or monitors.

When labor starts on its own, in its own timing, and a woman is encouraged to eat, drink, move, listen to her body and no arbitrary time limits are given, labor progresses.

Women feel the urge to push and when and how to push on their own. They are able to help in the efforts of pushing their babies out very effectively!

The best chance for a baby to stay healthy and strong during labor is to let the process unfold as naturally as possible without medications. All of the medications commonly used in labor have the potential to affect the health of the baby.

A healthy and alert baby is born into his mother’s arms, able to bond and breastfeed. Mom is empowered and alert and in love with all the natural hormones surging through her body. Unmedicated birth reduces risk of postpartum complications and postpartum depression , breastfeeding success increases, and families report increased happiness and satisfaction.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Yes, out of hospital birth is safe for low-risk pregnancies when supported by skilled and experienced midwives. Emergency equipment such as oxygen, suction, resuscitative equipment, medications for postpartum bleeding management, and IVs are always available. We closely monitor both the mother and baby throughout the birthing process, and in the event of a hospital transfer, we will accompany you to maintain support and continuity of care.

Education and preparation are essential to managing pain during natural childbirth. Engage in open communication with your midwife during prenatal visits, take childbirth education classes, and access resources such as books or online information. You’ll have the freedom of movement, the ability to eat and drink, and personalized one-on-one support from your team. Additionally, using water for labor and birth can provide natural pain relief and relaxation.

Absolutely! At Birthwise, we support family-centered care and encourage you to involve your loved ones in your birth experience. Having the people you care about most present during your birth can provide additional emotional support and contribute to a positive and memorable experience. We are happy to accommodate your preferences and help create a supportive environment for everyone involved.

Birth can be messy, but don’t worry, we’ve got it covered. At BirthWise, we provide a supply gift bag for home births, filled with all the essentials to maintain cleanliness. For those birthing in our center, rest assured, we have all the necessary supplies on hand to ensure a clean and comfortable environment.

After your baby is born, we will complete the necessary vital records paperwork for your child’s birth certificate and social security card to be issued.

We accept BadgerCare+ (ask us for more details). Many commercial insurance companies do cover out of hospital births attended by midwives. When you begin your care with us, we will provide you with detailed insurance billing information. We are committed to supporting families in navigating the financial aspects of home birth to ensure a smooth experience.

We accept CareCredit. Get the healthcare you want or need and pay over time with our promotional financing options for your care. Apply online anytime and get immediate approval.

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