Do I qualify as low-risk for out of hospital birth?
We offer a free orientation call for prospective clients where we can discuss what care looks at the Midwives Cooperative and evaluate if we are a good fit for you. Risk varies from person to person. Some may have no risk factors, some may have one or more risk factor that require a physician consultation, and some may have risk factors that do not allow us to take them into care. This is carefully reviewed again at your initial prenatal visit with our midwives, and then assessed continually through the pregnancy, birth and postpartum period. We always do our best to connect those who do not qualify for a home birth to the care of a hospital-based midwife in the area. Click here to schedule your free phone consultation!
If I start care with the Midwives Cooperative, will I also need to see a doctor during my pregnancy?
Licensed Midwives are autonomous care providers. This means that for most low-risk healthy people, we’ll be able to provide everything you need during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. If issues present, we may consult with an obstetrician to determine if the pregnancy and birth are expected to continue normally or refer you for additional care.
What is your service area?
We can provide birth services to folks who live no more than 30 minutes from a hospital with labor and delivery services (Shands at UF, HCA North Florida, Advent Ocala, Bayfront Health Seven Rivers, HCA Citrus Memorial) and within about an hour of our office. Most visits will occur at our office in Gainesville, but we’ll come to you for a home prenatal visit at 36 weeks gestation, and home postpartum visits at 1-2 days and 2 weeks postpartum.
What do I need for a home birth? Is my house suitable?
Your midwife will help you make sure you have everything you need. Most of the things you will want to have on hand are pretty basic (eg: receiving blankets for the baby, extra sheets and towels, sanitary pads). Your midwives will also make home visits to help you prepare – but as long as you have basic amenities and live within 30 minutes of emergency care, your house is most likely suitable – considering that you are planning to raise your baby there! The Midwives Cooperative have attended births in homes, apartments and RVs!
Isn’t birth terribly messy? What about all the clean-up?
We have found that the average birth produces 2 loads of laundry and one bag of trash. By the time your midwives leave you, the laundry is usually almost finished, the trash is out, and your house restored to normal.
What if something goes wrong?
You and your midwife will establish an emergency care plan at the beginning of your pregnancy. We carefully monitor you and your baby during labor to screen for issues that may arise. All members of our care team are trained and equiped to manage birth emergencies. We carry medications for hemorrhage and are trained in neonatal resuscitation. If transfer to ta hospital is indicated, your midwife will transfer with you to provide support and ensure a timely transition.
How do we get a birth certificate for a baby born at home?
Your midwives will file a birth certificate with the State of Florida and apply for a social security number. Birth certificate copies can be obtained online or from your local Health Department and social security cards are shipped from the SSA automatically.
Do you offer placenta encapsulation?
Requests for placenta encapsulation services are referred to ShugaPott Birth & Wellness. Please complete the form linked here to request service.