Is a birth outside of the hospital safe?

As a midwife, Sabrina’s job is to normalize birth. Dramatizations make for great television, but our society has bought into the idea that birth has to be hard and needs intervention. Midwives care for women who are healthy and “normal.” For most women, a birth at home can be just as safe and sometimes safer than in a hospital. Your prenatal visits, labs, ultrasounds and risk assessments are similar to the obstetric world, but you do have a say in what you choose for yourself and your baby. Referrals and transfers are only offered when appropriate. 

Do you offer water birth?

Yes! Hydrotherapy is a great pain reliever and relaxer! Most women that Sabrina has cared for have had a water birth, but again-it’s your choice. She will talk through times when it is appropriate to get into the tub and times when it would be best to get out and labor or birth on dry ground.

What about lab work and ultrasounds?

Lab draws can take place during your appointment. No need to go somewhere else and wait. Ultrasounds are done at another facility with options to use your insurance or pay cash, but those are kept to a minimum or you can choose to have more. The best part is not having to wait in a waiting room for any of your care! 

Can I switch from my OB to you and when is it too late to do that?

Sabrina offers a free consultation with all clients, but recommends that you call and schedule that before leaving the care of your provider. If you decide that midwifery care is for you, she will work to make the transition smooth. Shhh! You won’t even have to tell them. She can fax a record request to your OB and then you can start your care as soon as possible. You may have planned a natural hospital birth and then find yourself being asked at each OB visit to schedule your induction or repeat cesarean. Now you realize that you need a different provider. Sabrina is happy to help, but she does ask that you deicde to make that switch prior to 37 weeks so that both you and she can begin to build some trust and relationship before the birth.

What about my baby’s newborn exam and circumcision?

Midwives in Texas can care for a woman and her baby up until the baby is 6 weeks old.  We are trained to complete your baby’s newborn exam and provide care (with the Texas’ newborn screen, congenital heart testing, jaundice checks) and refer when necessary. If you choose circumcision, you will follow-up with your pediatrician or one of our practitioners that we can refer you to. 

How involved can my partner and my children be in the birthing process?

Birth should be a family affair. Whether that be you or your partner catching your baby or having siblings/pets close by to watch the whole process. Education surrounding birth is super important and starts at a young age.

How long does my midwife stay at my home after birth?

There are a lot of things to be done during the first few hours after birth. It’s super important for you and your partner to feel safe staying home and taking care of your baby. Our job is to make sure your vitals are all normal in the first hour or two and that you have a chance to feed your baby, eat something nutritious, get up and move your body to go to the restroom, and have an herbal bath if you like. As your midwife, Sabrina will examine your newborn and then go over all the postpartum care instructions.  Families typically are tucked into bed and left on their own at 3-4 hours postpartum.  The goal is to get you some restful sleep in your own bed while both you and your baby are tired from birth and before you must begin feeding every 2 to 3 hours.

After the birth, what postpartum support is offered?

Sabrina offers an in-home postpartum visit between 24-48 hours.  Then, she will see you and your baby for a 2-week and 6-week postpartum visit. More visits are possible as she can tailor fit your care to your needs. If you desire to breastfeed, she can assist you with any trouble you are having or refer you to some great lactation consultants (IBCLCs).  

What happens if my birth doesn’t go as planned?

Complications can happen. Sabrina feels it is important tobe able to offer IV therapy, anti-hemorrhage drugs, antibiotics, and when needed, can prescribe medications for prenatal issues you may have during pregnancy and the postpartum. She always has a birth assistant with her at births and on occasion, a midwifery student (should you be ok with this) who has been trained in newborn resuscitation and CPR. However, sometimes pregnancy and birth veer from “normal” and she determines birthing in the hospital is the best option. When a transport becomes necessary, Sabrina works hard to make that transition a smooth process by discussing options with you quickly. She then goes with you to the hospital and communicates your plan for birth with the hospital team, Sabrina can no longer be your care provider, but instead becomes a support person with experience to let you continue to know ALL your options. Once you are released from the hospital, you are welcome back to continue with your postpartum care with Sabrina. She creates long-standing bonds and desires to be here for you and your growing family!

How do we pay?  Do you take insurance?  Credit cards?  Can we make payments?

A $500 deposit is required for all clients at your first appointment. The balance can be paid over the length of the pregnancy, but must be paid in full by 34 weeks.  She does not take insurance as many insurance companies do not pay for homebirth with a CPM (certified professional midwife). Ther is an out-of-pocket rate that will not be discounted even if you are transferring later in your pregnancy. Credit cards are absolutely taken in person and by phone as well as Venmo. United Medical Credit is another option for making payments beyond your date of birth if you have good credit or someone to co-sign.  

How far away do you take a homebirth client?

Clients based in Fort Worth, Texas or within 90 miles of “Cowtown” will be considered. Families in rural communities further away will be taken on a case by case basis. Factors that contribute to this decision are how many clients are due in that particular month, what your risk factors are, and where the nearest hospital or EMS system is in your area.

What happens if I am GBS+? 

The standard of care is to give antibiotics by IV every 4 hours in labor.  It doesn’t risk you out of care.  The recommendation would be to have a Hep-lock so that you can still be active and moving throughout labor. You can choose to not accept antibiotics. As always in midwifery care, an informed consent is given so that you can decide for yourself what is right for you in this regard.

What if I am found to have gestational diabetes?

You still have options! If you are willing to work on your diet, see a dietician, and test your blood sugar daily and can keep those readings within range most of the time, you can still be part of this midwifery practice. We can talk over all the follow-up care, supplements, and ways to make your body the best habitat for that sweet one!