What is a Water Birth?

Water birth is the process of giving birth in a tub of warm water.

The theory at the center of water birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for 40 weeks, birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.

Warm water also promotes relaxation of the muscle which may decrease the pain sensation for the mother.

Many women find the warm water soothing and labor in the birthing pool/tub but then later decide they want to deliver outside of the tub.

What are the qualifications for birthing in water?

• You must be at least 37 weeks

• Amniotic fluid must be clear

• Baby must be head down

• No significant risk factors can exist - no hypertension (high blood pressure), gestational diabetes, etc.

What is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)?

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) is a Registered Nurse who has graduated with a master's degree, from a nurse-midwifery educational program accredited by the Accredited Commission Midwifery Education.

CNM Credentialing

A CNM has passed a national certification exam to receive professional designation of Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). After passing a national exam, she is then certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

A CNM is also licensed by the State Board of Nursing to perform all duties of a CNM within the scope of the state's laws.

Ongoing educational maintenance activities are required to renew certification credentialing.

Where do CNMs Practice?

Most CNMs practice in hospitals. However, some CNMs attend home births to provide quality, safe childbirth services for women who desire more natural birtbeneh experiences, without unnecessary interventions.

Midwives are specialists in normal pregnancy and birth.

Home birth is becoming a more acceptable option for low risk women, especially when attended by CNMs.

What are the benefits of hiring a CNM for a home birth?

Some benefits of hiring a CNM for your home birth include:

• Having a knowledgeable healthcare professional with strong assessment and childbirth skills

• A CNM has attended many hospital births and has experience in managing common obstetrical complications

• CNMs support normal physiologic birth.

• CNMs have technical skills such as collecting blood samples and other lab work, administering medications and starting intravenous lines (IV) if needed for hydration or medication administration, fetal heart monitoring experience to assure well being of fetus during labor and identifying abnormalities.

• Nurse Midwives are certified in neonatal resuscitation program (NRP) and Basic CPR.

• Home birth can also be a more affordable option, as many insurance plans cover maternity/childbirth services under the care of a nurse-midwife.

Medical Supplies Gifted Hand Midwifery Will Have on Hand

Certified Nurse Midwives are able to prescribe medications, treatments, medical devices, therapeutic and diagnostic measures. As such, they are also able to utilize certain medical equipment.

Gifted Hands Midwifery will have the following medical supplies on hand:

• Oxygen (O2) with Bag and Mask

• Anti-hemorrhagic Agents

• Hand Held Doppler

• Urinary Catheters

• Suturing Materials

• Local Anesthetics

• DeLee Catheter

• IV Fluids for Dehydration Purposes

• Antibiotics for GBS Prophylaxis

• Instruments to Assess Vital Signs

Why Home Birth?

Home Birth

Home birth is becoming an increasingly acceptable, alternative birth option for low-risk , healthy women.

There are many credible, published research studies and valid statistical data that support home birth as a safe alternative to hospital birth for low risk, healthy women.

Lower Risks

Risks for episiotomies, epidural use, instrumental/cesarean birth and fetal/ maternal morbidities and mortalities significantly are lower than hospital births.

Why Women Choose Home Birth

Women choose home birth because the home is viewed as a safe haven in which confidence flourishes and anxiety abates.

Relaxing Environment

The home offers a more relaxing environment as there is no added pressure from hospital systems or routine procedures as in the hospital. Laboring women also have the freedom to eat, drink and move around during labor without asking permission.

Anxiety and fear are lessened at home, which decreases adrenaline and allows the body to work optimally and facilitate a safe and satisfying birth experience.

Does Gifted Hands Midwifery Accept Insurance?

Currently, Gifted Hands Midwifery is not accepting insurance. However, there are several affordable self pay options available.

Midwifery home birth care is significantly cheaper than hospital birth care.

Depending on your health insurance coverage, you may qualify for reimbursement after your home birth.

Gifted Hands Midwifery will provide an itemized bill and form that you can submit to your insurance company at completion of your pregnancy and birth.

We CANNOT guarantee that any insurance will cover/reimburse you for our midwifery/homebirth services.