Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to see a doctor at any point in my pregnancy?
No. Certified Professional Midwives are licensed to provide complete care during the childbearing year. There are times however when seeing a doctor may become necessary. For example, if you develop a medical condition requiring prescription medications.
Can I get an ultrasound?
Yes. CPM's are able to write referrals for ultrasound but we cannot provide them at the birth center. We set an appointment up for you with one of our local OB's. After the visit with the OB, his or her office will send the ultrasound report to us and we will discuss the findings. We do not recommend routine ultrasounds but may want one to confirm baby's position, rule out multiple gestation, or at the request of our clients. There are a few other reasons to get an ultrasound which we will discuss with you during your care.
Can I have pain medication?
We do not provide pain medication at the birth center. If a mother desires narcotic relief we will transfer her to the hospital for it. There are risks associated with anesthesia that necessitate close observation and immediate availability of an operating room, therefore giving narcotics outside of the hospital is not a safe option. Read more about the risks of common pain relief protocols in childbirth. Here , here, and here.
We do provide many natural techniques for coping with pain at your birth. These including massage, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy and our favorite... water! We have two deep immersion birth pools available in our birth suites. Read more about water for pain relief
here.
How much does it cost?
Giving birth at Brookhaven costs approximately 1/3 of an unmedicated hospital birth, while providing many more hours of one-on-one care and individualized attention. The range of fees from homebirth to birth center birth is $3200-$4000. We offer payment plans, cash pay discounts, and can bill your insurance company. Please schedule a free consultation to discuss these options further.
Do you bill insurance?
Yes we do. We are not contracted with any insurance providers therefore the reimbursement is at an "out-of-network" rate. We have an in-house insurance biller that can take you through the process of verifying your benefits. We require a deposit paid in full by 36 weeks in pregnancy and will then reimburse our clients once the insurance money comes in.
Is giving birth in a birth center safe?
Yes. Time and time again it has been proven that out of hospital birth with low risk mothers is as safe and in some regards safer than hospital birth. However there are some conditions that would make an out of hospital birth a poor option, such as, a mother with a known heart condition, or an insulin dependent diabetic. If you have any specific questions about your medical conditions and the option of birth center or homebirth please schedule a free consultation or come to one of our birth center information nights. Read more about the safety of out-of-hospital birth with Certified Professional Midwives, and birth center birth.