River Valley Midwives

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have you been a midwife?

Jharna has been a midwife for 15 years, and Kristen has been a midwife for 17 years

How many births have you attended?

Combined Kristen and Jharna have attended close to 1000 births

How many midwives attend the birth?

We always attended a birth with two midwives and an apprentice (when available).

How many prenatal visits do I receive?

On average women receive 10-12 prenatal visits, plus a home visit at 36 weeks.

Do both midwives attend the prenatals?

You meet both at the initial consultation, and the home visit.  After that you will see Kristen one week and Jharna the next week.  The apprentice will be at every prenatal.

When do I call you?

As soon as you are pregnant!  We begin prenatal between 10-12 weeks.

Do you accept insurance?

We work very hard with insurance companies to help you get reimbursement.  We ask that you pay for services upfront and then we will help you to get reimbursed from you carrier.  Sometimes our efforts are a success and some insurance companies do not pay.

Do you do any prenatal testing?

We ask that you do initial prenatal blood work early in your pregnancy and then again at 28 week.  After that point additional testing is your choice. This is done through your hospital based midwifery group.

Do you have hospital backup?

We facilitate your connection with a hospital based midwifery practice.  We ask that you see them four times during your pregnancy.  They take care of lab work and any other medically based needs you may have, i.e., ultrasound, selected testing.  We have worked really hard to have good relationships with specific hospital based midwifery and obstetrical practices to ensure that our clients get the best care.  Thus our positive working relationship with local providers has been growing for over 20 years.

What happens in case of an emergency?

Firstly, we have never had a timed emergency where a baby or a mother’s life were endangered.  Most often we are able to see problems arising well before they become an emergency.  If necessary we transport to the hospital wherein we accompany you and work with the medical establishment as needed.

How long do you stay after the birth?

After doing a complete newborn exam, establishing breastfeeding,  helping you with initial postpartum care and instructions and we are assured that everyone is stable, we leave.  On average this is 3-5 hours after birth.

Do you come back to my house after the birth, when?

Yes, we come at 24 hours, 72 hours, and see you either at the office or at your home at one week.  We also see you at two or three weeks dependant upon your need, that visit is usually at the office.  We also offer an optional six week visit which is usually a social visit and a closure to our birth experience together.

What happens if I go over my Due Date?

Early in your pregnancy we carefully determine your estimated time of birth.  If you have not given birth by 41 weeks, we ask that see your hospital based midwifery practice where they will do a bio physical profile (ultrasound scan).  This assures us that your placenta and baby are healthy.  We then work with you throughout the next week to help start your labor.  We have many techniques, remedies and methods for facilitating your labor to begin.  If you have not started your labor process by 42 weeks we would then engage the help of your hospital based midwifery group to induce your labor at the hospital.

Do you do ultrasound?

We do not do ultrasound scans at the office. Should you need or want one we refer you to your hospital based midwifery practice.

When do you come to the birth?

We ask that you call us as soon as you think you are in labor.  In early labor we will be in contact with you over the phone, providing support, suggestions and advice.  When your labor becomes more established and regular or your water breaks one of the midwives and their apprentice will come to your house.  When you reach about 6cm in dilatation and second midwife will be called.

How do I reach you if you have a question or think I am in labor?

After you contact with us, you will receive all off our contact numbers; our home, our cell and our pagers.

How do we pay you for services?

We ask for a $300 deposit at the first intake visit.  Thereafter you can design your own payment plan.  If you pay fully by your 36 week home visit you will receive a $300 discount.

What happens at a prenatal?

Our prenatal visits are 45 minutes to an hour long.  Fifteen minutes of that visit is spent assessing the physical situation of you and your baby, i.e.,  blood pressure, baby position and measurements.  The rest of the time of your prenatal visit is spent talking, sharing, and exploring the many facets of your life, your pregnancy, your health and your relationships.  This time allows us to really get to know you, and for you to know us.  Thus at your birth there is a bond and a trust between us all. 

Is the homebirth going to make my house a mess?

Apart from the natural clutter that acquires as you nest and create your ‘birth space’ the actually ‘birth mess’ is very contained by us.  We have you prepare your bed and any potential other birth area in a specific way to ensure easy clean up of any ‘birth juices’.

Is it hard to get my house ready for the birth, do I need to buy anything?

No, it is not hard but you will need to get some supplies.  Some are easily found around your home (heating pad, towels etc...).  Some can be bought at local health food stores and your birth kit which contains all the necessary sterile supplies (cord clamp, gloves etc.) can be purchased by you through Cascade Health, an online medical supply company.