So You're Thinking About Switching to a Home Birth

The hospital is fairly low on the list of places most expectant parents want to be right now. With fears of virus lingering in the air or on surfaces, low staff or overworked staff, and the inability to have a doula or family members in attendance, most are trying to avoid hospitals and other public places at all cost.

And what if you want to just stay home for the birth of your baby as well?

We've received many calls from pregnant Wichita moms and couples who are fearfully looking into different options, many of them down to the end of their pregnancies. They are asking if we can deliver their babies (no), or if we know who can, and if they take insurance, and what supplies they need, and the list goes on. I can hear the fear and uncertainty in their voices, and I try to speak with the utmost care and compassion as I explain the difference between doulas and midwives and let them know that I cannot deliver their baby, but I can recommend home birth care providers and be their support person during the process.

I'm certainly not discouraging home birth – heck, I've had two home births myself – but it is something to think about seriously and with responsibility, and I want to ensure that there is good information out there for those who are considering switching away from what's considered normal and usual.

Here are a few things we want parents to know if they are thinking of switching to a home birth in Wichita:

A: First step is to hire a midwife to provide delivery care

A doula is not an alternative to a midwife. A doula is a non-medical support person who coaches and encourages the parents through pregnancy and labor. A midwife is an essential medical caregiver who provides prenatal care and testing, delivery of the baby, and infant care and testing. While as doulas we can absolutely attend your home birth or birth center birth and support you alongside the midwife, you must have a professional midwife in attendance for safety. More on the difference between a doula and a midwife.

B: Interview your midwives

If you are serious about switching to a homebirth, you should be prepared to fully research what all is involved and the people who will be helping you. Your midwife should be certified, be experienced in a wide range of birthing situations and emergencies, know neonatal resuscitation, and have at least one assistant to provide care in case of emergency. The midwife should also inform you thoroughly of all the risks and benefits and have a transfer protocol with a local hospital/doctor in case you have to transfer to the hospital in an emergency. Experienced Wichita midwives we have worked with and recommend include Born Midwifery (currently full for April/May 2020), Fruitful Vine Midwives, Wichita Birth Assistance, Yoder Birth Center.

C: You must be low-risk and healthy

To have your baby at home, you must be in excellent health with no complications. Multiples, preeclampsia, placenta previa, premature delivery (labor prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy), and some other situations may not be suitable for giving birth at home. You must be committed to staying healthy through exercise, good diet, and positive mindset.

D: You must be prepared to give birth without access to pain medication

Giving birth without an epidural is not something to choose lightly. Birth is tough and can even be grueling if it takes a long time (average length of labor for a first time mom is 12-14 hours and it's not unheard of to have a 24-48 hour labor). You must prepare your mind and body to allow strong contractions to wash over your body, not fight them, over and over. You must believe in what you are doing and have a strong reason for your desire to do it this way. You must listen to positive birth affirmations, read books and listen to podcasts about unmedicated birth, and surround yourself with people who support you and encourage you in what you are planning to do.

E: You may have to pay out-of-pocket

While some Wichita midwives accept insurance, it really differs depending on a few different factors so you will need to confirm with both the midwife and your insurance company. If your insurance does not cover your home birth midwife, you will have to pay some or all of the fees out of pocket. Almost all midwives will accept monthly payment plans, which certainly makes it easier if you have 9 months to prepare financially, but if you're 38 weeks pregnant and suddenly faced with a decision to switch to home birth, you may have a harder time if the budget is tight.

Home Birth Isn't Right for Me and I'm Sticking to My Hospital Birth.

If you don't qualify for a home birth, or can not afford it, you may be wondering about some ways to have a good experience at the hospital. Keep your immune system healthy by eating a good diet with low sugar, probiotics and fermented foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables, and taking your vitamins. Wear masks, and do not touch anything in the hospital admission or waiting areas. Try to keep your hands clean and avoid touching your face. A doula is also an invaluable addition to your hospital birth. We can help you write a birth plan, labor at home and decide when it's time to go in, and we can be a comforting and familiar presence in a room full of masks.

Wesley Birth Care allows doulas to attend and has no plans to change that. For parents who are delivering at Ascension Via Christi, we're offering a reduced-rate package that includes labor support at your home until it's time for you to go to the hospital to deliver, at which time we'll support you via FaceTime.

We're really blessed with a lot of great doctors and nurses in Wichita, and I want to encourage you that you can still have a wonderful, healthy, and safe experience birthing in the hospital even during this scary and uncertain time. As your doulas, we're here to support you, encourage you, and cheer you on throughout the entire process – whether at home, birth center, or hospital.