FAQs

 BEFORE DELIVERY

Yes, we have two birthing tubs for delivery.

Yes. We travel up to 40 minutes from the birth center for women who are found to be eligible after a review of history.

Yes, we welcome and encourage the use of these beneficial tools for labor.

Unfortunately, we do not deliver VBAC’s, however we offer parallel care to those who are under the care of an OB and would like to see us for prenatals and for support during their VBAC in the hospital.

From the first trimester until 28 weeks, we see our patients monthly. From 28 to 37 weeks gestation, we see our patients every 2 weeks. From 37 weeks until delivery, we see our patients every week.

During each visit a thorough evaluation is made to ensure that both mother and baby are healthy and eligible for out-of-hospital birth. If an issue arises during your pregnancy, we will refer you to one of our consulting physicians and will work with them to create the best care plan for you.

No, there is no age limit.

At your first appointment we review your health history to determine baseline eligibility. Many health conditions do not affect risk status for childbirth. The primary health conditions that DO raise risk for childbirth include, without limitation: chronic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and certain types of renal failure.

 DURING DELIVERY

We are available around the clock for your labor and delivery care. One of our midwives is always reachable by phone. Once labor begins, we speak with you frequently by phone to guide you through early labor and to help determine when it is time for you to come in or for us to come to you. We remain on-site with you for your labor, delivery and postpartum.

At the birth center you have the choice of one of our two birthing rooms, both of which provide the options of water birth, birthing stool and birthing ball. You are encouraged to eat, drink, walk, sleep and do what your body needs to facilitate your delivery.

Births are attended by a Licensed Midwife or a Nurse midwife as well as a second midwife or registered nurse. The care team may also include a medical assistant.

We encourage you to have a support person that is with you throughout your entire labor and delivery. If you would like to have more than one person attend, we discuss this during your prenatal care to understand how you would like them to be involved. We welcome additional family and friends, but caution against having too many people in the room during labor as it can interfere with your body’s natural progression through the birth process.

Yes, we encourage the use of doulas. We have a doula on staff that is available for hire. If you choose to hire another doula, we prefer to meet them at least 6 weeks prior to your due date.

Yes, we welcome photographers in delivery. If possible, we would like to meet your photographer prior to your delivery in order to optimise the process of capturing the important moments of your birth.

IV’s are available when needed to treat complications, but are not a requirement during labor.

Yes, this is important because it stimulates a natural hormonal response in both mother and baby that establishes a bond between them and supports their recovery. Whenever possible, we place the baby directly on your chest after birth so there is direct skin to skin contact. Unless otherwise necessary, we do not move the baby away from you without your consent.

No, we do not cut episiotomies as a routine procedure.

Yes. We do not suggest that the cord be cut until after it has naturally stopped pulsing on its own – usually within 5 minutes of birth. This ensures that newborns receive the natural boost of support that nature intended during their first breaths. If so desired, you or your support person are welcome to cut the cord when it is time.

Our tear rate is extremely low thanks to our style of delivery. If sutures are needed they are typically done at the birth center. In certain rare cases, we may refer to our consulting physicians.

The likelihood of complications in childbirth are significantly reduced by two factors:

• The specialized prenatal care we provide throughout your pregnancy that is designed to ensure each mother and baby is low-risk prior to delivery.

• The attentive, one-on-one care that our midwives provide during labor which increases the likelihood of early-detection.

When complications do occur, they are handled by our expert team at the birth center using anti-hemorrhagic medications, resuscitation equipment and IV therapy.

Should a complex complication arise, we accompany you as your care is seamlessly transferred to the hospital that is less than a mile from our facility. Physicians will then guide the course of your care, but we remain present for as long as is necessary to ensure your needs are met. Thereafter, we are available for support on an as needed basis.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

Most vaccines are not able to be administered until a baby is 2 months old. Though we do not administer vaccinations, we do offer ophthalmic erythromycin, the eye ointment used in hospital settings immediately following birth, as well as vitamin k. The decision to use these medications for your baby is your choice. We have you fill out a selection form that alerts us to your preference prior to delivery.

We file all of the necessary paperwork for your baby’s birth certificate and social security number directly following delivery, unless you prefer otherwise. You will receive these from the state at your mailing address 30 to 60 days after your delivery. Documentation of your delivery can be provided earlier than 30 days, if needed.

Yes. We provide well-woman care from adolescence to menopause. Services include GYN care, annual exams, STI/STD testing, bloodwork, preconception counseling, natural family planning, and both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical contraception.

We accept most commercial insurances, sharing plans as well as Medicaid. When you come in for a tour or your first visit we will collect your information and conduct an insurance review to determine your benefits.

If you transfer care prior to commencing labor, a refund will be issued according to the services rendered. Refunds are not provided for transfers that occur during labor, en-route deliveries or accidental home deliveries resulting from fast, unexpected labor.

In the US, there are three types of midwives, each with different training processes:

● Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) complete a master’s degree in nursing and midwifery and are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board. Their education may or may not include specialized out-of-hospital birth training.

● Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) receive their certification from the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) after completing specialized education and training in out-of-hospital birth under the supervision of an experienced, NARM-approved preceptor.

● Licensed Midwives receive their license from one of the 33 US states that offer licensure. Similar to CPMs, they complete specialized out-of-hospital birth education and training, however, curriculums vary and preceptors may or may not be NARM certified. In South Carolina, the licensure process requires the following of candidates:

* achieve CPM status with NARM

* pass a robust examination of out-of-hospital delivery skill

* maintain ongoing continuing education and CPR qualifications

All primary midwives at Blessed Births are both state-licensed and CPMs. In addition to her other qualifications, the practice owner is also a CNM.

Blessed Births does not condone the practice of unlicensed or uncertified midwifery.