December 2015 Moms

Anyone using a midwife or doula?

edited April 2015 in December 2015 Moms
I'm 6 weeks. I am new to the state and just recieved new health coverage. I'm already having trouble with figuring out the steps I need to take to get services covered. I have Humana HMO. To be fair, I haven't done a ton of research on the process, but if anyone has any tips on where to start that would be great. Basically, I'd like to have a midwife and doula and plan to give birth in a birthing center. I'd prefer free standing, but hospital birthing center is ok as well. I just want to have as little intervention as possible as long as I'm a good candidate. Please no judgmental comments, I don't have unrealistic expectations with birth plans, I simply want to have the chance at a natural birth. Thanks!

Re: Anyone using a midwife or doula?

  • I knew as soon as I saw the + sign on the pregnancy test that i wanted a doula. I want a waterbirth with a doula and midwives, and id prefer to do it at the comfort of my home. Hospitals often freak me out so i want to make it as comfy as possible. Im also opting for Hypnobabies.
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  • Our closest hospital has a women's center attached to it so I plan to give birth there. I have an appointment with a midwife but there are nine in the group and I could potentially see all nine and not know who will deliver until that day. Is this normal for midwifery practices? I would almost rather go with an OB if there is a better chance of not being moved around so much.

    In terms of your insurance, I would suggest calling them or looking online to see what exactly is or is not covered. I've noticed too that my doctors often know this info if the insurance is one they see a lot. It would suck to go through the whole process only to find out your insurance doesn't cover certain parts of the birth or care.
  • Until I know I am "out of the woods" and have a normal pregnancy (previous early losses) I would like to make the switch to a midwife! The OB's I've seen have upgraded to a brand new hospital with a women's center. Unfortunately they haven't had the approval to do a full water birth, but there are tubs there for laboring!

    If I am a tricky pregnancy, I'd like to work with my OB and a doula as I'd like as little intervention as possible and am on the fence about some of the procedures done to baby right after delivery. Leaning very much toward kangaroo care. I don't want the baby taken away from me!
  • I will be using a midwife.  I did before and it was the best thing ever.  They are so caring and encouraging for whatever you want.  I was in a hospital who has a team of midwives.  I only met with mine throughout the pregnancy but they were all amazing.  My insurance picked it up just as if I were with a doctor.  Just check with you insurance, they will tell you who and what is covered.  I know with my insurance, I can go to different centers but some may cost more then others out of my own pocket.
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  • Loved my previous midwife/water birth experience! We don't have birth centers here, so it was in a hospital which was fine. My insurance has changed so I hear you on researching all that. Be an advocate for yourself. A crying pregnant woman is hard to resist :)
  • neferhathorneferhathor member
    edited April 2015
    I used midwives with my second birth and LOVED it! I used Hypnobabies for pain management and they were so helpful. The midwife who delivered my daughter will forever be "the laboring b**** whisperer" in my head. She calmed and focused me like nothing else could.
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  • I had a midwife also.  I knew I wanted to deliver at a local birthing center, which is attached to a hospital, so I called them and they recommended my midwife.  She was terrific.  I had no trouble with my health insurance, but you can ask the practice or your health insurance about what they cover.  I believe the midwife and the birth center are actually cheaper than the hospital, so it wasn't a problem at all.
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  • I used a midwife with my 3rd baby and am using one again this time. LOVED the experience. I will deliver in the birthing center at the local hospital, but am excited that they really honor what each individual mom wants.
  • I'm having a doula, interviewing a few next week, exciting!
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