FAQs

Questions about midwifery, doulas, home birth, and water birth.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

Midwives are healthcare providers who offer services similar to your local OB/GYN, including assisting with the delivery of your baby. Doulas are non-medical support persons who focus on the needs of the birthing person – offering mental, physical, and emotional support. Think of the doula as more of a childbirth coach. She doesn’t replace your healthcare practitioner, but rather can add extra services, such as helping you with techniques to manage pain and better cope with labor.

Is home birth safe?

According to a landmark study in the Journal of Midwifery & Women’s Health (JMWH), which examined 17,000 courses of midwife-led care, planned home births among low-risk women resulted in low rates of interventions without an increase in adverse outcomes for mothers and babies. (Source: Cheyney M, Bovbjerg M, Everson C, Gordon W, Hannibal D, & Vedam S. Outcomes of care for 16,984 planned home births in the United States: The Midwives Alliance of North America Statistics Project, 2004-2009.)

What if there is an emergency?

In the case of a true emergency, the birthing person and/or baby will be transported via ambulance to the nearest hospital. When possible, the midwife will accompany the client and remain as a support person until a mutually agreed upon plan of care has been developed. Please be aware that our midwives do not have hospital privileges and that your care will be transferred to the physicians on call at the hospital. There will be a proper handoff of medical history and records at the time of transfer. If the transfer is not an emergency, personal vehicles may be used. Most homebirth transfers are non-emergent.

Can I have a birth photographer at my birth?

Yes. We have a list of recommended photographers that we work with regularly or you can find one on your own. We do ask that you tag Sankofa Birth & Women’s Care on any social media posts, contests, or publications.

Why should I consider a water birth?

Hydrotherapy, or water birth, involves either using warm water as a comfort measure or delivering your baby in a tub of warm water. Warm water is soothing, comforting, and relaxing. The water lessens the mother’s body weight, allowing free movement and positioning. Most moms report less painful contractions when in the water. Water also causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, reducing the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for stitches. For the baby, water birth can be a more gentle transition earthside as it moves from one pool of warm water into another.

Who cleans up after the birth?

The #sankofabirthsquad does all the cleaning.  When we leave, your birth space will be as clean if not cleaner than before we arrived. The only reason you’ll know that we were there is that new baby in your arms.

Can I have friends and family at the birth?

You are welcome to invite whoever you would like to the birth; however, in our experience, too many people interrupt the energy of the birth environment. “A watched pot never boils” applies to birth, too. Humans are not made to birth with an audience. We are primal beings. As such, it is instinctive and natural to seek out quiet, secluded spots in which to give birth. We encourage you to keep your birth space intimate, inviting only those individuals who are supportive, believe in your ability to birth naturally, and that you feel that you just can’t birth without. Typical attendees include the partner, doula, grandmother, children, and photographer.

What about the birth certificate and the social security card?

A birth packet, including the birth certificate worksheet, will be given to you at the 36 week home visit. The form will also allow you to indicate that you want a social security card for your baby.

What should I do to prepare for my home birth?

We highly recommend completing childbirth education classes as well as hiring a doula. Talk with others who have had positive home birth experiences. Hire a doula if this is your first birth, first unmedicated birth, or first out-of-hospital birth.

Who comes to the birth?

The birth team usually includes the midwife and one or two students or midwife assistants. We strongly encourage clients to hire a doula, who will also be an integral part of the birthing team.

Do I still need to see my doctor?

The short answer is no. Typically, the midwife can provide all of your pregnancy-related care; however, there may be special circumstances which would require consultation or follow-up with a physician. Many people believe they need to see a physician for the first visit or confirmation of pregnancy, but this a service that we also provide.

What happens if someone else is in labor?

We evaluate each birth on a case-by-case basis and disperse staff in a way that will best serve everyone’s needs. We also collaborate with other midwives in the area to make sure all clients have a safe and satisfying birth experience.

How many births do you attend in a month?

On average, the #sankofabirthsquad attends four births a month.

Do you have any recommendations for doulas?

We can provide you with a list of local doulas. There are a few that we work with often, but the choice always lies with the family of who they choose to hire. When seeking a doula, take into account experience level (in out-of-hospital settings), costs, location, dependability, and personality fit.

Questions about Sankofa Birth & Women’s Care Policies

How much does it cost?

$7,200 covers all of your prenatal visits, the birth, and postpartum care for you and your baby. Click here for more info on fees.

Is there a discount for entering later in pregnancy?

Pregnancy-related care is heavy on the back end, meaning that most of your care takes place after 30 weeks and into the postpartum period. For this reason, there is no discount for late entry into our practice. Please keep in mind that midwifery care is relationship-based. We want to get to know you as much as possible. Establishing care with us early in the pregnancy, when possible, facilitates this process.

Do you accept insurance?

Clients with insurance will be given a superbill after the 6 weeks postpartum visit to submit to their insurance for possible reimbursement. We are happy to provide contact information for a reputable biller who will submit on their behalf. Additional fees may apply for this service. Please contact your insurance provider for more information on what is covered under your plan. We do not assist in applying for GAP insurance.

Do you accept plus-size clients?

Not only do we accept, but we welcome plus-sized clients. We realize that size and/or weight are not good indicators of health or one’s ability to birth naturally at home.  Every client is an individual and will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Do you have payment plans?

Yes! Our families pay $300 at each prenatal visit with the final amount due at the 36 week home visit. We realize that everyone’s financial situation is different. If you need alternate payment arrangements, just ask. Bartering is also a possibility.