FAQs
What makes Midwifery Care different?
Northern Lights Midwifery focuses on informed choice and relationship-based care. Our one-hour visits allow for time and space to discuss your individual physical and emotional needs and concerns. We will share evidence-based information to ensure that you can confidently make informed choices. The risks and benefits of your care options will be discussed at length, after which we will develop an individualized care plan based on your decisions. As one of our clients, you also have 24-hour emergency access to your midwife.
What makes Midwifery Care the same?
Similar to obstetrics, Northern Lights Midwifery offers the community standard of care in lab work, diagnostics, and referrals. Everything from early non-invasive genetic testing, to ultrasound, and checking in on your thyroid levels postpartum is offered. As always, midwifery is based on informed choice, meaning the client will decide procedures and care they do or do not want to receive
Is any labwork required?
Yes. For your safety and ours we do require the minimum of a complete blood count (cbc), and blood born pathogen status to be in our care
All lab work is typically drawn during your home and clinic visits. There is no need to schedule another appointment at a laboratory site. Lab processing fees are typically billed directly to your insurance with in-network coverage
All standard of care prenatal, and postnatal testing is always offered and may include
Non invasive prenatal testing
Iron level
Vitamin D
Blood type/ Rh factor
Standard pregnancy labs
Gestational Diabetes
Group B Streptococcus
And specific testing for any additional issues that may arise in pregnancy
Are ultrasounds required
Ultrasounds are not required under Normal circumstances. But are often able to give valuable information, and can provide peace of mind.
Ultrasounds are typically performed at Radiology Centers or Hospitals in your area. We will provide you with a referral for easy scheduling. Ultrasound fees are typically billed directly to your insurance with in-network coverage
What areas do you serve for home birth
We generally serve within a 1-hour radius of Loudon NH. There is a small amount of flexibility to this, so feel free to reach out if you are unsure of your home being in range.
Can I have a Waterbirth
Yes! Waterbirth and laboring in water is available to clients who desire to do so. The birth pool available, is a heated Aqua Doula, all tub rentals some with a disposable liner. Water birth is a safe and effective form of natural pain relief. Studies attest to water birth as an aid in reducing perineal injury during delivery. Before learning about water birth, parents often worry about their baby’s ability to breathe while under water. However, when babies are first born they are still attached to the umbilical and continue to receive all needed oxygen, and they don’t have a reflex to take their first deep breathe until exposed to air. For more information on the current research and the pros and cons of water birth. https://mana.org/blog/new-studies-confirm-safety-of-home-birth-with-midwives-in-the-us
What equipment do you carry?
We carry everything needed for a normal physiologic birth and the rare emergency birth including: fetal doppler, blood pressure monitor, stethoscope, thermometer, baby scale, baby measuring blanket, lab drawing supplies, birth and suture instruments, anti-hemorrhagic medications (pitocin, misoprostol), IV fluids and supplies, IV antibiotics, vitamin K, erythromycin ointment, oxygen tank, newborn resuscitation supplies, sterile and non-sterile gloves, gauze, lube, suturing supplies, herbs and homeopathic medicines.
What if there is an Emergency in Labor?
Emergencies in labor are rare. Midwifery care is based on regular monitoring of low risk pregnancy to maintain that the pregnancy remains in the low risk category. In the rare event an emergency arises, Licensed Midwives in New Hampshire are trained to manage those emergencies. We continually train for and renew neonatal resuscitation and basic life support certification. We carry a series of anti-hemorrhagic mediations (the same line carried at the hospital), IV fluids, and oxygen in the event of above normal postpartum bleeding or shock. And we follow our scope of practice outlined in www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/mid.html.( Scroll down until you see “MID 500” and click on that link).
.It is our job to safeguard you and your baby throughout pregnancy, labor and postpartum. We take that job very seriously and would love to discuss any concerns you may have during a consult, or your appointments
What if something goes wrong and we need to transfer to the Hospital?
Transfers in labor are about 1 in 10 births. Those transfers occur more often during first time labors because they tend to be longer and the client reaches clinical exhaustion. These transfers are considered non-urgent. Your midwife will accompany you to the hospital in the event of a transfer regardless of whether it is urgent or non-urgent. All records will be faxed in advance to the hospital to your new provider and your midwife will remain as both your medical liaison and labor support. In the rare event of a transfer of care in labor, postpartum care is commonly resumed with Northern Lights midwifery upon discharge from the hospital.
What is the Assistant Fee? And Who are your assistants
Bryn feels that Birth is safest when 2 skilled providers are present. Anyone who assists her at a birth will be certified in both Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR. They will also be familiar with emergency procedures, such as placing an IV or administering an intramuscular injection.
She most often works with her student midwife, Nora,
Kate Hartwell - Concord Birth Center, or Sherry Stevens - New Life Midwifery Service
We make every effort to ensure that you will meet the assistant Midwife on call for you before your birth.
There is no addition cost to our clients, as this fee is covered in the complete midwifery package
What is Newborn screening?
This heel-prick test is offered according to state law to assess whether your baby might have any of 37 rare disorders that can be successfully treated or cured if discovered early in life. For more information on newborn screening, https://www.dhhs.nh.gov/programs-services/population-health/maternal-child-health/newborn-screening-program
Do you take Insurance?
No. We are a cash pay practice, the cost of the complete midwifery care package covers all appointments, the birth, and the assistant fee.
Any labs, ultrasounds, OB consults (if necessary) or hospital transfer (if necessary) should be billed to your insurance. They will either be covered outright, or subject to your deductible, depending on your individual plan.