FAQ

A midwife is "an advanced practice clinician that specializes in providing primary, sexual, and reproductive care to people from all communities; from the teenage years through menopause and beyond".  Midwives hold either a master's or doctoral degree. 

(American College of Nurse-Midwives)

"Midwifery as practiced by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) encompasses the independent provision of care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period; sexual and reproductive health; gynecologic health; and family planning services, including preconception care. Midwives also provide primary care for individuals from adolescence throughout the lifespan as well as care for the healthy newborn during the first 28 days of life. Midwives provide care for all individuals who seek midwifery care, inclusive of all gender identities and sexual orientations. Midwives provide initial and ongoing comprehensive assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They conduct physical examinations; independently prescribe medications including but not limited to controlled substances, treatment of substance use disorder, and expedited partner therapy; admit, manage, and discharge patients; order and interpret laboratory and diagnostic tests; and order medical devices, durable medical equipment, and home health services. Midwifery care includes health promotion, disease prevention, risk assessment and management, and individualized wellness education and counseling. These services are provided in partnership with individuals and families in diverse settings such as ambulatory care clinics, private offices, telehealth and other methods of remote care delivery, community and public health systems, homes, hospitals, and birth centers."

 (American College of Nurse-Midwives, 2021)

We will refer you to the appropriate physician if you need surgery or experience a complex problem that is outside the scope of midwifery care. 

We are currently in the process of applying for admitting privileges at a local hospital. 

Birthing at home is appropriate for individuals with low risk pregnancies. We will carefully review your medical history and pregnancy history to determine if any risk factors are present. We will establish a plan for transfer to a higher level of care should that become necessary during your pregnancy or birth. Additionally, we carry emergency medications, IV fluids, oxygen, and other emergency supplies to every birth. Our midwives and birth assistants are all trained in basic life support and neonatal resuscitation. 

Our midwives carry sutures to every birth and are experienced in repairing most tears. In the extremely rare event that you have a 3rd or 4th degree laceration, transfer to the hospital would be necessary so that a surgeon could do the repair. 

Yes. We can assist you in obtaining a birth pool, if desired. 

1st and 2nd trimesters: every 4 weeks

3rd trimester: every 2 weeks, and then weekly beginning at 36 weeks.

The 36 week visit takes place in your home so that we can plan for the upcoming birth.

Your birth will be attended by a midwife and a birth assistant. You are also welcome to bring in your own doula.

We stay with you for 3-4 hours following the birth, longer if necessary. We will continue to assess your needs, as well as your infant's needs. During this time we will also get you settled with something to eat and do any necessary clean up from the birth. 

During the first 2 weeks postpartum, we typically see you in your home 2-3 times (more if necessary) to assess your needs, and your infant's needs. We will pay close attention to any concerns you have, assess your risk for postpartum depression, and provide information on infant feeding. We will do any necessary newborn screenings and check your infant's weight. 

At 4-6 weeks postpartum, we invite you for a visit in the office. During this visit, a full exam is offered and we review any infant feeding concerns, we assess for postpartum depression, and can discuss birth control, if desired. 

Yes, our staff can help you with this during your postpartum visits. If there are any significant feeding problems, we will refer you to a lactation consultant. 

Yes, we can order any necessary labs. Labs draws occur off site. Payment is separate from your visit with us, and often covered by your insurance. 

Yes, we can order any necessary ultrasounds. The ultrasound itself is done off site. Payment is separate from your visit with us, and often covered by your insurance. 

Yes, we can order your mammogram. Mammograms are done off site. Payment is separate from your visit with us, and often covered by your insurance. 

Vibrant Wellness Midwifery is not in network with any insurance providers. We aim to keep costs reasonable, but understand that there may be circumstances that make payment difficult. If you have concerns regarding the affordability of services or are experiencing a hardship, please call to discuss payment options. We are happy to work with you on this. 

If you are planning a home birth, we will work with you to help determine your out of network insurance coverage. The client is ultimately responsible for payment in full. 

If you are seeing us for gynecology care, payment is due at the time of service. We can provide you with a bill that you can submit to your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.