Frequently asked questions
❤ What is a Certified Professional Midwife?
A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a knowledgeable, skilled and professional independent midwifery practitioner who has met the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) and is qualified to provide the Midwives Model of Care.
❤ What is the Midwifery Model of Care?
The Midwives Model of Care™ is a fundamentally different approach to pregnancy and childbirth than contemporary obstetrics. Midwifery care is uniquely nurturing, hands-on care before, during, and after birth. Midwives are health care professionals specializing in pregnancy and childbirth who develop a trusting relationship with their clients, which results in confident, supported labor and birth. While there are different types of midwives practicing in various settings, all midwives are trained to provide comprehensive prenatal care and education, guide labor and birth, address complications, and care for newborns. The Midwives Model of Care™ is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life events.
The Midwives Model of Care includes:
- monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother/birthing parent throughout the childbearing cycle
- providing the mother/birthing parent with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support
- minimizing technological interventions and
- identifying and referring women/birthing people who require obstetrical attention.
The application of this model has been proven to reduce to incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section.
(Midwives Model of Care definition is Copyrighted © by the Midwifery Task Force, all rights reserved)
❤ Did you go to school for this?
Yes, of course, and it was not easy! Midwifery education and training is typically a 3-5 year process that includes both didactic instruction, clinical care and rotation, intensive workshops, and CEUs. In order to keep our license and CPM current, we must keep up-to-date with Continuing Education Credits, be current with Neonatal Resuscitation and CPR, and remain in good-standing with the state of Texas.
❤ Are you also licensed for Midwifery?
Yes, we are currently licensed midwives with the state of Texas.
❤ Do you take insurance?
No, we do not take insurance and are considered out-of-network Providers. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not value the type of care that we give, nor do they understand the comprehensive nature of midwifery care. Hopefully, that will change some day!
We do, however, accept HSA, FSA, and Health Share options, such as Samaritan and Medi-Share.
We do offer payment plans throughout the pregnancy and can provide you with a receipt once all services have been rendered.
❤ When do I start care with you?
Typically, we have our first appointment together around 7-10 weeks. It can also vary on your situation and availability.
❤ How long are our appointments together and who can attend them?
Our appointments are generally an hour in length. That allows the midwife and her client time to discuss and review any changes, issues, or concerns. It also allows for plenty of time to get to know one another!
❤ Who can attend our prenatal appointments?
We encourage partners and children to attend as much as you feel comfortable. We enjoy getting to know your families and we are passionate about involving the children in the process as much as you like!
❤ How many appointments do I typically have with you?
We provide routine prenatal care that usually involves 8-10 visits, labor and delivery support, and 3 routine postpartum care visits.
❤ Who can attend my birth?
We do not have a set policy on how many people can attend your birth. It is your BIRTHday party!
However, multiple studies have shown that the more people you have in the room with you, the longer your labor will take. Nobody wants that!
You want your birth space to be calm, peaceful, and supportive. Anyone that doesn’t provide that environment for you should probably be left off your list.
We always tell people, “less is more” in this situation.
❤ Do you offer ultrasounds?
Yes, we have a few providers that perform ultrasounds on our clients throughout pregnancy.
❤ Do you do standard prenatal bloodwork or offer genetic testing?
Yes, we draw all of our client’s blood work at our office during your prenatal appointments. We also offer genetic testing via bloodwork, if you choose.
❤ Can I have a doula and/or a birth photographer at my birth?
Yes and yes!
We have worked with several phenomenal doulas and birth photographers and have a recommendation list ready for you!