Consider this…A birth center birth is a home birth in someone else’s home. All the same safety measures are present but the woman/family has to move in and move home and of course, pay for the pleasure of doing so. Some centers are beautiful but never as beautiful as driving away from a home knowing mom & baby won’t have to get out into traffic and find safe passage home.

Do you feel overwhelmed? Are the decisions you need to make more complicated than you imagined? Do you wonder if some of the providers are being less than transparent? I think there is a need for a provider to talk with you that isn’t focused on securing your business. I am launching a consulting service to help moms sort out options and help less experienced midwives set critical priorities. After 20 years and thousands of births, I know a thing or two about the dilemmas you’re facing. Do you really understand the differences between different kinds of midwives? Do you know what to expect from your provider? Bring your list of questions, sit down for coffee/tea, and we will tackle them all in an informed and no pressure fashion. You can ask & say what you want without any fear of feeling bad or hurting my feelings. After all…this isn’t about me it is all about you!

Disclaimer-I am a midwife and I keep lousy hours so when I post this late my friend & editor doesn’t get a chance to save me from myself! Please forgive my imperfect form & style. 

As many of you know, I left the institutional setting early this year and decided to try being outside the system. I was scared but I felt I had some support and I could do it. I don’t like talking about money with parents. It feels strange & outside the relationship we are building. The thing I have learned over the last year is that if I don’t do it someone else will. I know now, that I would rather explain costs, policies, and insurance than to risk that what is said may be less than factual or at the very least confusing. If something sounds “too good” it probably is and if the explanation sounds “shady” then it could be. I have learned to be very clear and I use a billing service that operates the same way. I believe if you have gone to the trouble to secure insurance then you should see an immediate benefit. I think the earlier you pay the less your deposit should be. I don’t want money to ever be the reason a woman doesn’t get the kind of birth she and her family want! We will work with Larsen Billing and other resources to make sure you get-Your birth…your way!

www.larsenbilling.com

Sherry

http://www.dfwbirthphotographer.com/IsaacGraysonBell.html

Photo courtesy of Kristin Brandon Photography