Birth Kits

[maryjane]

Did your m/w have you order a birthkit from a site that has customized kits? I'm 30+ weeks and my m/w just sent me the info for ordering my birth kit -- hers costs $47, which isn't terrible, but it includes some things that I really am kind of annoyed about having to buy. Namely, she includes the book "How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor". There are a few other incidentals on there (like a newborn hat, which I have from my other kids), but those probably don't cost that much. I just feel like with that book, money is SO tight for us right now that I'd really rather not pay for it. I'm sure it's a great book, but if I'm going to spend $10+ on a book (I don't know how much it costs b/c there is no itemization on the site), it wouldn't be that book.

Do you think I can say something to her along the lines of "every dollar counts right now" and see if we can order the kit w/o the book? Or should I just suck it up?

Oh, and on top of the birthkit, I still need to buy the pool and a bunch of other supplies... so it's not like I'm done with the $47.

[CanBoo]

My midwife gives a list.
I can either order the custom kits (she's got two levels - Basic and premium) or put the stuff myself together from the list.

And I asked them to switch the newborn hats for other stuff of the same value. They did not have a problem with it.

[pjs]

I'd get the stuff without the book- most of these birth kit providers are wahms and they're more than happy to accomodate any changes. And since you're changing it, you might as well leave out the newborn hat too. The one thing I don't want this time is the "hospital" grade pads- they sucked. I'd much rather have pads that are at least contoured and absorbent (though for the first few days pp I love to use depends, especially at night, to prevent any leaks/extra laundry that has to be done)

[hikingmommy]

My MW gave a list and had a kit. The kit had stuff we didn't want/need (like the newborn hat), so I bought individual items from the list.

[maryjane]

Thanks everybody. I will contact that mama that runs the site (a former midwife) and see about pulling stuff out of the list. Should I run it by my m/w first, though?

Also, on the list is a 60 gm tube of ultrasound gel. Is it standard for this to be something that we provide, rather than the m/w? It's not a big deal, I was just surprised since I'm sure she isn't bringing an u/s machine. Maybe it's for monitoring?

[Overthemoon]

Originally Posted by maryjane

Did your m/w have you order a birthkit from a site that has customized kits? I'm 30+ weeks and my m/w just sent me the info for ordering my birth kit -- hers costs $47, which isn't terrible, but it includes some things that I really am kind of annoyed about having to buy. Namely, she includes the book "How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor". There are a few other incidentals on there (like a newborn hat, which I have from my other kids), but those probably don't cost that much. I just feel like with that book, money is SO tight for us right now that I'd really rather not pay for it. I'm sure it's a great book, but if I'm going to spend $10+ on a book (I don't know how much it costs b/c there is no itemization on the site), it wouldn't be that book.

Do you think I can say something to her along the lines of "every dollar counts right now" and see if we can order the kit w/o the book? Or should I just suck it up?

Oh, and on top of the birthkit, I still need to buy the pool and a bunch of other supplies... so it's not like I'm done with the $47.

My midwife supplies the birthkit (I don't have to pay extra for it, it's part of her package - she charges $2000). She does give a list of a few things she wants me to have on hand: extra chucks pads, old wash cloths and towels, menstrual pads, peroxide and alcohol and cotton balls.

[Full Heart]

I think its kinda silly that she has a book on there. What if the momma already has the book? I do. I wouldn't want to pay for it again. Not to mention the baby hats. I have about 12 as it is. I really don't need another one. Can you just take the list and go to in his hands and get it piece by piece what you need? The us gel is for the doppler I am guessing. I really can't see what grief your mw would give you over not wanting to get everything on the list. Not like its needed for the birth ya know.

[AVeryGoodYear]

My midwife organization provided a birthing kit for free (and then took it back after the birth). I documented everything that was in it here: http://verygoodyear.wordpress.com/20...ome-birth-kit/

I'd have been very angry if I were charged for the kit!

[mamabear023]

my midwife brought over my birth kit yesterday. It is included in the cost of services (as well as a birth tub), then she had a few things on a list for me to provide, some necessary some suggested (towels, maxi pads, oxyclean, birth ball...ect type of stuff.

The birth kit did include a hat and baby t-shirt, which while they are cute I agree they are unnecessary (especially when this isn't a first baby!) Most of the stuff included water proof pads, gloves, ultrasound gel (for the doppler) and sterille gel for internal checks.

I think your best bet is to be open and honest with her. Ask if you can have it a bit customized for a lesser cost because of your circumstances.

[maryjane]

Thanks again everyone. I hate to be nitpicky and I don't want to seem uncooperative, but $15 is $15. We are paying completely OOP for the birth and busting our butts to save it up by the 35th week (b/c she gives a $500 discount if paid in full at that point). I'm good with that, but I do feel a bit "put out" by other expenses that aren't 100% necessary. If it was a medical, health or safety issue, fine! But this stuff seems like fluff. I feel better that you all agree... at least I know I'm not being overly cheap.

[lachingona1]

I know what you mean. My midwife charges like $25 or $30 for the kit and also charges $30 for the birth pool liner. We are paying oop with only DH working and only 32 hours a week. So it is very hard for us also. I haven't looked at the kit online yet but I hope it is all necessary.

[layla983]

I don't think you're being nit picky at all. We had to order a birth kit, ended up being the same price as your after the shipping charges, but she had optional things to go along with it. Books & such that she suggest, but are by no means required. She told me about it in advance, she said she doesn't like making people buy books, videos, or things like that because she can't be sure what people have or would even want & she understands the cost involved. I just bought the kit. About the only thing in it not medical supply wise was a newborn hat, which she says she just puts in there because when she didn't, she ran into several parents who'd forgot a hat or only had too large of hats, so it was good to throw in there, plus it was only like $1.25 I believe. As far as a book, I know some people may think it's just $15, but that's half my water bill, you know? I worry about money since we only have 1 income anyway, we wouldn't even be able to afford a homebirth if we had to pre-pay the fee, lucky she waits until insurance pays & what they don't pay we're responsible for afterwards. I hope your MW is willing to work with you on this, I think it's a totally reasonable request.

[MidwifeErika]

I think it is completely reasonable to not order the book as part of the kit. If it is a book that your midwife really feels you need to read, there are always libraries or people to borrow it from.

[Full Heart]

Originally Posted by layla983

About the only thing in it not medical supply wise was a newborn hat, which she says she just puts in there because when she didn't, she ran into several parents who'd forgot a hat or only had too large of hats, so it was good to throw in there, plus it was only like $1.25 I believe.

I'm surprised she doesn't know the sock trick. With my first birth the hat got wet and I didn't have another (why only 1 hat in the kit anyway? my mw says to have several). So my mw at the time told dh to get a long sock and cut it down. Fit perfectly, and what a cute thing to add to the baby box lol. Which is also something for those on a tight budget to consider. Thrift store socks are cheap .