looking for Houston hb mw recommendation

[asherraifsmom]

I've found lists of CPM's and LM's in Houston, but it's such a long list and they dont all have websites listed. I'm asking for a friend who is pregnant, wants to VBAC, had a horrible hospital experience last time (bleeding wouldnt stop during cesarean, dont know yet the reason for the c/s) definitely wants a homebirth, but I know not all midwives are created equal, and I'm wanting to suggest one who's got a low intervention rate, takes breeches, VBAC's, etc...

Also hopefully one that will work out some sort of pmt arrangement with them. They're on a very tight, fixed budget. (with no insurance/getting on medicaid so that wont help most likely). They live close to downtown, if that matters at all (meaning, they're in Houston proper and not a far off suburb)

tia!

[asherraifsmom]

ps- if there are any good, freestanding birthing centers in Houston area that take medicaid, VBAC, or breech, i'll take suggestions for those too just in case money becomes a major issue with a homebirth.

[geekgolightly]

http://www.houstonmidwife.com/index/

jackie griggs was my midwife. although i didn't get a homebirth, as i went pre-eclamptic, she was very good about setting up a payment plan and working with me.

[shannon84]

The atmosphere is much too political so birth centers do not allow VBAC's (I work for a midwife at a birth center and delivered with another at another birth center and it is the same reaction about it all). Chris Duffy has an excellent VBAC rate for homebirths, but she is on the high end cost wise for CPMs. I had a client use her recently and the rate was $3900, $3300 if you paid early. Jackie Griggs is also expensive, running at $4800 for a homebirth.

[geekgolightly]

in five years she went from 2800 to 4800?? WHOA

[Beccadoula]

Nanci Stanley is great, I've worked with her before and I think she takes VBACs.

http://www.houstonmidwife.net/index.htm

-Rebecca

[shannon84]

I was starting to look at homebirth midwives the past couple of months and seeing what they cost if I decided to have a homebirth next time instead of a birth center birth. Jackie Griggs told me she charges $4800. That is pretty high. A birth center is not that much more.

[alegna]

I use Chris Duffy and have been very happy with her. When I have compared prices, she usually falls on the mid to low side. MUCH lower than some others I would consider.

I've had two homebirths with her that IMO went off without a hitch. I am quite certain that both would have been disastrous in the hospital.

-Angela

[HeatherB]

I have VBACed twice with Sandra McDonald, and could not have had a better midwife. Very respectful of your desires, skilled in breech and multiples, and has been doing VBAC forever. She is listed out in Rosenberg, but does all home visits, so she would come to your friend for all appointments. I know several others do this, as well. It was so much easier!

Sandra is listed on the houstonmidwives.org site.

[ShwarmaQueen]

I'm VBACing with Chris Duffy. Her transfer rates are extremely low and her successful VBAC rate is excellent. Her fee is very reasonable. IMO, you can't put a price tag on avoiding a repeat c/s.

[leewd]

Originally Posted by HeatherB

I have VBACed twice with Sandra McDonald, and could not have had a better midwife. Very respectful of your desires, skilled in breech and multiples, and has been doing VBAC forever. She is listed out in Rosenberg, but does all home visits, so she would come to your friend for all appointments. I know several others do this, as well. It was so much easier!

Sandra is listed on the houstonmidwives.org site.

I LOVE : my midwife!!! Sandra attended both of my HB's, and my sister just had a baby with her last Saturday! It was perfect!!!!

[HeatherB]

: One of my dear friends birthed with Sandra Monday night! I remember her telling me someone else was also laboring a few days before, and so we were all glad when the two births did not conflict!

[Mama_of_1]

+1 on Sandra! We haven't birthed yet but so far we are super duper pleased! Her rate is higher but you can't really put a price on a great birth experience.

I called Sandra with a question Tuesday morning and she answered half asleep from coming back from your friend's birth, Heather. She's such a sweetie and insisted we continue the conversation so she could answer my questions.

[yungsahm]

Any obs or midwives in houston that would take on a VBA2C?

Hi, i am desperately in search of a provider willing to take on me as a vba2c. I've seemed to have hit a dead end mainly because i have medicaid. I found 2 that would but they do no accept medicaid. Please ladies if you can help i'd be forever grateful. Thanx

[shannon84]

You are not going to find any midwife that takes Medicaid that will take you on for a VBAC. You will have to pay out of pocket for a homebirth to get a midwife for a VBAC. Chris Duffy would probably take you after looking at your history. For OB-GYN, I would reccomend Dr. Hector del Castillo. I have heard excellent things about him with VBACs.

[library lady]

I have had 3 homebirths with Chris Duffy. She will do VBAC's and she is also really good about working with you on payments. She is great about low/no intervention. I highly recommend her for a host of reasons. I would recommend calling her and explaining the situation.

[Mama_of_1]

From what I can tell, most Houston-area midwives will work out a payment plan. The trick is being honest about the reasons for the c-sections and possibly having your hospital surgical reports ready for review.

[ShwarmaQueen]

Originally Posted by Mama_of_1

The trick is being honest about the reasons for the c-sections and possibly having your hospital surgical reports ready for review.

Off topic, but I think it's almost always in your best interest to be honest about the reason for your c/s. JMO.

[dachshund mom]

I second Jackie Griggs and her assistant Camilla May! I had the most wonderful experience with them. I had to transfer after the birth for a major tear repair (her first time to do that) and she stayed with me and kept me from needing to be admitted and getting put under. We had breastfeeding trouble and she was a huge help. I also like that they have lots of meetings and classes at the birth center.

She has a birth center in Pasadena and does homebirths also. It is $4800, but worth every dime. She files the insurance for you.

[wholisticmidwife]

I second the rec for Jackie and Sandra. I dont really know Chris but have heard good things. Sandra is so warm.