momentary ramble

[Snapdragon]

Sorry- wrote a post then felt silly about my passing thought
Basically, as my first birth gets closer,I find myself thinking about midwives (at 3600 dollars) versus UC.
No one IRL that I know has done UC and since it is my first I guess I want the support.
but just wondering to myself if I really could do an UC for my first birth- or for any subsequent births, and if it would be more or less comfortable than a mw attended births.
My mw's are fine but I am not super in love with them. so it just gets me thinking.
but then, I am glad for the support though I get frustrated with the amount it costs.
that is my thought ramble.

[PotreroHill]

Hi Mama,

I'm in the same boat. This is my first baby and I don't want to shell out $4,500 for a midwife. That's not my only reason for UC though. First and foremost, for me birth is a private thing. I just want the birth to be me, my baby, and dp. Also, I was sexually abused as a child and I don't feel comfortable with having an exam and someone looking at my genitals during labor and birth. Another reason for UC is that I have so many specific desires about how I want my birth to go, that I don't think it would be possible in the hospital with a midwife.

[HisBeautifulWife]

This is my first child. But my decisions have nothing to do with finances.

[Snapdragon]

I am actually not going to do a UC- going to use the midwives. I think it is fine. It is just that sometimes I wonder if Ireally don't need them. But then being a first I guess I feel better having them there. But the amount to pay just seems like a lot.

[Chloe 777]

You can interview a few midwives, until you find one that respects your wishes, and will attend your birth pretty much as an observer, only there in case you need her. Just so you feel more secure, but you can still have your baby pretty much unassisted.
That's what I'm thinking of doing. I still haven't made up my mind.

[MsBlack]

Katie34--

Yes, $3600 does seem like a lot. And yet it doesn't sound like you actually *want* a UC....more like you'd rather not have to pay so much for help that you do feel you'll want or need during your birth....?

Well, in my experience some mamas do approach UC at first because of financial issues--and those who go on to UC successfully (in their own terms anyway, which could include needed transfer to hospital) are those who ended up falling in love with the idea and reality of UC itself. That is, the money stopped being a consideration because they ended up preparing themselves for UC and were able to own the choice and responsibility completely and wholeheartedly.

I guess I'm not sure where you stand, from what you wrote. It sounds more like you are thinking about saving money (which is understandable for sure!), but not exactly thinking pro-actively about UC....kwim?

[Snapdragon]

I think I am happy with the midwives. I think I was just having a momentary vent about eh money stuff. Just kind of venting when I was annoyed with it- but I am okay with it in general. SOrry to be unclear

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I think that considering for one price you get full prenatal care with hour long appointments (or so), get a near-guarantee of the birth attendant you want, and follow-up postpartum care, hiring a homebirth midwife is a steal. You may be able to get insurance to pay for part of it. Just keep calling til you talk to someone who'll approve it. I loved my UC, and I don't think finances are a bad reason to have a UC if you're otherwise comfortable with the idea. But I also think homebirth midwives typically do a lot of work for the money they get.

[MsBlack]

Originally Posted by SublimeBirthGirl

I think that considering for one price you get full prenatal care with hour long appointments (or so), get a near-guarantee of the birth attendant you want, and follow-up postpartum care, hiring a homebirth midwife is a steal. You may be able to get insurance to pay for part of it. Just keep calling til you talk to someone who'll approve it. I loved my UC, and I don't think finances are a bad reason to have a UC if you're otherwise comfortable with the idea. But I also think homebirth midwives typically do a lot of work for the money they get.

This midwife really really really appreciates your saying this!

[WindyCityMom]

Originally Posted by MsBlack

Katie34--


Well, in my experience some mamas do approach UC at first because of financial issues--and those who go on to UC successfully (in their own terms anyway, which could include needed transfer to hospital) are those who ended up falling in love with the idea and reality of UC itself. That is, the money stopped being a consideration because they ended up preparing themselves for UC and were able to own the choice and responsibility completely and wholeheartedly.

This is totally me, and I couldn't agree more. I had at first looked into it a bit because my husband wouldn't let me shell out 3k for a homebirth. My midwives are fine as well but I absolutely cannot stand the thought of birthing in a hospital again- it horrifies me. I looked into UC a bit and fell in love with it, realized I can do this, etc. Granted, it is not my first birth but may as well be. First was pitocin induced with an epi- so this is an entirely new experience.

Best of wishes to you though