how much did finances factor into your decision to uc? - Page 2

[delicate_sunshine]

Finances played a huge role in determining how to birth for me. When dh and I found out we were expecting we discussed a midwife and how we couldn't really afford it and he said "I don't see why we couldn't do it ourselves." So, we did. A hospital birth would have been paid for because of medicaid, but I did not want to birth in the local hospital again. I did however, see an ob for regular prenatal care.

[claddaghmom]

No, finances weren't a factor. We had very good insurance w/ DD, almost nothing out of pocket and $35 co-pays. If we had chosen a mw hb, we could have paid the sum.

This time around, finances still weren't a factor. But we messed up and didn't add maternity to our insurance, and now it's a pre-existing condition that won't be covered. So....WTF

[Kidzaplenty]

Honestly, my first, finances were a HUGE factor. And though I knew I wanted to homebirth, if I had had insurance or money to pay out of pocket, I don't think I would have hesitated getting a MW or even possibly being talked into going to the hospital.

So, finances made up about 95% of my decision to UC my first. After that, it was all about what was best for me and my baby.

[MamaRabbit]

We have medical insurance for over here which would have covered the birth by cesarean (only option for twins here). We could not afford to fly me back to the USA for months though. And there were no midwives willing to come my direction that I could afford.

[honey-lilac]

Sort of - if we had huge amounts of money I would have hired a mw to come and sit in the living room and be super hands off, if we even called her in the first place. That would have been like, I forget the actual number, but I think it was like $8000. (That's almost a year's income for us.) Since I didn't even really want her for anything more than a back-up, the plan didn't really take hold. Instead my "backup" was the Medicaid midwife/birthing center down the street. (Excellent backup, btw, despite being Medicaid. If I had to do it over again I'd have them again any day, but we've moved out of state.)

[Happiestever]

At first it was, but then it just grew on me and I knew I could do it myself. Why pay someone JIC when I can go to the hospital and have it covered?

[Jacksonmom]

It didn't play into our decision...but I think it's a catalyst for a lot of people. I say that's a good thing.

[zapzipzee]

I agree with AllieFaye - Even if hospital births were free and there was a fine for "not getting to the hospital in time" I would still UC AND UP.

We have insurance that pays 100% after we meet our $5000 deductible, which is what we wanted for emergencies, considering that is the only time we would seek medical care. Adding a copay to the policy just wasn't cost effective. So we're covered in the event of an emergency.

[lilmamabrown]

Finances were not a factor for us just a bonus. Going to the hospital would've been free through our insurance. We did pay a midwife for prenatals and I wasn't sure until in labor if I was going to call her for the birth or not so we were prepared to pay her $1500. The money was the last thing on our minds. I agree with above... I would UC again even if it was illegal and I had to pay a fine.

[shishkeberry]

Not going to lie, they are a pretty big factor for me. I could give birth in the hospital for free, but I'm terrified of hospitals. Every time I think about giving birth in one again I start to panic. So unless there is an emergency and I must go to the hospital, homebirth is the only option that doesn't terrify me. But unfortunately, my insurance doesn't cover a midwife and I can't afford one out of pocket. I'm lucky that I live practically within walking distance of a hospital and I have a very bright sister that is very supportive of home birth and is willing to read up on what to do in an emergency situation. I'm nervous because this will be my first natural labor/birth, but I'm confident that I can do it.