What kind of homebirth?

[SilverSage]

I'm not sure what I'm after here, maybe just a chance to get my thoughts together. I hope this is ok to post here, I apologize if it's not.

I just discovered I'm pregnant. Now I'm trying to decide between midwife and UC. My last child was a homebirth with a midwife, 9 years ago. She's the only one we have, til now. Anyway, we have a bit saved up, we've been trying for years and hopeful, but due to circumstances, it's not quite enough for the midwife. I think we could scrape up the rest by the end of the pregnancy, BUT if I do this, I have no money left for the better food I need to be eating, veggies and stuff. Also won't be able to afford the gas to get to the midwife's. Also, property taxes will probably have to come out of the 'baby fund'. I can ride into town with DH for appointments, but then I have to be in town for the whole day. Not so bad now, but probably not so hot come closer to term. Still leaves groceries up in the air. I also have a messed up disc in my back and will probably need chiropractic care.

I think I'm ok with a UC, but would really prefer a midwife. My first pregnancy was easy, normal, same with the birth. But it HAS been 9 years. DH is willing to do UC, but is scared to death about it. I'm not sure I can do UC and keep him from panicking (which he does fairly easy when it comes to DD and I).

We've given up all luxuries except internet as we homeschool, but that may go shortly. The only thing we have left to sell is the house, which would put a cramp in the whole 'homebirth' thing. We get along, but now there's a baby, and they are a little pricey.

It seems to me I can do the midwife and nothing else, or all the 'else' but no midwife.

I don't know..........any thoughts, of any sort? I'm only 5 weeks along, am I worrying too much, too soon?

[Aliy]

i don't know if your religious but personally i would pray about it. that would be my first step. there are alwyas options of some sort.

UC would scare me. i know people who have done it but I prefer the just in case trained professional to be there but that's me

I wouldn't stress about it right away maybe shop around talk to some figure htings out... something will present itself to you

[momasana]

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

Have you spoken to any midwives in your area? Perhaps if you shared your situation and concerns they might be willing to work with you. Maybe they could offer a sliding scale fee, some type of work-exchange, or an alternative payment schedule that would be more managable for your budget. Or maybe even just some partial prenatal care where you would have fewer appointments and she would just attend the birth.

UC might not be the best choice if your DH is not feeling completely confident about it. Things could get crazy really quickly if he panics and doesn't know what to do.

It sounds like you have some time to think about it before you decide. As the PP said, I am sure the right solution will present itself.

[MaerynPearl]

My midwife has a payment contract that says her usual payment terms and then an area for revision if necessary, showing that she is open to change for certain circumstances.

Also, due to not having insurance that she can accept, she discounted her rate for us.

It is always worth discussing with them.

[guest123456]

My midwives had an option for trade; is there a service or art you can trade for a portion of her service? It would definitely be worth asking if she can accept deferred payment, a reduced amount during your pregnancy, and pay the rest throughout the 6 months or a year? It seems like a good idea to have a midwife, if even just for prenatal care to make sure everything's going the way it should be.

[AmaraMonillas]

I don't know what state you are in, but here in Wa medicaid covers hb so you may want to check if you would be eligible/it would be covered. Even if you make too much for medicaid there is a chance you can still get WIC for a little extra help with food.
I would not UC for financial reasons, unless I had exhausted all possibilities and there was absolutely no way to afford a hcp I was confident in and comfortable with.

[Mrs.Music]

Originally Posted by AmaraMonillas

I don't know what state you are in, but here in Wa medicaid covers hb so you may want to check if you would be eligible/it would be covered. Even if you make too much for medicaid there is a chance you can still get WIC for a little extra help with food.
I would not UC for financial reasons, unless I had exhausted all possibilities and there was absolutely no way to afford a hcp I was confident in and comfortable with.

I'd like to add that pregnancy medicaid is pretty lenient. You can make a bit before they wont cover you. And if you're over the cut off, you can actually still get medicaid and then pay a deductable sort of like regular insurance. It's always worth a try.

[SumnerRain]

My MW I have now, and my MW I had with DD (different states) both worked with mamas in a financial bind. With DD since we came into the pregnancy late she discounded her fee by $1200, and allowed me to make payments after DD was born, I paid her off when DD was about 9 months old. She took clients on barter also.

The MW I am seeing now accepts my insurance, but I was having a hard time getting them to cover her at the in network rate which would leave us with paying 30% of her fee ourselves, I was stressing about it and she kept telling me not to worry, she works with women all the time and is fine when mamas need a little time making payments. She also discounts for several things, cash-pay, low income, military, etc.

Even if you can get medicaid, but if they can't take it, she may be willing to work with you as far as maybe seeing you less frequent, or letting another provider do most of your prenatal care and then discount you for the care she actually does.

[honeybee]

I really think UC should be something you are called to do... not an option that should be chosen primarily due to financial factors. Unfortunately, I know that is not always the reality.

Good luck on your decision.