last minute midwife switch...

[yosemiteroses]

I am looking into my options for a homebirth with a midwife after some disagreements with the MD that I was working with. I have a month until my due date and if this birth is anything like my previous one, the babe will come a week or two before schedule (and with the increasing braxton hicks lately it does seem like this may be the case.) I was wondering if I could get some opinions on how much people think a midwife should charge this late in the game? Should I still be paying full price? 

[CookAMH]

You may save some on prenatal but the bulk is the delivery fee anyway...so you may not save much. If you can swing it though, then go for it.

[GoBecGo]

I am an administrator for a midwife.

The fee is for her skill, her care, her time and the fact that she is responsible for the outcomes (be they good or bad) and whatever repercussions may come with them before, during and after your delivery.

With that in mind you should expect to pay the full fee.  Missing out on early prenatal visits might seem like it saves her time so it should save you money, but actually it makes her overall job harder, and her responsibilities more difficult to manage.

[Peony]

A few MWs will "pro-rate" their fee, many won't for the above mentioned reasons. I've transferred late in the pg previously and still paid the entire fee. Out of the MWs in my area, there is only one that has a different fee for incidents like this. 

[yosemiteroses]

Does anyone have and recommendations for me on how to make this a positive hb experience? Anything I should read or absolutely have on hand for the birth?

[Jaimee]

I switched mw's at 37 weeks.  My old mw reimbursed me minus some for prenatals and labwork.  My new mw charged the full amount.  So I agree with pp's that you should expect to pay the full total and right away as usually payments are due by 36 weeks.

As for planning you hb, my best advice to you is to sit down, relax, and envision your perfect birth.  Who is there?  What things are you doing?  Do you have a pool, a birth ball, a stool, etc.?  What food are you eating?  What sounds are you listening to?  Is someone taking pictures and if so, of what things specifically?  What things would be bothersome?  Where is your older child?  How do you want to spend the first few postpartum hours?  Do you want help the next day? 

Once you get a really good picture of what you want, go about making your desires very, very clear to those involved.  Now is not the time for miscommunications and hurt feelings.  For example, if you don't want your mom there, don't give in and let her be there b/c you feel bad right now.  Or if you do want her present, but not bustling around in the kitchen or asking you if you need anything then make that clear.  If you know a dirty bathroom will bum you out during labor then clean it now and maintain it or ask someone to clean it when you're in early labor.  Stock the fridge with your perfect foods- have something for the midwife too.  Communicate your birth desires very clearly to your new mw.  Do you mind FHT checks or dilation checks during labor?  Do you like to be touched and assisted or left alone until you ask for help?  Do you want her to catch the baby or do you want to do it, or your dh?  What are your fears (if any)?  Who is cutting the cord or are you doing a lotus birth?  What are you doing with the placenta?  Etc.

From experience I can confidently say if your environment is not how you want it, negative feelings can mar the blessed occasion.  The baby will still be born of course and that will be amazing and life changing, but there is room for frustration and disappointment if somebody or something was hindering you in some way.  Birth is so special and not something you do everyday- make it everything you want it to be. 

[bird_verde]

Originally Posted by yosemiteroses 

Does anyone have and recommendations for me on how to make this a positive hb experience? Anything I should read or absolutely have on hand for the birth?

Read positive hb birth stories (at MDC or otherwise) and watch hb videos.  These may help you envision what you want for your hb.

I second the pp comment on the need for a plan for your older child during and AFTER the birth.  Your DD is fairly young and will need someone to take care of her during labor and you and your dh will want someone to help with her afterwards.  You will both need rest and bonding time with the new baby.