Looking for a Midwife in Michigan

[staceyembach]

Hi, I am 6 1/2 weeks pregnant with my second child and looking for a Midwife in the Davison Michigan area (or someone willing to travel here). I would really like a home birth, however I am unsure if it is something I could afford. I have some friends who have had them and they say some Midwives will give reduced rates, or barter for services and was wondering how many Midwives do this? Also, does anyone know of a good Midwife in my area? One that would maybe be willing to barter? I have medicaid, which I've heard won't cover a midwife. Thanks so much.

Stacey

[~Kristina~]

I use Kate Mazzara, she travels.  :)

[staceyembach]

Thanks. A doula I am working with actually recommended Kate, I contacted her Sunday and am just waiting to hear back now.

[~Kristina~]

She is on vacation at the moment.

[staceyembach]

That's probably why I haven't heard back from her then.

[mothercat]

The only midwives that Medicaid will pay in MI are CNMs. Once CPMs get licensed in MI and the federal regulations change, then CPMs can apply for MCD provider numbers also. Won't happen before you have this baby.

Not sure, but I think I'm the only CNM with a Medicaid provider number who is doing home birth. However, I'm all the way down by Toledo.

[staceyembach]

I'll have to check and see when I get a call or email back from the midwife I contacted. But I knew most generally weren't covered by medicaid. And Toledo is about 3 hours from me, so way too far.

[mama2myangels07]

I know you said you want a home birth but I'm pretty sure as mothercat posted above, she's the only CNM licensed to do home birth AND be covered by medicaid. Not sure how far from Ann Arbor you are, but I had my youngest two at U of M and it wasn't too bad as far as hospital births go.

[awill]

I just had a home birth with Kate on 10/1.  I know you have probably heard back from her already but I highly recommend her.  My birth was fantastic and prenatal care was great.  This was my 3rd birth but 1st at home and I would never deliver in a hospital again (unless of course medically needed).  Good Luck!

[staceyembach]

Thanks everyone. Unfortunately we can't come even close to affording Kate's fees, so I am still looking.

[harrietsmama]

what about the Greenhouse birth center in Okemos?  I'm not sure if they take medicaid or not, but it is worth a try.  It's a very homey place, totally not like a hospital.

[staceyembach]

I looked into the Greenhouse birthing center, and unfortunately you have to pay the full cost up front out of pocket, they then give you the codes to bill insurance (after the delivery) and if it's covered insurance will reimburse you. We don't have the $3400 or so it would cost to pay up front.

[TwinMum3]

I don't know about the distance but the midwives of New Moon Midwifery come highly recommended.  They are based out of Ann Arbor and offer a sliding scale based on income.  Another option is Trillium Midwifery (not sure if that's the whole name but if you search for Trillium they should pop up) based out of Ypsilanti.  From what I remember her prices were very affordable.  Good luck to you.  I do hope you get the birth that you want.

[SquidMommy]

Look into Pat Kramer - she's reasonable about payments, and she will work out payment plans with you. Also, her doula is fabulous and hilarious. She's based in Ann Arbor, but will travel a bit. If you'd like to PM me, I can also tell you the name of one Michigan midwife to stay far, FAR away from, at least based on my personal experience.

[SunRayeMomi]

If you can get to a Birth Network meeting you will find lots of resources!!!  Congrats on the pregnancy :)

[conniebonnie]

Don't let the cost deter you, most of the midwives I know will barter or do payment plans or lower fees for low income clients- cost should never be the determining factor.