Quote:
Originally Posted by
hotsauce 
You're not being rude, I just seriously am not sure if it's risky for a mama to go without prenatal care for awhile. It worked just fine for me last time. Only thing that doesn't make sense is I'm unsure what UP/UC mean! I DO know what you mean about wanting the right care at your birth. After my experience last time I know I'm searching far and wide until I find just the right person this time. Not all midwives are created equally, unfortunately...
There's actually been a lot of discussion in the past about prenatal care in this country vs. other countries and what is actually necessary. For example, apparently the avg. amount of appointments here in the first trimester is 3...most people in public health would likely say that's a bit excessive. Other countries with vastly superior healthcare systems do fewer than we do.
The midwives here usually see moms who have had babies already at 12 weeks for the first appointment. They may see a first time mom earlier, as they can give them nutrition/vitamin information and other basic information on what to expect and what is normal in early pregnancy.
Probably about half of the freestanding birth centers here have an option for homebirths, so that is what I do. The one thing I do like about having the freestanding birth center is that if I need bloodwork, or an ultrasound, etc. they can do that in the office. Otherwise, if I was working with an independant midwife she would have to write up an order and I'd have to travel to a laboratory facility, or go to a hospital/outside clinic for an ultrasound or non-stress test if it was needed.
Follow Mothering