Home birth in Urbana, IL. Need resources - we're from out of town!

[kkhan]

Mothering.com friends,

We are moving to Urbana this summer from Virginia where we have had both of our children at home with wonderful experiences.  I have also spent the last 4 years as a doula, prenatal yoga teacher, and childbirth educator in our area.  

We are expecting no. 3 in the first week of July.  We were trying to push back our move date so that we could birth the baby in VA with our beloved CPMs but the scheduling is getting difficult.  We were under the impression that all home births are illegal in IL and that was our motivation for staying in VA for the birth.  (Would much rather move before baby comes than move only a few weeks postpartum.)  Now I understand that CNM homebirth is legal and CPM/Direct Entry/Lay midwives are "alegal"?  Are there any home birth providers in either of these categories that serve the Urbana/University of Illinois area?  Many website links are expired and the lists of providers I can find seem to be isolated in the Chicago area.

Feel free to private message me as I realize the sensitivity of the issue in your area.  We do not need any resources for anything except home birth and home birth providers, thanks!

In gratitude,

kristina

[carrieb26]

As far as I know, no CNMs serve Urbana. I have some friends in the area who have home birthed. There's a homebirth support group that meets monthly, but you'll have a hard time getting anyone to give out names unless they've gotten to know you. Direct entry midwives are not alegal in Illinois. They serve women illegally.. the have been served cease and desist orders, arrested, prosecuted and found guilty of practicing medicine without a license. Homebirth is not illegal for the parents, but a noncnm risks prosecution by attending a mother in Illinois.

We are workng to change that the year - we have bill we are working to get passed to license CPMs. We're on Facebook if you want to start connecting with People in chambana. Illinois friends of midwives.

[kkhan]

Thanks for the info.  I was able to talk to one of these midwives through someone else and they are totally booked and cannot take us on.  The atmosphere for women in IL is obviously toxic and needs immediate change.  I am already set up with some folks to work on this once we are settled in!  I have been a doula in similar situations and I realize the stress and risk that comes for the midwives when they attend those births.  I am grateful it wasn't such a struggle with my first two babes.  

[Jill1085]

Hi there. I live in Champaign, and have been a doula in CU for about three years. There are a few options for you. Email me privately and we can chat Jill (dot) Rackow (at) gmail (dot) com.

[kkhan]

Jill, thank you for responding!  Just two days ago we were able to find someone to assist us with the birth in Illinois.  It was NOT an easy process to say the least but I am glad it worked out.  I would love to keep your email around though if that's alright so we can connect once we are in town?  I appreciate your willingness to reach out.  Seriously, thank you!  xo kristina

[Jill1085]

sounds great. :) I'm so glad that you found someone! 

Also--have you joined the NFLG Yahoo group? 

[carrieb26]

I'm so glad you were able to connect with someone.