Homebirth in Springfield, MA - Obtaining Birth Certificate

[butterflie2484]

So I had an homebirth with a plan b to the birthing center if something went wrong. Well, nothing went wrong and my baby is now almost 2 months old, healthy, strong and a blessing.  Anyhow, I am having a bit of a dilemna. Before I had the baby, I contacted the city clerks office and she told me she would mail out a homebirth worksheet for me to fill out and submit. THEN she said that I would have to get a letter from my childs  ped/or physician stating that he received post-natal care.  I did both and submitted it. The woman who processes home births at the city clerks in Springfield,told me that that wasnt enough, so she told me that I needed to get a letter from the registered nurse who saw him after he was born. Luckily, after my baby was born, I have a doula friend/nurse that I met with my first pregnancy who I asked to see my newborn when he was born. And she did, and wrote up a newborn assessment which I have a copy of showing that he was healthy and fine.  I even gave the city clerks a copy of that newborn assessment form! Anyhow, since I was told this in February by the city clerks, I have been trying to contact the registered nurse to see if she could write up a notarized letter simply stating that my son was born on so and so date and received post-natal care. The end, but I have been unable to reach her despite calls and emails.  I honestly think that something horrible happened to her. I mean, she was an older woman. I cant see why she would just stop talking to me for no apparent reason.  The last time we spoke, I mentioned to her what the city clerk told me and she told me to e-mail her a template of the letter and that she would get it notarized and give it to me on Friday. That was 3 weeks ago and I still havent heard from her. I am really having a difficult time going about this and I dont know what else to do.  I am asking to see if any other doulas, midwives or anyone else has had to submit a letter from a physician etc showing that the baby has had post-natal care? This is what I already submitted to the city clerk:  The homebirth worksheet, a utility bill showing my current address, two letters, one from the pediatrician and the other from our family chiro that he has been seen for postnatal care and a witness letter from myself and my dh showing that he was there and could attest to the birth and finally the newborn assessment sheet writtten up by the registered nurse who saw my little baby. And this still isnt enough. I had called the city clerks on Tuesday and she told me that the ONLY thing I needed was the notarized letter from the RN who saw him after the birth, but I can not for the life of me get in contact with her.  I am at a loss at what to do. Please help!!! PS. I am in Springfield so I dont know if each city clerk is different in obtaining different things. If not, PLEASE tell me.

[mamazee]

Hi!

I am wondering if you might get some more general help from people in other areas in our homebirth forum? http://www.mothering.com/community/f/20/homebirth

It's possible people have been able to resolve a similar problem elsewhere and they might have some advice for you.

Good luck! It sounds like a frustrating situation!