What makes a good candidate? What is considered a risk-out?

[AllyRae]

My monitrice and I are strongly considering going this route... It's what I really want to do, but we're wondering if my pregnancy with Brandon could disqualify me (with the exception of 6 weeks on bedrest for PIH, the rest of the complications were most likely a result of the 3 day induction though...something that would be prevented with a homebirth). Tuesday, I'm setting up a consult with the midwives at the homebirth midwife group to see if it's an option (well, the financial aspect may hold us back, but we're working on it...)

So, for anyone that has had a homebirth...what would make a good candidate? What would the midwives doing the evaluation consider too risky? I know I'll get the answers at the appointment, but I kind of what to know what to expect. (I'm currently 26 1/2 weeks, no complications besides a little issue gaining weight, and my bp is still pretty low--it was at this point where it started spiking the first time around). We're trying to hit the insurance companies hard to reimburse it (they will reimburse if my current in-network
midwife did the hb, but she can't do it because she only works hospitals). So, I want to know if we have a shot before we go harassing Blue Cross...

Thank you!!

[Spark]

Hi, Ally,
First off thanks for teaching that "monitrice" means birthing partner. :LOL New word for me. Yes, I'm a dork.

Anyway, I don't think most MWs would risk you out. I know the MW I use has said she goes with one risk, but two risks, she usually doesn't do. But, every MW has different levels of comfort. It just depends on the MW.

Best wishes making the decision that's right for you and your family. Happy gestating!

[AngelBee]

:

[Spark]

Come on Angela, did you know what a montrice was?

[Spark]

Just a previous thread about Pregnancy Induced Hypertension that I thought the OP might find interesting:
http://www.mothering.com/discussions...blood+pressure

[Spark]

Sorry, I'm like the one woman posting circus... see why I have so many posts under my name!?!?

I had BC/BS covered my homebirth. DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT ask them to cover a homebirth. Simply tell them that you've found this great care provider (when you have) to deliver you baby -- give name of MW and ask if they forsee any reasons that this provider would not be covered. You may have to pay out-of-network fees, but sometimes those don't apply for birth.

The main thing is, you don't want to mention homebirth to them is because they'll put a note in your file and then really comb over every claim finely. Is this dishonest? No. If they ask you if it's a homebirth, don't lie. But, don't offer the information either.

[AllyRae]

That's interesting! Thanks! I think that's why my bp is so low this time (actually, a perfectly normal 110/64 on most days)...I'm chasing an 18 month old all day, and he really really likes to run around outside! (Um, hence why I can barely gain weight this time around... :LOL ) My little guy is a great prenatal workout! :LOL

[Spark]

Ooh, Ally, yes your little guy is at that magic age -- 19 months-ish. Goodness! They're on the go, aren't they!?!? :LOL

Oh, and I posted while you were posting I think. I added more before your post about insurance.

[AllyRae]

I think my dh already spilled the beans to BCBS about it being a homebirth...they said they cover it like any other out-of-network procedure. Which would be great if my deductable wasn't $2500 for out of network things... :LOL The homebirth itself would be $2600...

[camprunner]

Just wanted to post and say good luck. I've been reading your posts on this board and another board and I know how bad you want a homebirth I hope it works out.

[chiro_kristin]

:

Me too Ally! We will keep sending positive birthing thoughts and prayers your way!

[Mamabeakley]

Read your health ins policy! My midwives were actually in-network, but my policy is written so that if there is no in-network provider or my in-network provider just wants to send me to a specialist who isn't in network, they will cover it at in-network rates if I have a referal from someone who is in-network. Worth a try! Also copy your state agency in charge of regulating the ins. co's - this seems to help the ins. co pay better attention to you.

[sarahloughmiller]

As far as insurance goes, I have never had any luck with the people on the phone telling me what they will acctually pay for. Every time I called when pregnant with ds they told me something different. About 2 weeks before he was born they told me they would not cover a home birth at all. I called my midwife crying and she said not to worry that they would pay for it. They did pay, and they paid enough that I didn't have to pay for any of the birth. This pregnancy I called to see what they would pay (different insurance co.) and they also said they would pay for nothing, but I think the lady just did not know what she was talking about. Good luck, I hope you get the birth you want & it doesn't cost a fortune.

[AllyRae]

They approved us for the switch!!!! We are now officially planned homebirth clients! :yippee: They said they couldn't see a single reason why a homebirth would be too risky for this pregnancy (and in fact, they agreed that giving birth at the hospital I was going to would be a greater risk to me because they are very intervention happy). So now, if everything goes as planned, little Ry will be born at HOME!

[onlyboys]

I don't get why you were risked out in the beginning! Honestly, your issues seems almost completely caused by aggressive OB intervention, Ally. That shouldn't affect your ability to birth at home at all.

I'm glad you're getting your homebirth!

[AllyRae]

No, I only thought I'd be risked out so I didn't even ask (the ob's were wondering why I was even allowed to go to a midwife in the first place since Bran was a difficult pregnancy and birth). So, they sort of kicked at my confidence level...but luckily my monitrice brought it up last week as a possibility.

[onlyboys]

Good for your monitrice.

Hope your birth is great!

[Geofizz]

Woohoo! Congrats Ally. Of course, I'm going to want to hear *all* the details. They're awsome, aren't they?