Homebirth in Ohio--UPDATED!

[*Lindsey*]

Anyone in Ohio had a homebirth? We're planning our first in November. I'm a bit worried about how difficult getting a birth certificate is going to be, as babies aren't delivered in our county, and my MW is a lay MW and can't fill out any of the forms.

Update: So, I called the health department in our county today. The lady I talked to acted like it was the most normal thing! She said I just have to come in and get the papers and as long as she can tell I'm pg by looking at me I don't need any "proof of pregnancy". She said my backup doctor would have to fill out some of the things (which my MW and I discussed) and DH and I the rest. She said after the baby is born, I just take him/her in and the papers and she'll get it finished.

I am so thrilled and relieved!

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts/advice!

[bandgeek]

I would just call the nearest health department and ask. If there isn't one in the county, call the county that you would be in if you gave birth in a hospital. Don't be surprised if they tell you that you can't get one because homebirth is "illegal". That's a myth I see flying around here a lot. Totally bogus, obviously, and even if it was illegal, your baby would still be able to get a BC.

[eviesingleton]

Where in Ohio are you located?

If you are in Columbus, check out this: http://choicemidwives.org/

[*Lindsey*]

So what if they tell me hb is illegal? What route do I go then?

eviesingleton-I'm too far from Columbus to use choice mws, but thanks for that link! I've checked them out before.

[Valerie]

Originally Posted by *Lindsey*

So what if they tell me hb is illegal? What route do I go then?

Well, then you very politely say something like, "Oh! Thank you for letting me know that. Can I please have the exact cite to the specific Ohio statute that prohibits homebirth, so I may be better educated?"

And since there IS no such statute (in Ohio or anywhere else), they will hem and haw and make some sort of excuse, at which point you will say "Oh..ok then. Since I want to be in compliance with the law, perhaps you can tell me how to obtain a birth certificate for my child."

A lot of these bureaucratic types rely on intimidation -- don't let it happen. Be polite, but persistent. And keep in mind that there is absolutely no law in any state which requires one to give birth in the hospital.

Valerie
Illinois

[*Lindsey*]

Thanks Valerie.

[Sweeney]

Honey- your midwife can possibly sign off on your birth certificate for you. If she has the CPM credential it's pretty easy to register with the state and be able to do that so you don't have to show up at the health department with your brand new baby.

Otherwise, if she's filed a birth certificate prior to the end of 2005 she can be grandfathered(grandmothered?) in as well. It's possible!! Go Ohio midwifery!

In general all you need to get a birth certificate is proof of pregnancy, proof of live birth, and proof of residency. It's not that hard, just annoying. Take care!