[november]

How far away is 'TOO FAR' when it comes to the distance between you and your midwife?

The reason I ask is because I'm feeling like my hands are tied. This is an unexpected/unplanned pregnancy, and we are thrilled. However, we don't have any maternity coverage so a home birth would really be ideal. The idea of racking up $10,000+ of medical bills is not too appealing.

However, the only midwife I have found thus far that will deliver in my area lives 5 hours away. I've only just begun speaking to hear via email, so I don't know all the specifics. I do know she's delivered 2 other babies locally, so I know it's possible. I just don't know how comfortable I am with the idea of my 'help' being so far away, kwim?

Anyone in a similar situation or have experience with a midwife that has been a rather long distance away?

 

[BeagleMommy]

That would be too far for me, but that's just my opinion. My midwife with my first was two hours away, but I thought that would be too far for a second baby. My new midwife is just over an hour away.
I would bet there are other midwives in your area. I live in rural western Kentucky and I (during my search) found 3 homebirth midwives in the hour away range. Well, I found four midwives, but my first choice passed away in Feb.
Finding a midwife isn't the easiest thing in the world, but it can be done.

 

[november]

Believe me, I have searched extensively. I've contacted dozens of agencies, I've looked in my tribe, I've asked by word of mouth. I can't find anyone within an hour of here.

It's really discouraging.

 

[sebarnes]

Well, I have pretty quick labors, so my max distance is about 20 minutes. BUT, there are plenty of people who use midwives several hours away. If I couldn't find a midwife within my comfort distance, I would UC. Luckily, I don't have that problem as I live in a very mw rich area.

 

[_betsy_]

Since it's your first, you may be OK, but I wouldn't be comfy with that far of a distance.

Where have you looked to find MWs in your area? Have you found your local tribe here on MDC and asked there? What sites/resources are you using to look?

 

[TzippityDoulah]

that is WAY too far for me. I would just UC under those conditions b/c the liklihood of her making it by the time the baby was born would be pretty small. and even if she did, part of the reason for wanting a midwife would be to help during labour/birth if any needs arose. how could she help if she is 5 hrs away? you'd just end up having to go to the ER.

it just seems like it's a waste of money to me if you break it down.

maybe if it was 2 hrs... but 5 is A LOT. and if there was traffic it could be 6 or 7!

if you just wanted some prenatal support and someone to check on you after the birth then maybe it would work out for you.

 

[jitterBug mom]

Sorry you are struggling with this, that would be tough!

I also think 5 hours is pretty far. I'd also inquire with her about her transfer rates and think very realistically about your financial situation. A homebirth is typically inexpensive, but what then would it cost if you had to hospital transfer after that? I normally hate being pessimistic but since you are uninsured I do think you have to think through the different scenarios. And if she wasn't able to make it there in time, would you be comfortable with a UC, or would you end up going to the hospital?

One thought would be if you were not working, could you find a place to stay near the midwife as your due date approached, and maybe your partner could be on call to drive there when you felt labor was near?

Have you found any local AP groups to ask about midwifes? Did you ask the midwife who is 5 hours from you? Most midwifes I know seem very non-competitive and happy to refer you to others.

Good luck!

 

[BethandLC]

I honestly would think that 5 hours would be too far. My MW is 2 hours and that time makes me a little anxious but her apprenctice who is also my doula is closer so that kind of mitigates it for me.

However, with my first baby I could have been much more comfortable with the 5 hour distance. What about the MWs back up? Is she closer? Or does she have an apprentice that is closer?

 

[JamieCatheryn]

I'd consider relocating for the due month to somewhere closer to a good midwife, staying with family or a friend if possible. Or UC. A midwife that far away couldn't help much in the just in case emergency situations that could come up, no need to pay one who can't help. Over an hour's drive away wouldn't work for me.

 

[Sarahstw]

My MW is 5 - 6 hours away from me. But, it's my first baby and I'm super comfortable with birthing unassisted.

 

[DoomaYula]

5h is too far for me. My preceptor recently had a client who was 1.5h away, and even though we drove so fast that we made it to her place in an hour, we still missed the birth.

When I lived in AZ, I couldn't find a midwife within 3h, and I ended up finding a midwife from really far away who was willing to travel. She came when I was about 38.5w and stayed til after my babe was born (41w). That worked out nicely. Try midwifewithoutborders.com or googling for a traveling midwife.

Otherwise I think you'll have to move out closer to your mw in the last month, or plan a UC.

 

[sunflowergirll]

If you are considering "rehoming" yourself for the last month to a midwife that's closer, how about going to The Farm?

 

[Peony]

Like another poster mentioned there are such things as traveling MW's, they come and stay with you. There is a MW in my area that does this now, she goes at 38 weeks or so and leaves a few days after the birth.

I'd be ok with 5 hours if I was ok with a UC because you may go fast or it could take days, there is just no way of knowing. My MW is 2 hours away if she is at her house, if she is seeing other clients then it could be 3-4+ hours away. I'm totally fine with it because I am fine with a UC, she either makes it or she doesn't, we are prepared to go either way.