FAQs
Check out the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions below. If there’s something you need more details about that isn’t mentioned here, please get in touch for more information. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Who will be providing my care?
At Catching Joy Home Birth you will be cared for prenatally, during your labor and postpartum by either Angie Reidner CNM or Elizabeth Birkey CNM. Angie see's patients regularly and Liz will see patients when Angie is out of town, ill, or is on holiday. We highly encourage you to meet Liz at least once during the prenatal period.
Who comes to the birth with the midwife?
A midwife and a birth assistant will come to your birth. All the midwives and birth assistants are specially trained in out of hospital birth and maintain certification in adult CPR and Neonatal Resuscitation. We are a clinical site for student midwives, nurse practitioners, and the occasional medical student or birth assistant in training. We acknowledge you may not want a student at your birth. You will have the option to decline.
This is my first baby. Is there an extra charge for being a first time mother?
There is no extra charge for being a first time mother. However, we do require first time mothers to hire a doula for the labor and birth. The number one factor preventing a cesarean section or transfer to the hospital is having a great doula. We have contact information for several area doulas. Even mothers who have birthed before benefit from having a doula. Check out this link for information about doulas: https://www.dona.org/what-is-a-doula/
Do you accept insurance for home birth?
Catching Home Birth is a cash pay service only. We can accept credit cards and FSA cards- however a 3% additional charge applies. We are able to give you a super bill at the end of the care to support your work on reimbursement from your health insurance. We do accept a payment plan. We can discuss this at an initial visit or consultation.
Do you offer a free consultation visit to explore the option of home birth?
Yes, we can schedule a 15 minute Facetime or phone consultation.
Do you work with a physician?
In the state of Illinois, CNMs can apply for Full Practice Authority. This is a special license allowing for us to practice within our scope of practice independently without a collaborative agreement with a physician. Both Angie and Liz have the full practice authority license. We do have a "scope" and when the client needs are beyond our "scope", we refer to a physician colleague. When this is a non-emergent issue, we will discuss to whom you would like for us to refer you for further care. We will then make contact with that provider. If this is an emergent issue, you will present to the nearest hospital for emergent care by the physician on call. We will facilitate the transfer and sharing of medical records. Often, we will be able to accompany you.
Can you prescribe medication?
Yes, we can prescribe medication in accordance with out state license and DEA license
Can I have a waterbirth at home?
YES! We will provide a water-birth tub and liner if one is available. We have three. If we have all our tubs out at homes, you can birth in your own deep large tub or buy a kiddie pool. We do encourage you to use deep water immersion as a tool and not a birth goal. There are times when it feels better and you are more able to birth when you are not in the water. We will discuss the pros and cons of water-birth as part of your prenatal care. We are very supportive of the option of water-birth. There is a great article at www.evidencebasedbirth.com reviewed the safety of and the evidence surrounding water-birth. Check it out!
Do you cut episiotomies and do let the cord pulsate until it is done?
We do NOT routinely cut episiotomies. There are RARE circumstances when an episiotomy is beneficial. We can discuss those at a prenatal visit or you can ask at the consultation. We WILL ALWAYS ask your permission prior to cutting an episiotomy. We also believe strongly the cord blood is extremely important to your newborn. We will not cut the cord prior to its completion unless there is a life threatening emergency such as an inability to delivery the body without the cord being cut or a prolonged resuscitation requiring advance life support.