Frequently Asked Questions
Is home birth safe?
The evidence has shown that planned out of hospital birth, at a free standing birth center or home, is as safe or safer option for low risk families with less interventions than hospital birth. Those who choose home births report higher satisfaction rates.
Is home birth messy?
Nope! We do a great job of preparing for messes and cleaning as we go. It is helpful to prepare your bed ahead of time to prevent any accidental messes.
Can I have a home birth in a small house/apartment/tiny home?
Absolutely! Home births can happen is all sorts of locations, midwives are notoriously creative and inventive when it comes to utilizing small spaces. And if you are concerned about noise, most often neighbors have no clue what is happening.
What is your birth philosophy?
At Juniper Midwifery, the foundation of our belief system is that birth most often works. We trust the families we serve to know what is best for them, their baby, and their growing family. We believe that our role is to hold space for you to welcome your baby safely. We work to not be obtrusive and to only step in if our skills are needed. The cornerstone of our practice is informed decision making, this means that we ensure you are informed and prepared as we walk through shared decision making together for the best care for you and your family.
Who will be at my birth?
We are a solo midwife practice, this means you will know your care provider well as we navigate your pregnancy closely together. There will be at least two skilled birth attendants at your birth, most often three, this ensures a helping hand for the person giving birth as well as baby. Anyone in attendance of your birth will be CPR and NRP certified. We often utilize student midwives in our practice to ensure you are able to get to know all of your birth team well as well as continue to grow midwifery as a whole.
What pain medication is available?
Epidurals are not available in the community birth setting and are only available in the hospital. With that being said - we are well versed in non-pharmaceutical options to help cope with labor. This may include hydrotherapy, counter pressure, massage, free movement, sterile water injections, and TENs unit usage.
Can my children be involved in my care?
Of course! We have a deep rooted love for birth and we think the best way to normalize the experience is to have siblings involved both prenatally and during the birth. It is important to prepare children for what they may experience and to have options for them to take space for themselves as needed. There are many wonderful online options to prepare your children for this experience.
Can I have a doula/birth photographer and/or family and friends at my birth?
Yes! It is your birthday party, and it can have as many or as few people as you want. As long as you feel supported and relaxed, all is well. We love working with other members of the birth community and celebrating the joy of your birth.
What if labor starts at night?
It probably will! Due to hormonal shifts at night, most labors occur after dark. You will be given an on call phone number to reach us 24 hours a day. We are used to being called in the middle of the night!
What if an emergency occurs?
I am well trained in obstetric emergencies in the home birth setting. I stay up to date on CPR, Neonatal Resuscitation Certification, and participate in frequent peer review, continuing education, and skills drills. Anyone in attendance at your birth will be CPR and NRP certified. I carry medications and equipment to stop and treat a hemorrhage, numb and suture postpartum, and assist a baby who needs a little extra help to each birth to facilitate in emergency care. Additionally, I will spend ample time throughout your prenatal care discussing what to expect in an emergency situation and developing an individualized hospital transport plan. I also closely monitor you and baby throughout pregnancy to ensure you stay a good candidate for home birth.
Who is a good candidate for home birth?
I closely follow the guidelines set in the Idaho State Laws regarding out of hospital midwives, those can be found here. Out of hospital birth is a safe option for low risk, overall healthy families that fall within our scope of normal practice.
Do I need to see an OBGYN if I am planning a home birth?
We will provide care on the same schedule an OB would. Most families start care between 10-12 weeks gestation and will be seen every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, and then receive care every 2 weeks until 36 weeks. At 36 weeks visits becomes weekly and then twice a week in the 41st week. We are licensed in the state of Idaho and Washington to provide normal routine newborn care through 6 weeks. Many families do not establish care with another provider during that time. However, there are some conditions that may require a physician to monitor them while in care with Juniper Midwifery. Some families choose to establish care “just in case” and that is also great!