FAQ

Can I claim for a homebirth on my medical insurance?
This is sometimes possible, but it really depends on the individual insurance company. I have had clients that have successfully claimed with Teachers, defence fund & mutual community. There is a full list on belly-belly website. The insurance company may require a detailed invoice of your care, which I will of course be happy to provide.

What equipment do you carry?
All first line management equipment that would typically be available at a hospital:

Syntometrine (A drug used at the hospital for birth of the placenta, helps stop bleeding if required)
oxygen and baby resus equipment
Manual suction
needles syringes, blood taking equipment.
IV equipment.
cord ties
konakion (vit k)
box for birth, towels blankets baby blankets, tarp
mirror torch poop scoop
Blood Pressure machine, water proof doppler
birth pool, hose
Weighing scales and tape measure
Water heater
aromatherapy oils

What do I need to provide for the birth?
A plastic container (e.g. a large ice-cream tub) to hold placenta.
A towel to wrap baby.
Large bath towel or robe for getting in and out of the water.
Calico type bag for holding baby when weighing.
Refreshments to help the midwife to keep up her energy - I really like liquorice ;-)

I am planning a hospital birth, would you still be my midwife?
well it is possible to take an independent midwife with you as an advocate for a birth at the hospital. However I cannot act as your midwife but as a birth supporter, self employed midwives cannot practice in the hospital system. Each woman is taken on an individual basis and I would need to chat about your circumstances before we both were able to feel if it would be the right thing. Sometimes this role can be filled by a Doula.

Where are you based? How far do you travel?
I live in the Adelaide hills but I am willing to travel to outlying areas. I have birthed with women from Victor Harbour to the Barossa Valley.

What happens if I'm bleeding?
There are many natural initial options to help with blood loss. Rubbing up a contraction in your uterus and breast feeding your baby being two easy ones. If all has been tried and unsuccessful midwives carry the drug given at the hospital to stop bleeding. Syntometrine or Syntocinon and they can be administered to you at home.

What if we have to transfer to hospital?
If a complication occurs in your labour, in collaboration with your midwife you may decide go to the hospital for further collaboration in this case I stay with you and advocate for your needs and wishes and provide a wedge and communication between you and the hospital. You are not left to deal with things by yourself.

Do you birth with complex births?
I will help you to birth at home with twins, Breech, Vbac, or any other issue as long as it is your wish to do so.

Are you able to do tests and ultrasound?
After hearing all the information available regarding the testing done on pregnant women through their labour and birth if you decide you require these then it is possible to have them done either through the hospital system or privately. Unfortunately it is with collaboration as Independent midwives do not have the right to provide this service due to lack of a provider number.