Oft pondered queries
FAQs
What months do you have availability?
2022 is delightfully booked. We are currently booking January 2023 and beyond!
Is a home birth for me?
Maybe baby. Each person is different, each birth is different, but often people birth best where they feel safest. Healthy, low-risk pregnancies make for the best home-birth candidates.
How is a home birth prenatal different than an in-hospital prenatal?
Time. Most of all, you will have time to ask all of your questions and time to have any and all of your concerns addressed.
We love questions. Lots of questions. A well-informed client is the best client.
How many babies have you caught?
“Gosh, I think the number is around 900. For context, babies I’ve caught are having babies.” - Jess
How long have you been a midwife?
Jess became certified in 1997.
Read more about her journey here.
Where do most people birth when birthing at home?
Anywhere you want. We do find it interesting that rarely do birthing people choose or find themselves birthing in a bed.
What happens when there are complications?
Jess is trained and experienced in CPR basic life support for providers, Neonatal Resuscitation advanced life support, evaluating and managing shoulder dystocia, maternal postpartum hemorrhage, suturing, among myriad other emergency medical techniques.
Further, Jess is familiar with the different emergency departments in the twin cities and if the determination is made that a transfer is necessary for birthing parent or baby, she facilitates that transfer as seamlessly as possible.
What are some natural ways for me to find comfort during labor?
Often the very simple basics of eating and drinking, the use of shower and tub, and the companionship and support of a synergistic birth team can make all the difference.
Specifically, having a doula present as they are trained in coping strategies, comfort measures, and can provide essential support and reassurance to your partner as well. Check out doulas we love here.
Also childbirth education can give insight into the labor and birth process that can be invaluable in meeting your goals. Our Resources page includes some of our favorite childbirth educators.
What if my partner or family doesn’t support my desire to have a home birth?
First, we hope that your partner and family understand and give greater value to where you feel safest and where you feel most empowered. Here are a few resources to share on the safety of home birth:
Study on safety of home birth with midwives
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Childbirth without Fear by Grantly Dick-Read
Also, taking a childbirth education class that is independent of hospitals can be helpful in knowing all your options. Our resource page has some of our favorite childbirth educators.
And hiring a doula gives you someone on your side—no matter where you birth—who will help you advocate for what you want. Here are some of our most beloved doulas.
Will birthing in my home leave a big mess?
Short answer: No.
By the time we time we leave your home, your family will be tucked into bed, laundry started, and any mess from the work of birthing your baby cleaned up.
Will my insurance cover your fees?
Sometimes. And we have a biller who can help recover your expenses.
Because you are a midwife, I don’t need a doula, right?
Ohhhh no. Our roles are very different. While not every one needs a doula, we do think that every person would certainly benefit from having a doula. Studies have shown healthier outcomes with a doula in attendance. (Check Evidence Based Birth). Some say that if doulas were a medication it would be prescribed to every birthing person.
“When we became pregnant with our second baby, Jessica was one of the first people I sent a picture of the positive pregnancy test to. We, without a doubt, wanted her to be our Midwife and there with us as we welcomed our son into this World.
As a birth doula, I had seen Jessica be present for many, many births and her clients absolutely adore her.
She is one of the most experienced midwives in the area, she brings calm and reassurance in the space and she knows how to handle emergent situations with precision.
This last part was very important to us, as our 1st had a shoulder dystocia at birth and one of the few people I would trust to handle one is Jessica.
The day of the our baby’s birth, Jessica came quickly when we called her to us, held peaceful and confident space for me and came up with novel ideas of things to try to help with my intense discomfort. She was also a direct voice that I needed to hear at certain moments.
If we would have a 3rd baby, without a doubt, Jessica will be there with us. We will pull her out of retirement if needed!”
— Landon Y.