FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a licensed Midwife?
(As quoted from the Citizens of Midwifery Organization)
Licensed Midwives are autonomous maternity care providers for women with low risk pregnancies. They work to meet their communities' needs in a variety of settings: clinic location, classes, seminars, clients' homes, birth centers, or in the hospital if a transfer during labor is required.
The state of Florida has licensed midwives since 1931. In 1982 and again in 1992, The Midwifery Practice Act, www.leg.state.fl.us/ was updated, based on the World Health Organization (WHO) standards and on successful European direct entry midwifery programs. To become licensed in Florida, an applicant undertakes an intensive three-year program of academic and clinical education and then passes the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) national certification examination for state licensure. The educational programs are founded upon the core competencies of the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA).
MIDWIVES PROVIDE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE MATERNITY CARE
The wellness oriented model of care utilized by the licensed midwife promotes good pregnancy outcomes and the acquisition of good health habits, with continuity of care from early in pregnancy through the first weeks after the baby's birth. Utilization of midwives is safe and cost effective maternal health policy, recommended by the World Health Organization.
What payment options do you accept?
Rosemary Birthing Home will negotiate with all major insurance companies to try to obtain a letter of agreement. If a letter of agreement is not obtained, then the client will need to bill the insurance themselves and will be responsible for the service fees. Rosemary Birthing Home does accept Medicaid. If you do not have insurance we have a self pay plan available and we will soon be accepting visa and mastercard.
When do I begin prenatal care?
You should begin care as soon as possible. It is best if you are seen during your first trimester (before 12 weeks pregnant). Some of the discomforts and concerns of early pregnancy can be made easier by starting prenatal care early and getting nutritional counseling with the midwife. If you are not able to be seen during the first trimester please set up your initial appointment as early as possible.
How do I begin care with Rosemary Birthing Home?
The first step to begin care at Rosemary Birthing Home is to attend a Choices in Childbirth/Orientation Class, which is held on Monday and Tuesday nights at 6:00pm. Please call Carmella at 941-228-7303 to register.
Do I need a Pediatrician?
Yes. Your baby will need to be seen by a pediatrician within 24-48 hours after birth. There is no need, however, for you or your baby to go to the hospital following the birth unless a complication arises.
How do I obtain a birth certificate and social security card for my baby?
After the birth of your baby the midwife will submit a birth certificate to the health department. Following it’s submission, a social security card is mailed to the parents. You may obtain a copy of the birth certificate from the health department in the vitals and statistics department for an average fee of $15.00.
Who will clean up after the birth?
Your birth care team will take care of everything after your birth. When the midwife feels it’s time she will call a birth assistant in to aide her. The birth assistant and midwife will: feed you a meal, wash the laundry, disinfect the birth area, clean and disinfect the pool or bathtub, take out any garbage and do anything else that will allow you to focus on nurturing your baby over the next few days.
Do I need an OB in addition to a Licensed Midwife for my prenatal care?
No- Licensed Midwives offer complete prenatal care and laboratory testing. If you desire an ultrasound the midwife will refer you out to a recommended facility.
Is homebirth safe?
According to history and countless research studies homebirth is a very safe option for women. We encourage you to refer to the following websites as resources for self-study regaurding homebirth.
compleatmother.com
thefarm.org
motherfriendly.org
changesurfer.com
midwiferytoday.com
bmj.com