How do we go about retaining your services?
The first step is to schedule an interview! Come and speak to us face-to-face and ask lots of questions! You may also complete your consultation by phone. We will go over our paperwork with you and explain our services to you completely. If after this interview you wish to hire us as your midwives, then return the registration materials and financial agreement and we will set up your first prenatal appointment!

When you do normally begin prenatal care?
We recommend beginning prenatal care at the end of the first trimester. However, many women may find it helpful to enter into care shortly after learning of the pregnancy for midwifery support during the first trimester. We see our clients once a month until 32 weeks of pregnancy. Then we do visits at 34 weeks and 36 weeks. After that, visits are every week until the birth.

Can I have a waterbirth?
Yes!  We include an optional, inexpensive, waterbirth tub on our supply list for homebirths, and our birth center has two, beautiful, state of the art tubs designed for waterbirth. Many women love the water during labor, and some choose to birth in the water as well. The baby does not take a breath until his head and body touch room air, so waterbirth is safe. Many women wouldn't birth any other way!

I really want an out-of-hospital birth, but my husband is nervous about it. What should we do?
First of all, it is completely normal to feel a little nervous about an out-of-hospital birth as we recoginze that in our country, most women birth in the hospital. We really recommend coming in for a no-obligation interview with the midwives, and asking all of the questions. Usually, when husbands/partners are given the current research about the safety of midwifery care, homebirth, and birth centers, and the opportunity to have their questions answered, they become comfortable with the choice. Attending the free childbirth classes that we offer is another great wayto get this information and get to know us better.

Do you accept my insurance?
Probably. Most insurances will cover or partially cover our fee.  Please bring your insurance card to your first appointment or even to your interview, and we will verify your benefits for you. You will need to have an insurance with out-of-network benefits as we are not in-network with any of the insurance companies. Many times we are even able to get an in-network exception based on the fact that most families do not live in an area with an in-network midwife.  We also do not balance bill you your co-insurance or your deductible. We only balance bill you for any remainder of what is not met of our global fee after all of the billing is completed.  Our in-house insurance biller has much experience in successful billing for midwives. Unfortuantely at this time, Licensed Midwives in WI are not able to accept Medicaid or Badgercare. We also can not bill Tricare (military insurance).

Is it expensive to have a midwife or to birth in the birth center?
We strongly believe that midwifery care is critical in the current climate of excessive cesareans and other interventions in obstetrical care, and intentioanlly work to price our services so that they are accessible to as many families as possible. We keep our overhead low but continue to provide the highest quality care for the lowest possible price. We do have special payment plans available and a sliding fee schedule for families paying out of pocket. We waive the $2000.00 birth center facility fee for cash pay clients so there is NO DIFFERENCE in the cost between birth center and home birth.

What are your areas of specialty and experience?
We offer authentic midwifery and continue to serve women with common variations that midwives have handled for millennia; twins, breeches, vbacs, and a special method of breech version. We have a very high rate of success for VBAC clients. We carry and use traditional western medicines, but are also skilled in the use of alternatives such as homeopathy, herbs and nutritional remedies.

What sets you apart from other midwifery practices?
We have a staff that feels like a family. We do not employ other midwives outside of our practice who may be committed to their own busy practices. The team that you meet here will be your team for your birth. We also provide access directly to a midwife in your pregnancy over the phone for urgent calls. No need to speak to a nurse or receptionist about your care. In addition, we provide an electronic client portal that ensures secure and seamless communication between you and your midwives, the entirety of your chart, and connection with other back-up providers in the event of a consult or transfer. Our birth center provides the utmost privacy and sound barrier, as it is a separate building. There is no need to go through reception and pass waiting clients or classes when you are in labor.