zMost Frequently Asked Questionsz

What is a Midwife?

A midwife is someone who is specifically trained to provide maternity and birth services.  Most midwives believe that pregnancy and birth is a normal, natural occurance, not an illness or a problem.  Midwives will give nuturing, respectful care, personal attention, with the primary emphasis on education and information regarding your pregnancy and birth.  The Family Birth Center of Naples staffs Licensed and certified Professional Midwives.  Licensed Midwives are autonomous practitioners providing care to women experiencing healthy, normal pregnancies.

 Why Choose A Midwife?

It is fact that infant/maternal mortality rates are lower in developed countries where midwives deliver most of the low-risk population than the infant/mortality rate in the United States.  The lower-cost thorough care that midwives provide, without the unecessary intervention works!

What is the Difference Between Hospital and Out-of-Hospital Birth?

The experience at a birth center is vastly different than that of a hospital.  Women are encouraged to move around freely during labor, eat & drink during labor, wear their own clothing, bring friends and family if they choose, and record their birth if they wish.  Most birth centers promote and prepare women for natural birthing.  Babies are never separated from the the parents, and the duration of the postpartum stay is generally shorter than that of a 24 hour hospital stay.Women and their families have the ability to design their own birth experience.  The standard procedures and protocols will usually never get in the way of what someone wants.  Because of this the rate of satisfaction is usually much higher at a birth center.

Are Birth Centers Safe?

This is probably the most largely asked question.  Studies show that having your baby out-of-hospital will not increase the risk to your and your baby.  Midwives are trained professionals that are capable of recognizing and handling complicated situations before they become an emergency.  Birth Centers are well-equipped with certain medications, oxygen, and resusitation equipment to handle unexpected situations.  Although rare, on occasion it is necessary to transfer care to a hospital.  Efficient and effective transfer policies are then followed to ensure safety to mother and baby.  Safety is our number one concern!

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Will My Insurance Cover Birth Center/Homebirth?

It is a Florida State Law that all insurance companies and Medicaid covers services provided my midwives and birth centers.  Although, you will have to check with the individual provider to see if they are a participating provider with your insurance company.  With the lower-cost of birth center sevices and network gap policies you most likely will end up paying less than for OB/hospital services.  Most birth centers have flexible payment plans for self-pays as well.

What Pain Relief Methods Are Available in a Birth Center?

All freestanding birth centers promote natural birth, as anesthesia such as an epidural is not safe to use out-of-hospital.  With education and support, a natural birth is very attainable, not to mention empowering.  Having the ability to move and change positions and use water (hydrotherapy) during labor are some of the most effective means of pain management of natural labor.  We at The Family Birth center of Naples also feel that this is the safest wat to labor for you and your baby.  You never need to worry about drug interactions or effects on the baby.  Some birth centers, however, may have IV pain medication available if needed.

What Is Waterbirth?

Waterbirth takes place when the mother births her baby while immersed in water.  The philosophy behind this is that the transition for baby, coming from a warm water environment, is easier while being born into the water.  The baby is immediately brought onto the mother's chest.  There are no known risks to mother or baby having waterbirth, and most mother will say it is easier to labor/birth in the water as well.  Many birth centers will do waterbirths.  The Family Birth Center of Naples is the only facility in Collier County providing waterbirth.

 -THE FAMILY BIRTH CENTER OF NAPLES-

SERVING FAMILIES SINCE 1998