Question: How do I get a birth certificate for my baby?
Answer:

I will provide you with the necessary paperwork.  You will be instructed in the steps you will need to take to obtain a birth certificate.  You will also be able to obtain a Social Security card once you receive the legal . . . → Read More: FAQ: How do I get a birth certificate for my baby?

Question: What do you do if something happens and I need to go to the hospital?
Answer:

Mercy Medical Center in Redding and St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Red Bluff both have obstetricians on call 24 hours a day.  In the event of a medical emergency, you would be transported to a hospital.  I would . . . → Read More: FAQ: What do you do if something happens and I need to go to the hospital?

Question: What types of equipment do you have if an emergency occurs?
Answer:

I have oxygen and a resuscitator.  These are used for babies that are not breathing spontaneously at birth.  I have IV equipment and medications that can be used if the mother has uncontrolled bleeding following delivery.  In the event a problem . . . → Read More: FAQ: What types of equipment do you have if an emergency occurs?

Question: How long will you stay with me after my baby is born?
Answer:

Each situation is unique.  If everything has gone normally and you and your baby are stable, I remain with you for a minimum of two hours. If your labor has been difficult and you and/or the baby need extended attention, . . . → Read More: FAQ: How long will you stay with me after my baby is born?

Question: What do you offer for pain management?
Answer:

Each woman experiences the physical changes that occur in labor differently.  Our culture has indoctrinated women to think that childbirth is too challenging, too painful and too dangerous.  Unfortunately, most women believe what our medical culture tells them and so women anticipate that the . . . → Read More: FAQ: What do you offer for pain management?

Question: Will I have the freedom to birth in the position of my choice?
Answer:

Yes.  There are a variety of positions that can be very helpful for the birth of a baby.  What position I may recommend will depend upon the position of the baby as it is being born.  Ultimately, you have total . . . → Read More: FAQ: Will I have the freedom to birth in the position of my choice?

Question: How do you monitor the baby during labor?
Answer:

I use a doppler. I will be listening to your baby’s heartbeat intermittently during your labor.  I do not use continuous electronic fetal monitoring.  Numerous studies have shown that continuous monitoring does not improve newborn outcomes but does dramatically increase the number . . . → Read More: FAQ: How do you monitor the baby during labor?

Question: What happens if my due date passes and I have not given birth?
Answer:

Your due date is only a reasonable estimate and not a magical number.  Normal pregnancies can end anywhere from three weeks before your due date until three weeks afterward.  Like the old saying goes, “The apple is ripe when . . . → Read More: FAQ: What happens if my due date passes and I have not given birth?