Posted: 1/28/2016 12:57:01 PM EDT
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# 8 arrived last evening about 11:15 pm. Delivery took place at home, as usual for us. Attending the birth were my wife, 2 midwifes (these two ladies work together, and we have used them before and we are very happy with them), my 15 year old daughter (if anyone can think of a better way to discourage premarital sex, please let me know), myself, and around 11:15 a daughter.
I am not writing this to brag or to try and convert anyone to follow our example, but if anyone has questions about how things were handled, please feel free to ask. I am quite aware that home births are no longer common in America, but I believe the majority of us are here to prepare for unusual future circumstances we may find ourselves in, and as so, I will try to answer any questions people might have. Mamma and baby are fine, and getting to know each other. Baby weighed 10 lb, 2 oz. and measured 21 inches. My wife called the midwifes earlier in the day and asked about their schedule. About 6 pm she called again and said she would probably be calling them tonight. About 8:00 she called and said they might want to get ready, they said they would start over. They arrived about 9:15 and checked my wife and said not yet, but not too long. They left about 12:45 am. Total cost for the delivery and all prenatal visits, $ 1,020.00 It will be a busy day for me at work, as I left a few hours early yesterday, I may not be able to respond to questions right away, but I will get to them. |
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Wow! That's outstanding!!!!
So, $1020. Is that $20 for the copay for the prenatal visits and $1000 for the midwives? My insurance covered everything except for a $20 copay, this is why I assume the above. Does insurance cover the midwife? Do you have medical? Also, you said you had another to prep for, then said #8 arrived last night. Is that 8 kids and 2 adults or 8 total? Happy for ya, Pops! 
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Quoted:
Wow! That's outstanding!!!! So, $1020. Is that $20 for the copay for the prenatal visits and $1000 for the midwives? My insurance covered everything except for a $20 copay, this is why I assume the above. Does insurance cover the midwife? Do you have medical? Also, you said you had another to prep for, then said #8 arrived last night. Is that 8 kids and 2 adults or 8 total? Happy for ya, Pops! $ 500.00 cash to each midwife = $ 1000.00 There was no copay for the prenatal visits at the midwifes. $ 20.00 cash for a few extra absorbent pads they brought with them, and a wash bottle since my wife couldn't find hers. 8 children and two adults make up our family of 10. We have no medical insurance of any type since the affordable care act raised our costs to where we choose not to participate. We do choose to contribute to a church based sharing group although we have never used the benefits from it. To be clear, there is no fixed rate for the midwife services of this couple. We give a gift of our choosing to them. In this case I chose to give them $ 500 cash each. While this does not seem like much, they run their businesses out of their house, and their expenses are minimal. Neither one is certified by the state, however we far prefer these two over the state certified one we used (once) in the past. When my wife takes the child for a checkup in a few days we will take them a basket with some fruit and perhaps some cheese as an additional thank you. We are rather simple folks, and the midwives are like minded. It seems to work well for all involved. This was the 10th home birth for this couple this month so far. I would suspect that our gift to them is on the high side to what they usually receive. They are not getting rich on this, but they enjoy their work (ha, almost used the word labor there). The younger midwife is in her 60's and the older one in her 70's. The 70 + one does not drive, so the younger one brings her or the expecting family will bring her to their house. The older one's sister is also a local midwife, she had the expecting mothers come to her house, and they stay there for a few days to rest afterward if they desire. |
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$ 500.00 cash to each midwife = $ 1000.00 There was no copay for the prenatal visits at the midwifes. $ 20.00 cash for a few extra absorbent pads they brought with them, and a wash bottle since my wife couldn't find hers. 8 children and two adults make up our family of 10. We have no medical insurance of any type since the affordable care act raised our costs to where we choose not to participate. We do choose to contribute to a church based sharing group although we have never used the benefits from it. To be clear, there is no fixed rate for the midwife services of this couple. We give a gift of our choosing to them. In this case I chose to give them $ 500 cash each. While this does not seem like much, they run their businesses out of their house, and their expenses are minimal. Neither one is certified by the state, however we far prefer these two over the state certified one we used (once) in the past. When my wife takes the child for a checkup in a few days we will take them a basket with some fruit and perhaps some cheese as an additional thank you. We are rather simple folks, and the midwives are like minded. It seems to work well for all involved. This was the 10th home birth for this couple this month so far. I would suspect that our gift to them is on the high side to what they usually receive. They are not getting rich on this, but they enjoy their work (ha, almost used the word labor there). The younger midwife is in her 60's and the older one in her 70's. The 70 + one does not drive, so the younger one brings her or the expecting family will bring her to their house. The older one's sister is also a local midwife, she had the expecting mothers come to her house, and they stay there for a few days to rest afterward if they desire. Quoted:
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Wow! That's outstanding!!!! So, $1020. Is that $20 for the copay for the prenatal visits and $1000 for the midwives? My insurance covered everything except for a $20 copay, this is why I assume the above. Does insurance cover the midwife? Do you have medical? Also, you said you had another to prep for, then said #8 arrived last night. Is that 8 kids and 2 adults or 8 total? Happy for ya, Pops! $ 500.00 cash to each midwife = $ 1000.00 There was no copay for the prenatal visits at the midwifes. $ 20.00 cash for a few extra absorbent pads they brought with them, and a wash bottle since my wife couldn't find hers. 8 children and two adults make up our family of 10. We have no medical insurance of any type since the affordable care act raised our costs to where we choose not to participate. We do choose to contribute to a church based sharing group although we have never used the benefits from it. To be clear, there is no fixed rate for the midwife services of this couple. We give a gift of our choosing to them. In this case I chose to give them $ 500 cash each. While this does not seem like much, they run their businesses out of their house, and their expenses are minimal. Neither one is certified by the state, however we far prefer these two over the state certified one we used (once) in the past. When my wife takes the child for a checkup in a few days we will take them a basket with some fruit and perhaps some cheese as an additional thank you. We are rather simple folks, and the midwives are like minded. It seems to work well for all involved. This was the 10th home birth for this couple this month so far. I would suspect that our gift to them is on the high side to what they usually receive. They are not getting rich on this, but they enjoy their work (ha, almost used the word labor there). The younger midwife is in her 60's and the older one in her 70's. The 70 + one does not drive, so the younger one brings her or the expecting family will bring her to their house. The older one's sister is also a local midwife, she had the expecting mothers come to her house, and they stay there for a few days to rest afterward if they desire. Wow! I feel like I'm seeing America's past and future at the same time! |
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Quoted: Wow! I feel like I'm seeing America's past and future at the same time! Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Wow! That's outstanding!!!! So, $1020. Is that $20 for the copay for the prenatal visits and $1000 for the midwives? My insurance covered everything except for a $20 copay, this is why I assume the above. Does insurance cover the midwife? Do you have medical? Also, you said you had another to prep for, then said #8 arrived last night. Is that 8 kids and 2 adults or 8 total? Happy for ya, Pops! $ 500.00 cash to each midwife = $ 1000.00 There was no copay for the prenatal visits at the midwifes. $ 20.00 cash for a few extra absorbent pads they brought with them, and a wash bottle since my wife couldn't find hers. 8 children and two adults make up our family of 10. We have no medical insurance of any type since the affordable care act raised our costs to where we choose not to participate. We do choose to contribute to a church based sharing group although we have never used the benefits from it. To be clear, there is no fixed rate for the midwife services of this couple. We give a gift of our choosing to them. In this case I chose to give them $ 500 cash each. While this does not seem like much, they run their businesses out of their house, and their expenses are minimal. Neither one is certified by the state, however we far prefer these two over the state certified one we used (once) in the past. When my wife takes the child for a checkup in a few days we will take them a basket with some fruit and perhaps some cheese as an additional thank you. We are rather simple folks, and the midwives are like minded. It seems to work well for all involved. This was the 10th home birth for this couple this month so far. I would suspect that our gift to them is on the high side to what they usually receive. They are not getting rich on this, but they enjoy their work (ha, almost used the word labor there). The younger midwife is in her 60's and the older one in her 70's. The 70 + one does not drive, so the younger one brings her or the expecting family will bring her to their house. The older one's sister is also a local midwife, she had the expecting mothers come to her house, and they stay there for a few days to rest afterward if they desire. Wow! I feel like I'm seeing America's past and future at the same time! I applaud you OP. Did you have any pregnancy issues in those 8, if you don't mind me asking? On our second, my wife had hormone deficiency, and she almost miscarried. Medical doctors won't do anything about it until you have lost 3 that way. Luckily, we have other options and saved our son. He is truly a blessing (as all children are)! |
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Home birth is awesome. Well worth considering if you are looking at kids. Cheaper than hospital birth as well in many cases. I applaud you OP. Did you have any pregnancy issues in those 8, if you don't mind me asking? On our second, my wife had hormone deficiency, and she almost miscarried. Medical doctors won't do anything about it until you have lost 3 that way. Luckily, we have other options and saved our son. He is truly a blessing (as all children are)! Quoted:
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Wow! That's outstanding!!!! So, $1020. Is that $20 for the copay for the prenatal visits and $1000 for the midwives? My insurance covered everything except for a $20 copay, this is why I assume the above. Does insurance cover the midwife? Do you have medical? Also, you said you had another to prep for, then said #8 arrived last night. Is that 8 kids and 2 adults or 8 total? Happy for ya, Pops! $ 500.00 cash to each midwife = $ 1000.00 There was no copay for the prenatal visits at the midwifes. $ 20.00 cash for a few extra absorbent pads they brought with them, and a wash bottle since my wife couldn't find hers. 8 children and two adults make up our family of 10. We have no medical insurance of any type since the affordable care act raised our costs to where we choose not to participate. We do choose to contribute to a church based sharing group although we have never used the benefits from it. To be clear, there is no fixed rate for the midwife services of this couple. We give a gift of our choosing to them. In this case I chose to give them $ 500 cash each. While this does not seem like much, they run their businesses out of their house, and their expenses are minimal. Neither one is certified by the state, however we far prefer these two over the state certified one we used (once) in the past. When my wife takes the child for a checkup in a few days we will take them a basket with some fruit and perhaps some cheese as an additional thank you. We are rather simple folks, and the midwives are like minded. It seems to work well for all involved. This was the 10th home birth for this couple this month so far. I would suspect that our gift to them is on the high side to what they usually receive. They are not getting rich on this, but they enjoy their work (ha, almost used the word labor there). The younger midwife is in her 60's and the older one in her 70's. The 70 + one does not drive, so the younger one brings her or the expecting family will bring her to their house. The older one's sister is also a local midwife, she had the expecting mothers come to her house, and they stay there for a few days to rest afterward if they desire. Wow! I feel like I'm seeing America's past and future at the same time! I applaud you OP. Did you have any pregnancy issues in those 8, if you don't mind me asking? On our second, my wife had hormone deficiency, and she almost miscarried. Medical doctors won't do anything about it until you have lost 3 that way. Luckily, we have other options and saved our son. He is truly a blessing (as all children are)! My wife had no medical issues other than low progesterone levels during early pregnancy. This is something she has had issues with in the past, and treats it with an external non prescription cream. She has had one miscarriage in the past she believes due to the low progesterone levels, this was before she was aware of the problem. Other than that, no medical issues with the children. We do wait longer than the government recommends to give our children immunization shots. Strangely, our family doctor approves of this although he is careful in how he words his recommendations. |
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Quoted: My wife had no medical issues other than low progesterone levels during early pregnancy. This is something she has had issues with in the past, and treats it with an external non prescription cream. She has had one miscarriage in the past she believes due to the low progesterone levels, this was before she was aware of the problem. Sorry to hear you lost one  |
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Wow! I feel like I'm seeing America's past and future at the same time! Quoted:
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Wow! That's outstanding!!!! So, $1020. Is that $20 for the copay for the prenatal visits and $1000 for the midwives? My insurance covered everything except for a $20 copay, this is why I assume the above. Does insurance cover the midwife? Do you have medical? Also, you said you had another to prep for, then said #8 arrived last night. Is that 8 kids and 2 adults or 8 total? Happy for ya, Pops! $ 500.00 cash to each midwife = $ 1000.00 There was no copay for the prenatal visits at the midwifes. $ 20.00 cash for a few extra absorbent pads they brought with them, and a wash bottle since my wife couldn't find hers. 8 children and two adults make up our family of 10. We have no medical insurance of any type since the affordable care act raised our costs to where we choose not to participate. We do choose to contribute to a church based sharing group although we have never used the benefits from it. To be clear, there is no fixed rate for the midwife services of this couple. We give a gift of our choosing to them. In this case I chose to give them $ 500 cash each. While this does not seem like much, they run their businesses out of their house, and their expenses are minimal. Neither one is certified by the state, however we far prefer these two over the state certified one we used (once) in the past. When my wife takes the child for a checkup in a few days we will take them a basket with some fruit and perhaps some cheese as an additional thank you. We are rather simple folks, and the midwives are like minded. It seems to work well for all involved. This was the 10th home birth for this couple this month so far. I would suspect that our gift to them is on the high side to what they usually receive. They are not getting rich on this, but they enjoy their work (ha, almost used the word labor there). The younger midwife is in her 60's and the older one in her 70's. The 70 + one does not drive, so the younger one brings her or the expecting family will bring her to their house. The older one's sister is also a local midwife, she had the expecting mothers come to her house, and they stay there for a few days to rest afterward if they desire. Wow! I feel like I'm seeing America's past and future at the same time! Congrats Dad, very happy to hear it all went well for you. And yes everything old is new again, but the homebirth/midwife/doula movement has been picking up steam for many years..I wouldn't be surprised if the ladies who assisted you were idealistic young hippies at one point. |
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Congrats Dad, very happy to hear it all went well for you.
And yes everything old is new again, but the homebirth/midwife/doula movement has been picking up steam for many years..I wouldn't be surprised if the ladies who assisted you were idealistic young hippies at one point. I think that is highly unlikely for these two, but I would believe it about the one certified midwife we used for one birth - and did not use again. |
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Congrats Lumper.
We have 4 kids, all were born using a midwife, the first was born in a midwifery center, and the last three were born at home in the tub. We paid between $1500 and $2000 per kid. The last one we paid for using gold. For those wondering about using a midwife, they do very well during the early exams to rule out possible problems. If they foresee any problems, they will either have a doctor deliver or use a hospital for delivery. My sister had twins and the midwife would only deliver at the hospital. |