Frequently Asked Questions

What insurances and forms of payments do you accept?

• For private/commercial insurance plans, clients make payments to us throughout their care, once the baby is born I submit claims to your insurance company for both you and your baby on your behalf. I reimburse you the amount, if any, that  your insurance pays for the claims I submit
• Reimbursement is dependent on your specific policy, out of network benefits and deductibles. Click here for more detailed information on this process and what it means for Homebirth.
• We recommend that you call your insurance company to check your specific policy for benefits, including out-of-network benefits, and deductibles. (specify home birth with a LM/CPM)
• BCBS PPO (HMO does not pay for home birth)
• Presbyterian PPO (HMO does not pay for home birth)
• United Health care
• Aetna
• Christian Health Insurance/coops
• NM Health Exchange does not cover Home Births
  

• Medicaid-Presbyterian and BCBS Centennial ( I am not contracted with Western Skies). I no longer accept Medicaid.
  
• I do work on a sliding scale for families experiencing extreme financial hardship. Please call for more info.
• Health savings accounts (3.7% credit card processing fee added)
• Credit Card (3.7% credit card processing fee added)
• Cash or Check
• Apple Pay
• Venmo


What hospitals do you use in case I have to transfer into hospital to have my baby?

• University of New Mexico Hospital- We have a great working relationship and is my preferred hospital
• Lovelace Women's Hospital
  
• Presbyterian at the request of the client, otherwise I DO NOT recommended transferring to that facility.  Rust medical center will accept transfers from out of hospital midwives (both LM/CPM's and CNM's)
  

Do you stay with us if we transfer into hospital?                                                                                          

• Yes, we stay with you and work with hospital staff, supporting you in advocating for your care. Once discharged, we can resume your postpartum care. (Since COVID, as it stands, UNMH currently allows two visitors with the labouring women; her partner and either a family member, doula or myself. Lovelace Women's Hosptial; partner. (I am working on LLWH to allow midwives in when transferring care). Presbyterian; only the partner. Subject to change. Check the hospitals for their COVID visitor policies.
  

Do you do water births?

• Yes! Approx. 85% of births occur in water, second on the list is birthing on the toilet!

How long are appointment times?

• Approx. 60 minutes per visit


What if two births occur at the same time?

• In the rare instance we have two mothers in labour at the same time, I will send another Licensed and qualified Home Birth Midwife to attend the other birth. My apprentice(s) and I will split up, if at all possible, to maintain continuity of care.

What if I birth quickly and my baby arrives before the Midwife?

• Babies are sometimes in a rush to be born! Throughout your pregnancy we talk about the normalcy of labour and birth, empowering women to trust your body along with educating families for such an occurrence. We are always in-route to your home, sometimes on the phone with you or your partner for guidance. We do not make you go into hospital for a precipitous birth, and we never miss the delivery of the placenta!

Can children come to my appointments?

• Yes, children are welcome. They love to help out when it comes time to listen to baby.

How many clients do you take in a month?

• Typically 3-5, but up to 5-7 clients a month.

I don't want to have an ultrasound, do you require one?

• No, we do not require clients to have ultrasounds to birth at home.

We live in an RV, can we still have have a home birth?

• Yes! In fact, I have attended quite a few RV births. Home sometimes is where you park it!
  • Go to High Desert Midwifery and Women's Health on facebook for our latest RV-home birth story aired by KOB-TV highlighting the RV home birth that occurred AT the 2017 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!