the littlest feet make the biggest footprints in our hearts
Frequently Asked Questions
Asking questions is a crutial step in planning your special birth day!
What is natural birth?
The Natural Birth experience emphasizes family-centered care and promotes a holistic approach to childbirth. This method involves a natural vaginal delivery without routine medical interventions, celebrating the body’s inherent ability to bring forth life. Throughout your pregnancy, labour, and delivery, your healthcare team will offer comprehensive support, including educational resources, emotional encouragement, and physical assistance. This support encompasses prenatal education, empowering you to make informed choices, as well as family involvement to enhance your birthing experience.
What is the criteria to be eligible for a home birth?
Your midwife will evaluate your suitability for a home birth based on your health, pregnancy history, and overall profile.
To qualify, you need to be considered a low-risk pregnant woman.
Some of the criteria to qualify include being free from significant pre-existing medical or obstetric issues like diabetes, heart problems, hypertension, etc. Additionally, you should be at least 16 years old, carrying a single baby in a head-down position by 36 weeks of pregnancy, and have no history of cesarean sections.
If you have any questions about your eligibility, don’t hesitate to reach out for a personalized discussion about your situation.
What is the difference between a Midiwfe and a midwife specialist
A Midwife Specialist is a registered professional nurse and midwife who possesses advanced knowledge and skills in midwifery and neonatology. This professional holds an additional post basic (masters) qualification in the field and is officially registered with the South African Nursing Council. They are equipped to manage both low-risk and high-risk pregnancies, labour, and postpartum care. (SANC. Competencies -Midwife Specialist: May 2014; Government notice no. 368,2014)
When should I book my first appointment?
You can reach out to us as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Building a strong connection with you before the birth can significantly enhance your experience. This way, you’ll feel at ease in your birthing environment!
How late in my pregnancy can I change over my care if I am already with another care provider?
If you are currently receiving care from another provider and wish to transfer your care to me, I kindly ask that you provide your medical records to review. This can be done easily by requesting a transfer of your records, either via email or as a hard copy, from your current health provider to me.
You are welcome to transfer care at any stage of your pregnancy, reach out to chat regarding your situation.
Which areas do you service?
Our service areas encompass Somerset West, Strand, Gordon’s Bay, Stellenbosch, and Macassar, along with all surrounding cities in the Cape Town region.
We also extend our reach to outlying areas such as Grabouw, Betty’s Bay, Paarl, Struisbaai, Montagu, etc!
For inquiries regarding care availability in your specific location, please feel free to reach out to us.
I do not live in Somerset West can I still birth in this facility?
Yes, you are welcome to come and birth at our birth room in Somerset West.
Reach out to chat regarding your situation.
Where do the antenatal visits take place?
Antenatal visits take place at our office in Somerset West.
Where do the postnatal visits take place?
Postnatal visits are conducted at your home, with some appointments also available at our office in Somerset West.
Do you do delayed cord clamping and skin to skin after birth?
Yes.
What pain methods do you offer?
Home births typically foster a more relaxed environment, which tends to reduce fear and anxiety, resulting in less pain during the birthing process.
At our practice natural pain relief methods are used for our moms. These methods include labouring actively, freedom of movements and positions, effective breathing techniques, visualisation, water submersion, massage, counter pressure, homeopathic remedies and aromatherapy.
Are there restrictions on movement during labour?
No movement restrictions. We adapt to your needs, no matter your position! We wholeheartedly promote movement and the freedom to move without restrictions during labor.
Do you have a backup hospital in case of emergency
Yes, Helderberg Hospital and Medi-Clinic Vergelegen serve as our backup hospitals in the area. Vergelegen Mediclinic serves as the designated backup facility for clients with a backup doctor in Somerset West, while Helderberg Hospital is designated for clients without a backup doctor.
Clients planning home births in other cities will be directed to the nearest hospital, as previously established during our consultations.
We are professionally trained and experienced in identifying potential problems and managing emergencies. If necessary, we will swiftly arrange a calm transfer to a hospital.
We are thoroughly trained and proficient in providing immediate response in an emergency situation.
How close is the nearest hospital in case of transfer?
If you are planning a home birth at your residence it would depend on where you live.
If you are planning a home birth at our birth room in Somerset West then Helderberg Hospital is just 5 minutes away (3,3km) and Mediclinic Vergelegen 8 minutes away (4,3km) from the birth room.
The choice of which hospital will backup your birth depends on whether you are a mom utilising a backup gynaecologist or medical aid or one who prefers to pay cash and is comfortable seeking government services if a transfer becomes necessary.
In what situations would transfer to a hospital be necessary
We strive to support mothers in achieving their natural birth experience to the fullest extent possible.
However, there are certain situations where a transfer to a hospital may be necessary, as determined by the lead midwife.
These scenarios can include a mother’s request, unbearable pain (though this is quite rare), signs of fetal distress, maternal health concerns such as significant blood loss or exhaustion, slow progress during labor, or issues like a retained placenta.
While these circumstances are uncommon, if we identify any risk factors at any stage, we will arrange for a transfer of care.
Can you provide assistance with insurance claims and paperwork?
We are not tied to a specific medical aid, but we are registered with the Board of Healthcare Funders. This enables our clients to pay us directly and subsequently claim reimbursement from their medical aid using the invoice we provide, which includes all the necessary ICD10 procedure codes.
It’s essential to check with your medical aid regarding coverage for antenatal and postnatal visits, as well as the birth itself, and to obtain the necessary authorization.
Are payment plans or financial assistance available?
Yes, we collaborate with a medical loan provider named MediWallet, which helps clients manage their medical expenses. They offer flexible payment options, allowing you to pay in installments even after your procedure.
For more information, you can visit their website at http://www.mediwallet.co.za/
Is a home birth safe?
During the birthing process, midwives closely monitor the baby’s heart rate and the mother’s vital signs, including pulse, temperature, blood pressure, cervical dilation, etc. They are trained to address complications that may occur, such as the baby not breathing, excessive maternal bleeding, umbilical cord issues, difficulties with the baby’s descent, as well as managing tearing, etc.
Home birth is a natural and well-structured process rather than a medical intervention, and when conducted correctly, it can be safer than delivering in a hospital setting. Private midwives typically do not accept high-risk pregnancies, such as those involving specific health issues, pre-eclampsia, or multiple births (such as twins), and they always have contingency plans in collaboration with obstetricians and hospitals for any emergencies that may arise.