Is Homebirth safe?
As we work together, we will decide whether homebirth is an appropriate and safe option for you and your baby. In the majority of uncomplicated, low-risk pregnancies, home birth offers superior outcomes with less likelihood of unnecessary medical interventions.
US-based research shows that for most women who are at low risk of pregnancy complications, care provided by midwives is as safe and in some cases safer than care provided by physicians. The 2011 Systematic Review of Advanced Practices Nurse Outcomes included 15 studies comparing cesarean rates. Women cared for by CNMs had much lower cesarean rates than women cared for by physicians in comparable populations. There are links to similar studies in our resources section.
We strive to find a balance between traditional midwifery and contemporary maternity care. We hold on dearly to proven traditional skills we learned so they are not lost, but we embrace and use the latest technology and testing available today.
What if Something Unexpected Happens?
Throughout pregnancy, we will be working together to keep you in optimum health and good balance; we will also be vigilantly screening for complications. If, in spite of our best efforts, complications do arise, we will make the necessary arrangements and go with you to the hospital or right health care setting. Most transfers take place in peace, with your own car, and transports do not always mean that there is an emergency. Usually a transport indicates that we need more technology than we have at home for the situation that has arisen.
What does being “on call” really mean? Will you be there if I call at night-time?
We go “on call” for you starting with your 38 week ritual visit. From that moment on we are yours and we work hard to craft our lives with the awareness of your readiness. Communication is key, we don’t go out of range of contact and communicate actively if we expect that it might be unavoidable. You can ALWAYS call, whether it’s the middle of the night or early Saturday morning; the more information we have from you the better we can serve you. Of course we are available to you at any time in during your established care if you need us, please don’t hesitate to call.
Do you use medical equipment/medications?
We bring a Doppler for listening to the fetal heartbeat during labor, medical equipment for monitoring maternal vital signs, homeopathics, and various other supplies and equipment. We also carry resuscitation equipment, emergency medications to stop bleeding, IV supplies, and suturing equipment with local anesthetic.
What should I prepare?
You will be given a list of a few things to prepare for childbirth, the midwife will leave all the required medical supplies at your home once you reach 38 weeks.
What do you think about water birth?
We love water birth! Warm water in labor can make a tremendous difference for many women, and there is some evidence that water can make a smoother transition for baby.
Do you accept VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) clients?
Absolutely. Each woman is screened to make sure that she is low-risk, consistent with established guidelines and overall health.
Who can come to my birth?
Anyone you want! One of the wonderful aspects about choosing to give birth or labor at home is that it focuses on the family unit. Anyone you feel comfortable with is welcome to join. When small children are present, we recommend having a designated care provider so that the laboring mother and her partner are able to focus on the birth.
What do you mean by privacy protection?
We work hard to help you in creating a private space both during birth and immediately afterwards. It is important to feel safe in this time and the less pressure from the outside world the better. Relaxation and ease during labor helps a woman and her body function more efficiently. Stress and fear can cause her body to release hormones that inhibit cervical dilation and increase pain. For midwives, promoting comfort, relaxation and privacy are main goals in their relationships with women and families.
What kind of support system will I need?
Setting up a postnatal support system is invaluable. It allows you time to exist as a new or expanded family, to get to know your new little one, rest, recover and set up a healthy and practical breastfeeding relationship. We urge you to enlist capable friends and family members (this is an ideal for mothers who need a role) to help you by outsourcing shopping, cooking, washing, ironing etc.
What is the Domino Scheme?
Designed after the famous UK maternal and child health service. The Domino Scheme aims at minimizing the disadvantages of hospital stays by cutting hospitalization time to a minimum. For those who need to or choose to have their baby in a hospital, getting there once labor is well under way may mean the difference between a vaginal birth and a cesarean. Likewise, early discharge increases the ease of establishing a healthy breastfeeding relationship between mother and child.
What are the birth registration procedures here in Italy?
The midwife will issue a Certificato di Assistenza al Parto and with this certificate the parents are to register the birth at the Anagrafe (Central City Registrar) which issues a multilingual birth certificate with which the parents can register the birth and apply for a passport at their embassy. Sometime the bureaucratic maze seems intimidating. We can help
Have more questions or want to meet Valeria? Call or email today to schedule a complimentary informational visit.