I would love to provide you with the best care possible, should you have a question that's not covered, I'm here to discuss any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I schedule my first appointment?
Initial visits are scheduled to be approximately around 10-12 weeks. Before then, we are available by text or phone for questions or concerns.
CAN I HAVE A HOME BIRTH AFTER A C SECTION (VBAC)
Yes! We believe strongly in offering support to woman whom have had a previous cesarean section. VBACs are special births! http://vbacfacts.com
Do you require ultrasounds?
If you are not sure of your LMP (Last Menstrual Period), we encourage you to have a “dating” ultrasound to give us the most accurate date for delivery. As well, we strongly recommend a 20 week anatomy scan. Our goal is to help you remain healthy and low risk. The information received at an anatomy scan is one way to help you make the best decision for the birth of your baby. If you should go post dates, a bio-physical profile and non-stress test are recommended.
Newborn Questions
Should I take my baby to a pediatrician after birth?
The CPM credential scope of care includes, care of the normal, healthy newborn for the first 6 weeks of life. During pregnancy, you are encouraged to choose a care provider in case their services are needed but you are not required to have the baby seen immediately after birth.
Does baby need any testing after birth?
In addition to the initial newborn exam, we offer CCHD (Critical Congenital Heart Defect) testing at birth and 2 days post partum as well as the Newborn Metabolic screening. We can also arrange to have the hearing screen done at 2 weeks post partum or can refer you to an audiology center. Blood test such as bilirubin levels and blood typing can also be done as needed. Note the Newborn Metabolic Screen and Hearing screen are required by Virginia State law unless a parent or guardian objects on the grounds that the test conflicts with their religious practices.
Do you offer breastfeeding support?
Yes. Breastfeeding education is part of midwifery education and is strongly encouraged. I am Certified Lactation Consultant but it can be difficult sometimes for me to do both jobs. If problems should arrive that cannot be resolved, we have referrals for lactation consultants and Pediatric Dentist that can be used to evaluate for any tongue tie concerns.
Waterbirth Questions
Do you offer water birth?
Yes! Water birth Is a great way to help a laboring mother relax and cope with the discomforts of labor.
What is your training in water birth?
My training in water birth was included in midwifery school as well as in my apprenticeship. I was trained by senior midwives that had been delivering babies in water for years. I have also attended Barbara Harper's Water Birth Conference.
I have been told being in the water can slow down labor. Is this true?
I encourage a woman to get in the birth pool once labor is active. This means uterine contractions that are "longer, stronger and closer together". 6-7 centimetres is perfect! In my experience, being in the tub can possibly inhibit labor if you are not already in active labor. If labor slows, you will come out and continue to move around, and typically labor ensues on its own.
How long is the baby under the water?
Immediately following the birth, you will be encouraged to lift your baby out of the water onto your chest. Once the baby's head is above the water, he/she will take it's first breath. Please see this link for more information https://evidencebasedbirth.com/waterbirth/
Can I birth in any position?
Yes! Water birth is all about comfort and you will not be restricted in position as long as it is conducive to providing safety and does not inhibit “entry” for the baby.
Can my partner be in the tub as well?
You are welcome to invite your parter, family member or child(ren) in the tub with you with the understanding that the water may not remain free of your birth “fluids.”
Will I ever need to get out of the tub before birth?
You are always welcome to get out of the tub at any time if you are not comfortable. If during the labor, the baby should have non- reassuring fetal heart tones, meconium or any other reason that the midwife feels it would be beneficial to have the baby birthed on “land”, you will be encouraged to get out of the tub.
Transfer Questions
What If I have to transfer out of care during pregnancy?
If you should need to transfer out of care before 36 weeks, your refund will be prorated based on the care you received. If transfer is needed after 36 weeks there is no refund. However your midwife, is still your midwife! Even if you need to transfer to another primary provider for a medical reason, I will still be there for you for support during the rest of your pregnancy, labor and delivery. We offer to attend your hospital birth as labor support ("Doula") and to assist by sharing pertinent medical information with the attending physician. Your home postpartum care with Nancy will remain the same after you have been discharged.
Do you have a medical doctor you can consult with if needed?
Yes. Having the opportunity to develop relationships with various doctors in the area, allow for consultations of care and ease of transfers if needed.
What if I have to transfer out of care during labor?
If you need to transfer out of care during labor and it is an emergency, we will go by ambulance to the closest hospital to your home. The midwife will ride in the ambulance with mom and dad will follow. If non-emergent, we will go by car to the hospital of your choice. Either way, you will be admitted under the hospitalist's care, I will remain with you but not as your primary provider but as labor support ("Doula") and assist by sharing pertinent medical information with the attending physician. I will remain with you throughout your labor, delivery and to help with breastfeeding. Your home postpartum care with Nancy will remain the same after you have been discharged.
Financial Questions
Do you participate with insurance companies?
My NOVA Home Birth is not a participating provider with any insurance. We are a self pay practice. Insurances companies do not like to cooperate with this model of care. They are created to work within the medical model of care which focuses on quantity of care and less on quality of care. We have found that setting limits on appointment time in order to bill for as many clients as possible goes contrary to the Midwifery Model of Care. In order for me to be able to offer a service built on quality of care which includes personal attention and a focus on the unique relationship between a midwife and her client, My NOVA Home Birth offers in home, one hour prenatal visits, personal contact with a solo midwife, and limits our client load per month. We hope that by doing this, we will be able to offer the time to bond with our clients, educate, and support them in a way they deserve and to help them stay healthy and low risk. The studies show that no matter where you give birth, if a woman has had quality, midwifery care
during pregnancy, she greatly increases her likelihood of a healthy, positive birthing experience. And we believe this is invaluable.
during pregnancy, she greatly increases her likelihood of a healthy, positive birthing experience. And we believe this is invaluable.
Do you participate with Health Sharing plans, such as Samaritan Ministries,Liberty, etc.
Yes! We can provide you with the necessary estimate of benefits for coverage.
What is your fee?
The fee is what is billed to insurance after the baby is born and then again at 6 weeks postpartum. Because insurance reimbursement from each insurance company is basically an unknown until after billing, we ask that you pay a deposit toward that amount. This includes a $500 “Commitment Fee” due at your initial visit. The balance of the deposit is due by 36 weeks regardless of whether you are insured or not. You may pay this in a lump sum or spread out over the course of your pregnancy. We believe every woman should have the right to choose this option and try to keep cost at a minimum. MedLoan is also available to help with financing your birth. www.medloanfinance.com See more info. below. Please feel free to call for more information regarding cost of care with My NOVA HOMEBIRTH.
Are there any other out of pocket expenses?
Yes, there a minimal amount of other out of pocket expenses. This includes, out of pocket labs (cost varies) and ultrasounds( varies) . (My NOVA home birth has an agreement to provide labs at a low cost for uninsured clients.) Other cost include the purchase of a birth kit ($134), optional birth tub rental ($150), water birth liner ($43), newborn metabolic screen ($150), hearing screen ( varies), birth
assistant fee ($ 600), billing administrative fee ($275) for self filing or using SLB. Basic home supplies, childbirth education (cost varies), any supplements, hiring of a Doula, photographer, etc.
assistant fee ($ 600), billing administrative fee ($275) for self filing or using SLB. Basic home supplies, childbirth education (cost varies), any supplements, hiring of a Doula, photographer, etc.
Are you a Medicaid Provider?
I'm sorry, but we are not currently Medicaid providers.
Can I use my Flexible Spending Plan for payment?
Yes. You are welcome to use those funds for payment. Because HSA funds are typically distributed in the form of a credit card, there is a 3% convenience charge to use this service.
Do you have any resources to help me pay for this service?
Yes. We are happy to help set up a payment plan or can suggest applying for a medical based loan with Med Loan Finance, which allows you 18+ months to pay the loan, possibly interest free. Funds are issued in the form of a credit card.
There is an additional 3% convenience charge for this option.
There is an additional 3% convenience charge for this option.
Can I provide my own birth assistant?
No. I'm sorry. You are welcome to hire your own doula, birth photographer or anyone else you would like to have at your birth, but all our birth assistants are carefully selected to meet certain criteria of My NOVA home birth
What forms of payment do you take?
We accept cash, checks, credit cards with an additional 3% convenience charge for this option.
Do you allow self billing?
If you have insurance, we strongly suggest you allow the billing company to bill for you. My NOVA Home birth does not give out codes. Should you choose to self bill, there is a $275 administrative fee due to the extra administrative work and additional interaction with your insurance company.
Do you have a billing service?
As a courtesy to our clients, we have contracted with a billing company to help you bill your insurance for possible reimbursement. When using a billing service you are "hiring"; them to submit our Global Fee for possible reimbursement. It is important that you review your agreement with them and understand the service. The first step would be to do a verification of benefits (VOB). This will determine your exact coverage. The billing company used is www.SLB-billing.com. There is a $25.00 fee for this service. They will verify your benefits and notify you and My NOVA Home birth. SLB collects a commission fee based on your insurance reimbursement after all billing is complete. There is also a $275.00 administrative fee deducted from your reimbursement for time involved communicating with your insurance company.
If my insurance reimburses, how long will it be before I will receive a check?
That is entirely due to the speed at which your insurance company releases it. Please be aware there are no guarantees that your insurance company will cover any of this service. They dictate what and how much of the billed service they will cover, if any. We have NO control over this.
If my insurance does not cover home birth will I owe more than the global fee?
If your insurance does not cover the cost or if you have a very high deductible, we have a forgiveness program that will limit your out of pocket expenses to our global fee and the few out of pocket expenses listed above.
Do you offer any discounts?
We cannot offer discounts based on whether you are insured or not. Although we can offer a "time of service" discount if your balance is paid by 34 weeks. If you research the cost of a hospital birth, you will see that this service is already severely discounted. Because My NOVA Home Birth limits the amount of clients we serve, you are assured a flexible, in-home prenatal schedule, and very personalized, solo midwifery care.
If you have any additional questions, please reach out to me, and I will help answer all your questions.
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Areas Served:
Loudoun, Fairfax, Chantilly, Leesburg, Ashburn, South Riding, Aldi, Centreville, Manassas, Sterling, Reston, Woodbridge, Vienna, Winchester, Purceville, Stephens City, Front Royal, Flint Hill, Bealeton, Warrenton, Haymarket, Gainsville, Dulles, Dumfries, Lorton, Springfield, Alexandria, Arlington, Falls Church and surrounding areas. |
Phone: 703-439-7298
Email: [email protected] |