BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

DH and I are starting TTC late this summer/early fall. (I know I'm asking this way in advance). I like the idea of working with a midwife, but I'm not sure how to find one. I'm in central Nassau. Once I get a list of names, how do I know they are reputable? insured? affiliated with a hospital in case of emergancy? Are their visits covered by insurance like OBGYNs or is it all out of pocket?

THANK YOU!!

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

We're using a midwife and having a homebirth and have been down the road of choosing a caregiver with no help or guidance. Although I live in CT the method for finding a midwife would be the same, so I'll give you what I've learned...

To find one: I started out by using good 'ole Google. I found a good amount that way. I'm also an active member of a more "crunchy" mamas website (FM me if you want the name, not sure if I'm allowed to post it here), and they are a fantastic resource! There are a few different types of midwives out there - CNM and CPM are two biggies. The differences come down to training and licensing. The type you choose depends on the setting you want to give birth in and what makes you comfortable.

I HIGHLY recommend the book "Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth." It compares all the models of care out there (including hospital) and gives a great list of questions to ask at the actual midwife interview. Of course the book is skewed toward the homebirth midwifery model, but it'll still give you a great overview of all of your choices.

Choosing the midwife: Make interview appointments (which should be free of charge) with a number of different midwives. Not only is training and credentialing important, but so is personality. Don't be afraid to ask a million questions (I brought Ina May's list with me). Also don't be shy about calling up some references to see how other ladies birthing experiences were with the midwives you're considering. Then, with all that info in hand - this may sound corny but - let your heart guide you. I truly believe finding a midwife is like finding Mr. Right. When you find the right one, you'll just "know." :D

What's covered: Well, that all depends on your insurance, where you live and your midwife. My insurance is Aetna and they cover nothing. (We're currently fighting this). You need to call your insurance company and ask what they cover. The call will more than likely be complicated and annoying, but especially in NY, you should be covered to a certain degree.

Midwives book up quick. Since you're TTC I'd suggest doing all the legwork before you get that BFP, so when you do, all you have to do is make a quick call to your midwife of choice and book her! Avoiding the stress of finding a midwife during the first tri will be a lifesaver!

I hope that helps you get started. Let me know if I can help in any other way. I know from experience that finding the right midwife can be overwhelming and challenging.

Good luck!!!

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

I used Stonybrook Midwives, but that's quite far from you. I went to a "meet the midwives" seminar and hospital tour and that's when I made my decision at 20 weeks (switched from another OB practice). LOVE them. They practice out of an OB office and deliver at Stony Brook, and all visits and delivery are covered by insurance just like with a traditional OB. Your insurance book (or website) should have a list of midwives that are covered, I know mine did. I loved that supported medicated and non-medicated births. Good luck

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Posted by EmmaNick

I used Stonybrook Midwives, but that's quite far from you. I went to a "meet the midwives" seminar and hospital tour and that's when I made my decision at 20 weeks (switched from another OB practice). LOVE them. They practice out of an OB office and deliver at Stony Brook, and all visits and delivery are covered by insurance just like with a traditional OB. Your insurance book (or website) should have a list of midwives that are covered, I know mine did. I loved that supported medicated and non-medicated births. Good luck

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Posted by TheDivineMrsM

Posted by EmmaNick

I used Stonybrook Midwives, but that's quite far from you. I went to a "meet the midwives" seminar and hospital tour and that's when I made my decision at 20 weeks (switched from another OB practice). LOVE them. They practice out of an OB office and deliver at Stony Brook, and all visits and delivery are covered by insurance just like with a traditional OB. Your insurance book (or website) should have a list of midwives that are covered, I know mine did. I loved that supported medicated and non-medicated births. Good luck

Do you have to be PG in order to attend one of those seminars? I feel like meeting them and talkng about their philosophy will help me make my decision whether they're right for me. I'd like to know who I'm working in advance, KWIM?

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

I also see the Stony Brook midwives & I'm very happy with them. I'm also in Nassau so I travel a bit, but it's been totally worth it. I second "Meet the Midwives" when I went there were women there who weren't pregnant.

I would also recommend Susan Brockman. She's located in Nassau. I saw her at the beginning of my pregnancy, but had to change because of insurance. She was wonderful. I've also heard good things about her partner, Dale Cook.

Check your insurace book or website & see who is covered. That's where I started.

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

I would try Gaia midwives. Dani922 mentioned Susan Brockman and Dale Cook. They are the midwives that make up Gaia. Unfortunately b/c of health issues i am not eligible for a midwife, but i would be using them if i could.

Gaia Midwives

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Posted by belle22274

We're using a midwife and having a homebirth and have been down the road of choosing a caregiver with no help or guidance. Although I live in CT the method for finding a midwife would be the same, so I'll give you what I've learned...

To find one: I started out by using good 'ole Google. I found a good amount that way. I'm also an active member of a more "crunchy" mamas website (FM me if you want the name, not sure if I'm allowed to post it here), and they are a fantastic resource! There are a few different types of midwives out there - CNM and CPM are two biggies. The differences come down to training and licensing. The type you choose depends on the setting you want to give birth in and what makes you comfortable.

I HIGHLY recommend the book "Ina May's Guide to Natural Childbirth." It compares all the models of care out there (including hospital) and gives a great list of questions to ask at the actual midwife interview. Of course the book is skewed toward the homebirth midwifery model, but it'll still give you a great overview of all of your choices.

Choosing the midwife: Make interview appointments (which should be free of charge) with a number of different midwives. Not only is training and credentialing important, but so is personality. Don't be afraid to ask a million questions (I brought Ina May's list with me). Also don't be shy about calling up some references to see how other ladies birthing experiences were with the midwives you're considering. Then, with all that info in hand - this may sound corny but - let your heart guide you. I truly believe finding a midwife is like finding Mr. Right. When you find the right one, you'll just "know." :D

What's covered: Well, that all depends on your insurance, where you live and your midwife. My insurance is Aetna and they cover nothing. (We're currently fighting this). You need to call your insurance company and ask what they cover. The call will more than likely be complicated and annoying, but especially in NY, you should be covered to a certain degree.

Midwives book up quick. Since you're TTC I'd suggest doing all the legwork before you get that BFP, so when you do, all you have to do is make a quick call to your midwife of choice and book her! Avoiding the stress of finding a midwife during the first tri will be a lifesaver!

I hope that helps you get started. Let me know if I can help in any other way. I know from experience that finding the right midwife can be overwhelming and challenging.

Good luck!!!

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

i looked up names under my insurance (that are covered) then did some research online. once i narrowed it down i called 2 and settled on a practice that i love. i was also prepared to go find someone else if i didn't feel comfortable though.

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Posted by belle22274


What's covered: Well, that all depends on your insurance, where you live and your midwife. My insurance is Aetna and they cover nothing. (We're currently fighting this). You need to call your insurance company and ask what they cover. The call will more than likely be complicated and annoying, but especially in NY, you should be covered to a certain degree.

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

I use Melanie Sumersile in Garden City. she is affilated with Winthrop. I'm currently 27 wks pregnant and she's been great.

FM me if you any questions

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Posted by Blissful

Posted by belle22274


What's covered: Well, that all depends on your insurance, where you live and your midwife. My insurance is Aetna and they cover nothing. (We're currently fighting this). You need to call your insurance company and ask what they cover. The call will more than likely be complicated and annoying, but especially in NY, you should be covered to a certain degree.

Aetna should still cover all of your maternity care, and postpartum mother and baby visits. They just won't cover the actual homebirth.......

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Wow... thank you for all the help!

Re: BTDT ladies - finding a midwife?

Posted by Blissful

WHo are you using in CT for your homebirth??? I live in CT and planned a homebirth, unfortunately after 42 hours of labor I had to be transferred to the hospital because I wasn't dilating properly.... There aren't many homebirth midwives in CT I wonder if we use the same practice???