Question 1

When should I start prenatal care?

Accepted Answer

You can start your care whenever you feel ready to start care.  It is always encouraged for people to start care when they begin thinking about having a baby.  There are so many things you can do to help encourage a healthy pregnancy prior to a positive pregnancy test.  If you are already pregnant, the sooner the better.  Boosting your health and helping to combat possible pregnancy discomforts will help you gain knowledge, confidence, and a great respect for your body and all it is doing to help your baby grow.

Question 2

How often will I visit with my midwife?

Accepted Answer

You will see your midwife every month at the beginning, from your first visit until 28 weeks.  After 28 weeks you will see your midwife every two weeks until 36 weeks.  After 36 weeks, you will see your midwife every week until your baby is born.

Question 3

Do you require specific tests during pregnancy

Accepted Answer

You will be able to fully participate in your care! You will be offered all of the same testing you would receive at a doctor's office.  The risks and benefits will be discussed along with the type of results that each test will provide.  You will have the ability and opportunity to do some research, discuss it over with your loved ones, ask questions, and then make your own decision.  Summit Maternity Care Center does require one ultrasound around 20 weeks, blood work, and all vitals done at each visit.

Question 4

Will you use a fetoscope in place of a doppler if requested?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, in fact fetoscope is preferred.  Doppler carries the same kinds of risks to the baby as ultrasound does.

Question 5

What is your experience with herbs, homeopathy, and  alternative medicine?

Accepted Answer

Our midwife has had formal education in herbs, homeopathy, and alternative medicine. This route is generally offer this route of treatment before offering any routine pharmaceuticals.

Question 6

Do I have to have a baby at the birth center in order to use your services?

Accepted Answer

No.  Summit Maternity Care Center also provides prenatal care and support to women exploring hospital birth options.  There are three ways to receive care when deciding if a hospital birth is the right option for you.
 • Receive prenatal care and postpartum care: You will receive all routine prenatal care, testing, and support up until labor ensues. Once in labor, you can head to the hospital and assume care with the on-call physician.  The on-call physician will provide all care at the hospital.  Once discharged, your midwife would provide the remainder of your postpartum care.
 • Receive prenatal care with assistance of a doula: This option would allow you the ability to receive all routine prenatal care, testing and support up until labor ensues.  Once in labor, the birth center would provide a doula to join you.  Once at the hospital, the on-call physician will provide all care at the hospital.  Once discharged, your midwife would provide the remainder of your postpartum care.
 • Receive prenatal care: You will receive all routine prenatal care, testing, and support up until labor ensues. Once in labor, you will have the option to labor at home with or without a doula (separate fee applies for the use of a doula) and once ready can head to the hospital.  Once there you will assume care with the on-call physician.  The on-call physician will provide all care at the hospital.  Once discharged, you would follow up with the physician on-call that delivered your baby in their office.

Question 7

Do you require childbirth education to prepare for birth?

Accepted Answer

Childbirth education is required for women experiencing and planning for their first vaginal birth.  Families who participate in childbirth education are more successful in their birthing experience and are less likely to transfer to the hospital.  It is great information and sometimes a nice refresher, so we also offer classes for families who have already had a baby looking to do a mini course.  It is also encouraging to connect with other families in the community.
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Question 8

Do you require a doula?

Accepted Answer

First time mothers are required to have a doula during labor.  This team will support you throughout your labor and in the event of a transfer, your doula will go with you to the hospital to continue support.  Your doula can be present with you in your home until it is time for your midwife to be with you.

Question 9

How many clients do you take in a month?

Accepted Answer

Summit Maternity Care Center takes 5-7 women a month.

Question 10

What happens if two mothers are in labor at the same time?

Accepted Answer

In the event of more than one person in labor at a time, we will have both mother's laboring at the birth center. We also have support from several other midwives in the community if we need further back up.

Question 11

Can I go past 42 weeks of pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

The option to go past 42 weeks is discussed along with testing that is offered to reassure the baby's well-being.  As long as testing comes back positively along with a doctors consult, and the pregnancy has been healthy without complication, going past 42 weeks can be an option.

Question 12

I have decided Summit is for me, what are my next steps?

Accepted Answer

We would like to invite you to our Consultation Open House. You will have a chance to meet our team, ask questions, and have a tour of the birth center.  Each family is considered for care through an application process reviewed by a committee of midwives. This application process helps us to ensure that each family who receives care is low risk, healthy, and qualified to have a birth outside of the hospital. We limit our care to 5-7 families a month, this ensures optimal and personal care to each family we have the privilege to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is fantastic that you are considering an out of hospital birth, but sometimes there are questions. Here are some commonly asked questions that can give you a little more information.