But what about…?
Here are a few of the more commonly asked questions regarding our care. We know there’s so much more to talk about than we could possibly fit on one page, so feel free to reach out. We would love to connect for a free consultation. We promise, there are no such things as silly questions! :)
In General...
What makes this care different?
SOFT CORNER Midwifery Care focuses on informed choice and relationship-based care. One-hour visits allow for time and space to discuss your individual physical and emotional concerns. We will share evidence-based information to ensure that you can make informed choices. The risks and benefits of your care will be discussed at length, after which we will develop an individualized care plan based on your decisions. If using midwifery care for your pregnancy, you will have full continuity of care with your birthing team as well as 24-hour emergency access to your midwife.
SOFT CORNER’s mission is to provide empowering, comprehensive, and holistic reproductive care. We are here to foster intuitive decisions and self-advocacy throughout the reproductive cycle. We always use an evidence-based approach, so that you will have an informed and confident decision-making process.
We proudly offer full-spectrum reproductive midwifery care in an always inclusive environment.
What makes this care the same?
Similar to obstetrics, SOFT CORNER offers the community standard in lab work, diagnostics, medications, and referrals. Everything from early non-invasive fetal genetic testing to ultrasound to checking in on your thyroid levels postpartum is offered. As always, midwifery is based on informed choice, meaning the client will decide procedures and care they do or do not want to receive.
Do you take insurance?
YES! We include global insurance billing services in your care. Most PPO Insurance Plans cover Midwifery Services.
*Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to accept MaineCare (Medicaid). Lower income family scholarships are available. Please reach out for more information.
What are your fees?
Let’s talk money! Click here for all the nitty-gritty details on how to get yourself the best reproductive care.
Where are you?
We're located in the beautiful coastal city of Bath, Maine. You'll find our clinic and birth center at 94 Richardson St, right off of Route 1. Our clients travel from Portland, Augusta, Camden, and beyond. Take a peak at our Service Map to see our travel radius for care that takes place in client's homes. We're opening a satellite clinic in Scarborough, Maine summer of 2023, so stay tuned!
Do you offer virtual care?
TOTALLY! A ton of our care can be done virtually. Labs and ultrasounds can be coordinated at your convenience as well.
Pregnancy and Birth...
Is home birth safe?
Yes, home birth is safe for low risk pregnant people. Greater than 90% of pregnant people are low risk. Planned home births with a qualified provider reduces the use of medical interventions like pharmaceutical labor augmentation and induction, spinal-epidural anesthesia, forceps, vacuum extraction, and cesarean delivery. When higher risk complications arise, a hospital birth is a safer option. Find more information about the safety of home birth here.
What area do you serve for home birth?
We generally serve within a 1-hour radius of our clinic in Bath. For those outside of this radius we offer birthing at out Birth Center as well. Take a peak at our Service Map.
What equipment do you carry?
We carry everything needed for a normal physiologic birth and the rare emergency birth including: fetal doppler, blood pressure monitor, stethoscope, thermometer, baby scale, baby measuring blanket, lab drawing supplies, birth and suture instruments, anti-hemorrhagic medications (pitocin, misoprostol, methergine), epinephrine, ammonia, IV fluids and supplies, IV antibiotics, vitamin K, erythromycin ointment, oxygen tank, newborn resuscitation supplies, catheters, enemas, sterile and non-sterile gloves, gauze, lube, suturing supplies, herbs and homeopathic medicines.
What about water birth?
Water birth is a safe and effective form of natural pain relief. Studies attest to water birth as an aid in reducing perineal injury during delivery. Before learning about water birth, parents often worry about their baby’s ability to breathe while under water. However, when babies are first born they are still attached to the umbilical and continue to receive all needed oxygen, and they don’t have a reflex to take their first deep breathe until exposed to air. For more information on the current research and the pros and cons of water birth, please click here.
Should I still see my OB?
You don’t have to. Licensed Midwives are considered Primary Care Providers throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
What if there is an emergency in labor?
Emergencies in labor are rare. Midwifery care is based on regular monitoring of low-risk pregnancy to maintain that the pregnancy remains in the low-risk category. In the rare event an emergency arises, Licensed Midwives are trained to manage those emergencies. We continually train for and renew neonatal resuscitation and basic life support certification. We carry a series of anti-hemorrhagic medications (the same line carried at the hospital), IV fluids, and oxygen in the event of above normal postpartum bleeding or shock. It is our job to safeguard you and your baby throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. We take that job very seriously and would love to discuss any concerns you may have during a free consult with the midwife.
What happens if I need to go to the hospital in labor?
Transfers in labor are about 1 in 10 births. Those transfers occur more often during first time labors because they tend to be longer and the client reaches clinical exhaustion. These transfers are considered non-urgent. Your midwife will accompany you to the hospital in the event of a transfer regardless of whether it is urgent or non-urgent. All records will be faxed in advance to the hospital to your new provider and your midwife will remain as both your medical liaison and labor support. In the rare event of a transfer of care in labor, postpartum care is commonly resumed with SOFT CORNER upon discharge from the hospital.
Who will be at my birth?
Your licensed midwife and typically two assistants. The assistants may be another Licensed Midwife, Registered Nurse, or Midwife-in-Training. They will be integrated in your prenatal care, so there are no strangers present at the time of birth. You may choose to have other family or friends present at the birth as well. SOFT CORNER happily works with doulas of your choosing as well!
What about ultrasounds and lab work?
SOFT CORNER offers lab work during your home and clinic visits. There is no need to schedule another appointment at a laboratory site. Lab collecting service fees are included in your care. Ultrasounds are typically performed at Radiology Centers in your area. Your midwife will provide you with a referral for easy scheduling. Lab processing and ultrasound fees are typically billed directly to your insurance with in-network coverage.
Am I a good candidate for birthing home or at the birth center?
Midwifery care and out-of-hospital birth are safe for low risk pregnancies. Over 90% of pregnancies are low risk.
The following health conditions DO NOT qualify as low risk:
Active cancer, cardiac disease, severe renal disease, severe liver disease, uncontrolled hyperthyroidism, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, essential chronic hypertension over 140/90, acute or chronic thrombophlebitis, current substance abuse known to cause adverse effects, hemoglobin under 9 at term, blood coagulation defect, HIV positive status with AIDS, twin pregnancies
What if I've had a previous cesarean? Do you do VBACs?
SOFT CORNER Midwifery is a huge proponent of vaginal birth after a cesarean (VBAC) and we proudly offer home birth after a cesarean (HBAC). We pride ourselves in our successful VBAC rates, so feel free to inqure for more information!
I'm having a hospital birth. Can I still have midwifery care?
Absolutely! Currently we are not attending births at the hospital, but can offer prenatal, postpartum, and newborn care to support a planned hospital birth with another provider.
What about postpartum + baby care?
SOFT CORNER prides itself in offering extensive care in the fourth trimester. Licensed Midwives are not only Primary Care Providers for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, but also for well baby care. We are able to offer newborn metabolic screening and medications in the comfort of your own home.
Postpartum and Newborn Care...
What area do you serve for postpartum and newborn care?
We generally serve within a 1-hour radius of our clinic in Bath. Take a peak at our Service Map.
I'm having a hospital birth. Can I still have midwifery postpartum and baby care?
Absolutely! Visit SOFT CORNER Holistic Postpartum and Newborn Care for more information.
Where can I get donor milk?
We are proud to offer the Soft Corner Milk Bank to anyone in need of donor milk.
