But what about… FAQs

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.

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.

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.

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.

You don’t have to. Licensed Midwives are considered Primary Care Providers throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

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.

Your licensed midwife and typically two assistants. The assistants may be another Licensed Midwife, Registered Nurse, or Midwife-in-Training. We work very hard to have your entire team 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!

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.

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

Soft Corner 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!

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.

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.