FAQs

Do you do inseminations with fresh donor sperm?

Rae currently only offers insemination services with frozen donor sperm acquired ahead of time by the client.

To learn more about accessing donor sperm, visit our Resources page. 

Do you do inseminations in client’s homes?

Insemination in client’s homes will be offered in the future; currently they are being offered in our clinic.

What if the insemination timing has to happen outside of office hours or in the middle of the night? 

We offer inseminations 24/7 and contract with a number of other back-up midwives when needed (if, for example, Rae is attending a birth).

I’m planning a hospital (or birth center) birth, but want the benefit of more personal, midwifery care; how can I work with you?

We accept prenatal care only clients and will make a plan to transfer you to the provider and setting of your planned birth in a timely manner (usually around 34-36 weeks).

Most common reasons clients may choose this option is planning for a C-Section, having twins, needing more time to make decisions regarding place of birth or birth provider, or knowing they will want pain medications (such as epidural) for labor.

What happens if my midwife can’t attend my birth?

Life happens and sometimes Rae may be attending another birth (this rarely happens), may be sick, or on a pre-scheduled vacation. For this reason, we contract with a number of back-up midwives who participate in an on-call back-up schedule updated monthly. We try to schedule meet-and-greets well in advance so you have time to get acquainted with each other. 

Do you offer waterbirth?

Yes! We love catching babies in water unless we determine there is a clinical contraindication (very unlikely to be the case).

Do you offer home birth?

We currently offer to attend births only in local, freestanding birth centers.

We try to schedule a birth center tour during your pregnancy in order to support you feeling acquainted with the space, directions, and to help make a plan for what to pack for your baby’s birthday.

What options for pain relief do I have for labor?

In most of the local birth centers, you will have the option for Nitrous oxide as a low-intervention, proven method of pain relief. Click here to learn more about Nitrous oxide. 

We also offer a variety of non-pharmaceutical options including hydrotherapy, sterile water injections, TENS therapy, access to food and drink, movement, and we strongly encourage welcoming a doula as part of your birth team. 

I had my baby with a provider outside of Village, how can I work with you for postpartum care?

Often, postpartum care following a hospital birth is limited to 1-2 visits and minimal lactation support. 

Even if you had a hospital birth, we offer full postpartum care for both parent and newborn that includes a home visit, and 2-5 follow-up appointments in our clinic, in addition to lactation/feeding support. 

My provider told me I needed a PAP smear after my baby was born but I had a traumatic birth experience and am hesitant to schedule one in the hospital setting.

We understand PAP smears and any pelvic exam may be triggering or uncomfortable, especially in a fast-paced hospital or with providers that are not identity and body affirming.

We offer trauma-informed, client lead, and compassionate pelvic exams and PAP smears in addition to any other physical exams needed in the postpartum (chest/breast exam, STI testing, pelvic floor assessment, wound healing check). 

Do you take my insurance?

We are not currently contracted with any medical insurance; we bill cash-pay for all services and offer payment options to BIPOC folx. Read more about this on our Financial page. 

Do you offer payment plans?

We offer payment plans for all of our clients; and discounts based on a sliding scale for any BIPOC clients. 

Do you accept clients who are not vaccinated against COVID-19?

The short answer, is “no.” 

 However, we understand certain populations (especially BIPOC) have a history of experiencing medical exploitation and may have a reasonable distrust of the current immunization options against COVID-19.

We also understand there are people living with immunocompromised bodies and are not eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

We only accept clients who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 if they present written and/or medical documentation. 

I’d like to submit a question not listed here. 

We welcome any questions not listed here; please fill out our FAQ form below.