FAQ

 What is Where’s My Midwife?

Where’s My Midwife? is a grassroots organization seeking to increase access to midwives in hospitals, freestanding birth centers, and at home through education and advocacy.


I have questions or comments!  How do I contact you?

We can be reached in our general email box at info@wheresmymidwife.org.  We have a phone number as well!  Contact us at 910-447-9654.  If you have a private question for one of us, please see our "About Us" page for specific email addresses.  We can also be found on facebook - please like our page!

What OB/practice in town should I go see if I cannot see a midwife?

The Where's My Midwife? team suggests the following in terms of finding a practitioner in town:

There are currently three Certified Nurse Midwives practicing with SEAHEC, one on a very part time basis. Pamela Irby, CNM, who was previously let go from Carolina OBGYN was hired as of January 2010 to work as a midwife at SEAHEC.  While this is not nearly enough to meet the needs of all of the women in town who want to see a midwife, they are able to take on some new patients. If your insurance does not cover the services, consider challenging them to work out an out-of-network arrangement to use SEAHEC and see the CNM's there. We think this is worth a try.  SEAHEC can be reached at (910) 815-5190 during business hours.  More information here: SEAHEC.

Unfortunately, at this time, there is not an OB practice in town that follows the Midwifery Model of Care, so we cannot directly recommend one practice.  We suggest talking with your local friends and family for recommendations, and then utilizing local resources, such a natural childbirth classes and doulas to achieve the birth you desire.  Please visit our "resources" page for a list of childbirth support services.  Don't hesitate to email us with any questions; we are a team of mothers, doulas, childbirth educators and friends and can offer firsthand help and encouragement!


I want to have/am thinking about a Homebirth. Who do I call?

Here are some of the resources to look into when considering a homebirth:  

  • Click here for more information on NC homebirths.
  • Join the local homebirth meetup group. Monthly meetings. Members are women who have had or are thinking about having a homebirth.  Everyone is welcome. 
  • Contact Olivia Marshburn, CNM of Midwifery Services.  She can be reached at 910-200-8389 or by email at: omarshburn@bellsouth.net. 

 

How can I get my insurance company to cover my homebirth?

This is possible although it is not an easy task. The key to getting coverage is to be persistent. Also be sure to document all conversations you have with your insurance company and keep copies of all correspondence. Stress to your insurance company the amount of money it will save them. 

Try these six steps, and repeat until you get coverage:

1. Call the representative on the telephone, who will say “no.” 
2. Ask to speak to a supervisor, who will say “no.” 
3. Appeal in writing. This is the first formal level of appeal. 
4. Appeal again in writing. This is the final appeal to the insurance company. They will respond with their final decision. 
5. Get the benefits department of the employer who is paying for the insurance involved. 
6. Contact the state division of insurance enforcement.

Here are some more helpful links:

http://www.homebirth-usa.org/choosing/insurance.html

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/preApproval.html

http://www.mybestbirth.com/forum/topics/getting-insurance-to-pay-for


What can I do to help with WMM?

  • Check our website often for volunteer opportunities.  We do really need all kinds of people with all kinds of talents to lend a hand.  You do not have to attend regular meetings and can commit as much time as you like to the cause. 
  • Purchase WMM? gear or donate if you can.  Attend one of our events!
  • Write a letter to the local OB/GYN clinics expressing your support for midwives in our community. This is for everyone including grandparents, husbands, partners, people with grown children, no children or those planning a family. You do not have to be pregnant to demand a change and show your support!
  • Spread the good word about midwives to your friends and families!