Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Birthing Options

Let me start this out by saying I am NOT pregnant. But I will admit that I've been thinking about it a lot.

My birth with Joaquin went fairly well, especially considering it was a hospital birth. I used the Hypnobabies technique and had a doula, both which allowed for me to have an unmedicated complication free vaginal birth. However, I can't help but feel like it could have gone a lot better. I still felt like I had to be on guard to make sure they didn't stick me with something or decide I had a complication. I felt the pressure to perform because if I didn't, I knew drugs and possibly a c-section was on the way!!! So, the next time around I don't want a hospital birth. But I really have no idea how to make that happen with my insurance plan. I have all this coverage, but it seems that all the coverage is only through a hospital. I would love to give birth in a birthing center or maybe even possibly at home with a midwife.

I feel like before we can even think about getting pregnant, I should get this squared away so I can have the same level of care throughout the pregnancy. But how? Who do I call? It's like, what came first, the chicken or the egg? Who do I call first? My insurance company or a possible health care provider? I wish there was someone I could just call with my question and they would do all the digging, like an insurance advocate or something. Or is that supposed to be an HR person? With a district this big, I have no idea who or what that person is. Any advice out there?

5 comments:

veganmomma said...

I'd talk to best start first, they always know what insurance policies cover their care, and then call some homebirth midwives too. they really usually know this already so you won't be bugging them very much.

Iris said...

I've been thinking about it too. On the Best Start web site it does say they take some insurance. I haven't gone far enough to actually call them though.

Sweetface Photography said...

Ever since I saw The Business of Being Born, I've been thinking about this as well. Even though we are nowhere near trying for another. But like you, I want to be prepared. Please share what 411 you do happen upon, and I will do the same. :)

Elaine said...

My first birth, at Best Start, was completely covered by my insurance. Ask them, they are brilliant at making the money work out.

That said, you're still on the clock at Best Start. I still felt like I was part of the system there. My homebirth? Wow. Whole different experience. So much more empowering and amazing (for me). And the company I was working for at the time accidentally paid $1000 of it. That's a whole 'nother story, though!

Heather said...

With our district (and even our insurance) you have to do a lot of the leg work and may not always get the correct info! When I was dealing with infertility stuff, I had the person in HR tell me I had NO fertility coverage, then when I went to the RE their person said I did have coverage, then I looked at the paperwork and it looked like I did have coverage. But then, I got a bill from the insurance and had to call and talk to a couple different people! It's a big pain.

I bet if you talk to the birthing center they can probably help you with the insurance side of it.