FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Having your baby at home or at our birth center in Anchorage, AK, with trained midwives gives women control over their body and baby. You are fully participating in your own care. Studies have shown that in the last 6o years out-of-hospital birth, with trained birth attendants, is as safe, if not safer, than hospital birth.
Yes! You can! Talk to Haven midwives about your options. We do ask that you realize that not every woman who wants a water birth will get one. Some births happen too quickly to set up, others need different support, and still others just don’t like it. We like having the “option” of birthing in the water.
No. We do not offer pharmaceutical methods of pain relief. We have many natural ways to increase your comfort level and reduce pain in labor. This would include hydrotherapy, herbs, homeopathy, aromatherapy, massage, and much more.
Yes… Within reason. Studies show that the more people in attendance at your birth the longer your labor will be. Each person at your birth should have a specific job to do and be in total support of birth in an out-of-hospital setting.
Birth can be messy. But, Haven midwives take great care to keep your home clean and tidy. We do all of the clean up and run a load of laundry before we leave.
Fear is painful. Birth is empowering. Fear of the unknown can cause pain. Having midwives whom you trust helps reduce the fear. Labor often has an element of pain, but it is pain with a purpose and we will support you throughout the process. Studies have shown that most “pain” is in the last few hours of labor, and then you are ready to push. We are there to remind you that you are almost done!
First and foremost, we work to prevent emergencies. We are proactive in your care from your first visit to your last. Providence hospital is 3 minutes away via ambulance, should it be needed. We take hospital transport very seriously. Bethel and Noa have been trained in CPR, and neonatal resuscitation. We carry anti-hemorrhagic medications and have extensive training in birth related emergencies. Complications are discussed during prenatal visits and we are happy to answer any questions.
Out-of-hospital birth is for everyone! We serve women and families regardless of race, religion, or lifestyle choice. Being empowered throughout your childbearing years is for everyone.
Yes! We accept most insurance and DKC. We are preferred providers for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Aetna. Please call for a quote of benefits.
Midwifery education does include an apprenticeship model of training. Haven Midwifery may have a student be included in your care. A student will always be under direct supervision of a senior midwife. As always, your comfort comes first, you will have the right to decline student involvement.
Haven Midwives will give you the paperwork required for the midwives to register your birth with the State of Alaska. On this form there is a box to check it you want the State to automatically send your child a social security card. Your midwives will pick up this paperwork within 7 days of your birth and send it to the Vital Statistics office for your baby to be registered in Alaska. Your job will be to apply to the State of Alaska in the next 4-6 weeks and purchase your copy of the Birth Certificate. You, as the parent, will request a copy online at http://dhss.alaska.gov/dph/VitalStats/Documents/birth/birth_form.pdf
Complete this form with payment and a copy of your ID. Non-expedited requests may be mailed to: Alaska Vital Records Office P.O. Box 110675 Juneau, AK 99811-0675
• Emailed to hss.vr.apps@alaska.gov
• Faxed to the Juneau Vital Records Office at (907) 465-3618. Please call 10 minutes after sending your fax to confirm receipt.
• Expedited requests must be emailed or faxed.
• Walk-in to the Juneau or Anchorage Vital Records Office between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM: o Juneau: 5441 Commercial Blvd o Anchorage: 3601 C Street, Suite 128
“These ladies are the absolute best. They are so knowledgeable and compassionate. They have awesome resources for anything you may need prenatal, birth, postpartum. Bethel and her family have blessed me in so many ways. Truly a God send!” – Marie Caswell