Services
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Prenatal Care:
The prenatal visits occur in my office in Eagle River (unless there is a transportation hardship), with one home visit when you are close to your due date. We see each other once a month until 28 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until delivery. Each prenatal takes about an hour, and other family members are always invited. The first prenatal is a little longer because there will be initial paperwork, a review of the limitations and requirements of midwifery care, and note taking of your health and obstetrical history. At each prenatal there is time to discuss any concerns and questions about your pregnancy or the issues in your life that affect it. Blood and urine will be collected as needed and sent to a lab. Requisitions for sonograms at locations nearest to you can be made as needed. Vitals, uterine growth, diet, and exercise are checked on the mother. Fetal heart tones, position, and growth are checked on the baby. Handouts are given on fetal growth and various issues that pertain to pregnancy and birth. |
Saskia lets Graysen (also born at home) listen to fetal heart tones of his brother
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Labor and Delivery Care:
I go to your home whenever labor is well-established, or when I am needed, depending on what is happening when you call. If I have an apprentice in my practice that you have met, I call her to arrive at your house at about the same time as I do. When I arrive, as time permits, I set up my equipment, prepare the room, and begin the patient process of monitoring your vital signs and the baby's heart tones. I support you and your family in any physical and emotional way I can. The father and any other children are included in any way they wish. A second midwife may be called when you are close to pushing. Every attempt is made to help you bring forth your baby in a gentle loving manner. |
Homebirth in a cozy original trapper's cabin
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I stay for at least 3 hours after the birth. During that immediate postpartum time I monitor the vital signs of both mother and baby, do a newborn exam, and help the mother and baby settle into a clean bed after they have taken a soothing herbal bath. I make sure the mother has eaten and that nursing has been established.
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Postpartum Care:
After the birth, I will come to see you and your baby at home at 1 day, 3 days, and 1 week. Then we resume office visits at 2 weeks and finally at 6 weeks postpartum. At each visit I check the mother's and baby's vitals, recovery status, and breastfeeding adjustments. A birth certificate will be prepared and sent in. The Newborn Screen test required by the state will be offered at 3 days and again at 2 weeks. The 6 week postpartum may include a pap. There is always time to talk about the birth and how you are feeling, both emotionally and physically. |
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Continuity of Care:
Sometimes during a labor, staying at home is not in the best interest of the mother or the baby, and arrangements are made to transport to the hospital. Should that happen, I stay with you until you deliver. My role at the birth changes to that of a doula, but there is continuity of care. If desired, I am available to resume postpartum care after you are discharged from the hospital.
Availability:
When you become my client I make every effort to respond to your needs that may come up between appointments, and respond to those needs in an appropriate time frame. For emergencies and births, I am on-call around the clock.
Sometimes during a labor, staying at home is not in the best interest of the mother or the baby, and arrangements are made to transport to the hospital. Should that happen, I stay with you until you deliver. My role at the birth changes to that of a doula, but there is continuity of care. If desired, I am available to resume postpartum care after you are discharged from the hospital.
Availability:
When you become my client I make every effort to respond to your needs that may come up between appointments, and respond to those needs in an appropriate time frame. For emergencies and births, I am on-call around the clock.
Payment/Insurance:
The basic fee for a homebirth with Alaska Birthing includes the following:
Additional expenses may include:
- Most insurance policies cover midwifery services in Alaska, including Medicaid and Denali Care.
- Alaska Birthing will bill the insurance at the current market rate as a courtesy to the client. Co-pays, payment plans and fee adjustments for
self-pay clients, and a Military discount will be discussed at the initial consultation.
The basic fee for a homebirth with Alaska Birthing includes the following:
- All prenatal care
- Labor and delivery
- All postpartum care
- The assistance of an apprentice and/or an additional midwife at the birth
Additional expenses may include:
- Lab work
- Various household items needed for a homebirth
- Any recommended vitamins, herbs, homeopathics, or medications
- Referrals outside the midwife’s care
- Any expenses incurred from ambulance/hospital/doctor if transport
- becomes necessary
- Birth “kit” of basic supplies
- Most insurance policies cover midwifery services in Alaska, including Medicaid and Denali Care.
- Alaska Birthing will bill the insurance at the current market rate as a courtesy to the client. Co-pays, payment plans and fee adjustments for
self-pay clients, and a Military discount will be discussed at the initial consultation.
"My experience with Suzie as a midwife has been beyond the level of pleasant, and into the realm of meaningful, inspirational, and profound." |
"Susie Terwilliger is a wonderful midwife - I would have a hundred babies with her if I could! " |
"There are few people in my life who are as compassionate, empathic, knowledgeable and trustworthy as Susie." |
