FAQ
What is a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and what is the educational background of the CNM?
Certified Nurse Midwives are registered nurses with advanced education and training in caring for women across the life span. Their scope of practice includes well woman health care, comprehensive prenatal, birth, and postpartum care of healthy women, family planning services, and urgent care of many gynecologic problems. CNM’s are licensed health care professionals who are able to prescribe medications and perform many procedures related to women’s health care. CNM’s have specialized education and training in both Nursing and Midwifery and Midwives as starting to hold Doctorate Level (DNP) credentials. CNM’s function as primary healthcare providers for women and most often provide medical care for relatively healthy women, whose birth is considered uncomplicated and not “high risk,” as well as their neonate
When does a physician participate in my care?
Our collaborating physicians are available to assist our clients at all times. They are often called upon for consultation related to a variety of health care issues including surgical procedures, treatment of abnormal pap smears, or any complications during your pregnancy. The CNM will remain closely involved with you, providing support and explanations of necessary procedures during your care.
Is home birth an option?
All births attended by the midwives can either be at the patient’s home or the Beach Side Birth Center. We believe that we are able to provide you with “the best of both worlds” and support a non-interventive approach to midwifery care in a home-like setting. Since one of the CNM’s will be with you during your labor and birth, we will advocate for you throughout this process. However, depending on initial interview the Midwife will determine if the patient is a viable candidate for home birth. Women desiring early labor support at home are encouraged to consider utilizing a certified perinatal support specialist, or doula. We can assist you in contacting one of these professionals if desired. You can also visit www.DONA.org or www.DASCDOULAS.org.
Does Beach Cities Midwifery and the Beachside Birth Center accept insurance?
Yes, we accept many types of Private Insurance Plans both PPO and POS, we also accept Medi-Cal, the Family PAC program, along with many other not listed. The best way to determine if a birth or well woman’s care at the Beach Cities Midwifery is right for you, please contact us at 949-215-7575 and speak to one of our friendly office assistance or if your question is specific and/or you would like to directly speak to our in house medical billing professional Jeffrey Snell. He can also be reach via email at snell.jeffrey@yahoo.com or during office hours at the Birth Center.
Is natural childbirth my only option?
Many women seek midwifery care because they are interested in an un-medicated birth. Midwifery care offers women support and alternatives to traditional pain relief, including massage, warm water immersion (such as out birth tub, shower, birth balls and seats) along with a constant presence by birthing experts in an out of hospital setting. Since it is hard to predict how a woman’s labor will progress, we feel that it is important to have the option of a traditional approach if needed. The best option is to contact our office to set up a time to speak with a midwife where you can set up a FREE consultation to discuss all options available.
What are the costs associated with a birth at Beach Cities Midwifery?
Since the cost associated with a traditional birth can very (because of insurance), it is hard to estimate and then post the exact cost of an individual birth online. We suggest that you give our office a call for more specific details, our number is 949-215-7575 and speak to any of our staff. However, for a global birth package, our cash costs are $5500 total* and because we accept many insurances, cost can be covered as high as 80% or $4500*. Please contact Jeff our medical biller for more details* at snell.jeffrey@yahoo.com.
How do I choose my midwife at Beach Cities?
Since we are a collaborative practice of midwives and owned and operated by Midwives we cannot guarantee a specific provider for your birth. We will make sure you have ample opportunity to meet with the midwives at Beach Cities but please also see out staff page, where you can learn about the midwives in our practice. Primarily (90%) of the births at BCMW are attend by Bj Snell and Vickie Alston, however in the event there is a simultaneous birth at the Birth Center or either of the above mentioned Midwives is unavailable, we are three per-diem on call midwives to serve our patients.
*Although we try to provide a general breakdown of our costs, complications and other factors can increase your final invoice. Unlike other medical institutions we strive to proved you with a cost upfront with no hidden fees. We require all payments to be made by 36 weeks unless other arraignments are made with Jeffrey Snell. Please contact our offices for a personalized breakdown.