Comments on: How to Lower the Cost of Birth and Babies: Part One – Birth http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/ The Cloth Diapering, Babywearing, Breastfeeding Mommy Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:28:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 By: Heddah http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-111109 Heddah Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:48:13 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-111109 Consider going to the Farm. http://www.thefarmmidwives.org/ Consider going to the Farm. http://www.thefarmmidwives.org/

]]> By: Beth @ The Natural Mommy http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-87743 Beth @ The Natural Mommy Wed, 16 Mar 2011 18:51:14 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-87743 Well, with my first, I was induced. Because I didn't know better. :-) With my other two, I waiting until I didn't think it could get any worse. Lol. It's different for every woman. You're supposed to go in with your contractions are 5 minutes apart and lasting a minute each. But mine never got that close together. I finally went in with Benjamin when they were 6-7 minutes apart and I was 9.5 cm dilated! With Levi, I could somewhat judge based on my experience with Benjamin, so I waited til they were about 5 minutes (read: 6 or 7) apart and the pain got to the intensity where I didn't think I could take much more! But, (IMPORTANT!) every woman is different! Sometimes people will tell you your first labor will take forever, but tell that to my friend who's baby was born at home in her bathroom! Make sure you're communicating with your doctor about what's going on in your labor, and remember that you can always leave the hospital if you're not far enough along (I would think if you're not at least 5 cm (and you're still able to walk around and talk through your contractions) that you could leave and come back. Well, with my first, I was induced. Because I didn’t know better. :-) With my other two, I waiting until I didn’t think it could get any worse. Lol. It’s different for every woman. You’re supposed to go in with your contractions are 5 minutes apart and lasting a minute each. But mine never got that close together. I finally went in with Benjamin when they were 6-7 minutes apart and I was 9.5 cm dilated! With Levi, I could somewhat judge based on my experience with Benjamin, so I waited til they were about 5 minutes (read: 6 or 7) apart and the pain got to the intensity where I didn’t think I could take much more!

But, (IMPORTANT!) every woman is different! Sometimes people will tell you your first labor will take forever, but tell that to my friend who’s baby was born at home in her bathroom! Make sure you’re communicating with your doctor about what’s going on in your labor, and remember that you can always leave the hospital if you’re not far enough along (I would think if you’re not at least 5 cm (and you’re still able to walk around and talk through your contractions) that you could leave and come back.

]]> By: ~M http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-80176 ~M Sat, 12 Feb 2011 22:01:41 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-80176 I'm 33.5 weeks along with my first, and plan on staying home as long as possible before going to the hospital. The hospital is about a 17 minute walk for me these days, so we could either drive, take a taxi (we live in a city), or possibly walk (and assume it will probably take 30-45 minutes). My question is: how long did you wait with your first baby to go to the hospital (or think makes the most sense, if you feel you went in earlier than necessary)? Thank you. I’m 33.5 weeks along with my first, and plan on staying home as long as possible before going to the hospital. The hospital is about a 17 minute walk for me these days, so we could either drive, take a taxi (we live in a city), or possibly walk (and assume it will probably take 30-45 minutes). My question is: how long did you wait with your first baby to go to the hospital (or think makes the most sense, if you feel you went in earlier than necessary)? Thank you.

]]> By: Corey http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-75196 Corey Thu, 20 Jan 2011 17:11:37 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-75196 Love your thoughts on this! Do you have any information / thoughts on using pitocin to expel the placenta? Thanks! Love your thoughts on this! Do you have any information / thoughts on using pitocin to expel the placenta? Thanks!

]]> By: Attorney Efren Exilus http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-53584 Attorney Efren Exilus Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:52:31 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-53584 You are a very thought provoking author. This is a marvelous post. You are a very thought provoking author. This is a marvelous post.

]]> By: Joe http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-21001 Joe Wed, 19 Aug 2009 04:16:54 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-21001 I think this post rocks I think this post rocks

]]> By: Princess Leia http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-10737 Princess Leia Mon, 09 Feb 2009 19:00:02 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-10737 Just had baby #2 on Dec 23rd (all natural in a hospital with a midwife). While we'd opted out of the eye drops with my son (born Jan 2007), we were told this time around that they were required by state law and there was no way to get out of it (and we were told this by the self-proclaimed "most natural birth friendly L&D nurse at the hospital"). Since I haven't heard any uproar about this in the intervening years, I don't _think_ that State law has changed, so maybe it was really hospital policy or something. I dunno. But anyway, you might want to check into that, especially if you're in MD. Just had baby #2 on Dec 23rd (all natural in a hospital with a midwife). While we’d opted out of the eye drops with my son (born Jan 2007), we were told this time around that they were required by state law and there was no way to get out of it (and we were told this by the self-proclaimed “most natural birth friendly L&D nurse at the hospital”). Since I haven’t heard any uproar about this in the intervening years, I don’t _think_ that State law has changed, so maybe it was really hospital policy or something. I dunno. But anyway, you might want to check into that, especially if you’re in MD.

]]> By: LaTanya http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-10690 LaTanya Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:44:08 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-10690 I don't have kids yet. I did want to give you my perspective on the insurance side. I work in Human Resources and I am constantly explaining insurance info to my employees. 1. If you work for an employer that has over 50 employees, then you should be eligible for Family Medical Leave (FMLA) (that is if you have worked there at least a year and have worked a minimum of 1020 hours). If you qualify for FMLA, then you get 480 hours of "job protected" leave. This leave is either paid or unpaid depending if you have any available/accrued sick and vacation pay. FMLA also requires employers to provide health insurance during the time the employee is on leave. Talk with your HR department about this leave. Our employees on FMLA keep their insurance and continue to pay the "employee" share, which is a whole lot cheaper than most other insurances. This should give you 3 additional months of insurance coverage. After your FMLA is up, just let your employer know that you will not be returning to work. (FYI, even if you tell your employer in the middle of FMLA, they CAN NOT fire you--it is job protected leave) 2. Also, check on Medicaid. My employees can get Medicaid even if they are still employed, but on FMLA leave with out pay. In our state (Louisiana), we have a Medicaid program that will actually pay for the employee's cost of health insurance. I had an employee on unpaid FMLA, and Medicaid reimbursed us for her insurance premiums, and even paid the additional premium when she had her son. Also, Medicaid usually covers the mom for 4 months after the birth and the child for 1 year after the birth. 3. COBRA - One you leave employment, your company has to (by Law), send you information on COBRA. This allows the employee to continue their health insurance through the company for up to 18 months (or longer). The only downside is that the cost of the premium is MUCH higher than the employee premium. Companies can charge up to 102% of the cost of the premium. It is possible, that the premium is much cheaper than regular health insurance (or a school's student insurance). Just check it out and see if it is worth considering. The great thing about COBRA is that it requires other insurance companies to offer someone that has a pre-existing condition insurance coverage after COBRA ends. 4. Check on the cost of private insurance. If you are young, you can sometimes get a pretty good rate on an individual policy. Also, if you are considering getting on your husband's school insurance policy, really read over what the policy will cover and at what percentage. I've seen some policies that are really good and some that are not worth paying for because they do not cover anything. 5. If you are going to have to pay a lot out on your hospital visit, starting getting estimates now on what you could owe from the hospital. This will help you to start saving for that cost now. Also, many hospitals will offer generous discounts if you offer to pay the full amount owed after the birth. (Do this ONLY after you have scrutinized your Bill for incorrect charges). So if you have already saved enough to pay the whole cost, you have the money to negotiate. I had a friend that got 40% knocked off his ER visit by paying it in full. I know 40% seems like a huge cut, but the hospital really saves a ton of money this way. They don't have to keep up with the account and the monthly payments and also does not have to worry if someone will not pay. 6. States also have government funded health care for kids. Ours if called LaChip. My understanding is that (if you qualify) it is free insurance for you kid and it covers after your child is not longer eligible for Medicaid. Most also cover dental and vision too. I'm sure you can find more out by going online or stopping by you local Office of Family Support. I know this is really lengthy, but I wanted to be thorough. Hope this helps you some. I don’t have kids yet. I did want to give you my perspective on the insurance side. I work in Human Resources and I am constantly explaining insurance info to my employees.

1. If you work for an employer that has over 50 employees, then you should be eligible for Family Medical Leave (FMLA) (that is if you have worked there at least a year and have worked a minimum of 1020 hours). If you qualify for FMLA, then you get 480 hours of “job protected” leave. This leave is either paid or unpaid depending if you have any available/accrued sick and vacation pay. FMLA also requires employers to provide health insurance during the time the employee is on leave. Talk with your HR department about this leave. Our employees on FMLA keep their insurance and continue to pay the “employee” share, which is a whole lot cheaper than most other insurances. This should give you 3 additional months of insurance coverage. After your FMLA is up, just let your employer know that you will not be returning to work. (FYI, even if you tell your employer in the middle of FMLA, they CAN NOT fire you–it is job protected leave)

2. Also, check on Medicaid. My employees can get Medicaid even if they are still employed, but on FMLA leave with out pay. In our state (Louisiana), we have a Medicaid program that will actually pay for the employee’s cost of health insurance. I had an employee on unpaid FMLA, and Medicaid reimbursed us for her insurance premiums, and even paid the additional premium when she had her son. Also, Medicaid usually covers the mom for 4 months after the birth and the child for 1 year after the birth.

3. COBRA – One you leave employment, your company has to (by Law), send you information on COBRA. This allows the employee to continue their health insurance through the company for up to 18 months (or longer). The only downside is that the cost of the premium is MUCH higher than the employee premium. Companies can charge up to 102% of the cost of the premium. It is possible, that the premium is much cheaper than regular health insurance (or a school’s student insurance). Just check it out and see if it is worth considering. The great thing about COBRA is that it requires other insurance companies to offer someone that has a pre-existing condition insurance coverage after COBRA ends.

4. Check on the cost of private insurance. If you are young, you can sometimes get a pretty good rate on an individual policy. Also, if you are considering getting on your husband’s school insurance policy, really read over what the policy will cover and at what percentage. I’ve seen some policies that are really good and some that are not worth paying for because they do not cover anything.

5. If you are going to have to pay a lot out on your hospital visit, starting getting estimates now on what you could owe from the hospital. This will help you to start saving for that cost now. Also, many hospitals will offer generous discounts if you offer to pay the full amount owed after the birth. (Do this ONLY after you have scrutinized your Bill for incorrect charges). So if you have already saved enough to pay the whole cost, you have the money to negotiate. I had a friend that got 40% knocked off his ER visit by paying it in full. I know 40% seems like a huge cut, but the hospital really saves a ton of money this way. They don’t have to keep up with the account and the monthly payments and also does not have to worry if someone will not pay.

6. States also have government funded health care for kids. Ours if called LaChip. My understanding is that (if you qualify) it is free insurance for you kid and it covers after your child is not longer eligible for Medicaid. Most also cover dental and vision too. I’m sure you can find more out by going online or stopping by you local Office of Family Support.

I know this is really lengthy, but I wanted to be thorough. Hope this helps you some.

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-10661 Rebecca Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:36:48 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-10661 Here are a few other tips: Some homebirth midwives will take barter. My midwife takes my insurance, but when we were interviewing midwives, one midwife that we were thinking of choosing would have let my husband do work on her car in exchange for part of the fee. If you need/want an ultrasound, consider finding a local school that trains ultrasound techs. My baby was breech and the midwife wanted me to get a check to see if it had turned (we were pretty sure it had). There was a local business school that trains prenatal ultrasound techs. We went as "patient volunteers" and not only got a free ultrasound to find out what we needed, we got some great pictures, everyone was enthusiastic and nice, and we learned a little bit about the process. Also, they let us leave when I was feeling uncomfortable (rather than a medical ultrasound place which makes you sit there until THEY are ready). Here are a few other tips:
Some homebirth midwives will take barter. My midwife takes my insurance, but when we were interviewing midwives, one midwife that we were thinking of choosing would have let my husband do work on her car in exchange for part of the fee.

If you need/want an ultrasound, consider finding a local school that trains ultrasound techs. My baby was breech and the midwife wanted me to get a check to see if it had turned (we were pretty sure it had). There was a local business school that trains prenatal ultrasound techs. We went as “patient volunteers” and not only got a free ultrasound to find out what we needed, we got some great pictures, everyone was enthusiastic and nice, and we learned a little bit about the process. Also, they let us leave when I was feeling uncomfortable (rather than a medical ultrasound place which makes you sit there until THEY are ready).

]]> By: shel http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/2008/11/18/how-to-lower-the-cost-of-birth-and-babies-part-one-birth/comment-page-1/#comment-10658 shel Fri, 06 Feb 2009 22:26:19 +0000 http://www.thenaturalmommy.com/?p=852#comment-10658 Great tips! I've had my last 3 babies at home with a midwife, and I can tell you that where I live in Florida it would've cost over $9,000-11,000 for the OB visits and a hospital birth (not including an epidural, another $1200-1500 or it were C-section that would've been thousands more). I have insurance but it is high deductible and does not cover routine pregnancy or delivery, only covers complications. My home birth bill including all prenatal care, 1 ultrasound, lab tests (glucose, etc) and delivery/postpartum care was $4200. A note about OB's and malpractice insurance, I have had appointments w/several OB's in the last few years and they all make patients sign a waiver informing that they do not carry malpractice insurance because of the cost. So even though they still charge way more money than my midwife charges, they're still not insured for malpractice anyway. Great tips! I’ve had my last 3 babies at home with a midwife, and I can tell you that where I live in Florida it would’ve cost over $9,000-11,000 for the OB visits and a hospital birth (not including an epidural, another $1200-1500 or it were C-section that would’ve been thousands more). I have insurance but it is high deductible and does not cover routine pregnancy or delivery, only covers complications. My home birth bill including all prenatal care, 1 ultrasound, lab tests (glucose, etc) and delivery/postpartum care was $4200.

A note about OB’s and malpractice insurance, I have had appointments w/several OB’s in the last few years and they all make patients sign a waiver informing that they do not carry malpractice insurance because of the cost. So even though they still charge way more money than my midwife charges, they’re still not insured for malpractice anyway.

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