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What if something happens?
Midwives are properly prepared for obstetrical emergencies, just like paramedics are prepared for out of hospital emergencies. Emergencies during labor rarely occur at home or in a birth center. With a midwife in attendance she is able to detect early signs of a possible problem and either prevent the problem from occurring or transfer the mother to the hospital before it happens. True emergencies are rare. Most transfers that occur from a birth center or homebirth are NOT emergencies. Usually a decision is made that it is better to be at the hospital and the mother, her family, and midwife all drive to the hospital. In an emergency, 911 is initiated and the nearest hospital is notified to be prepared for our arrival. At our Birth Center, our nearest paramedics are less than 2 miles away and our transferring hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, is only 4.5 miles away.
All the essentials equipment for a routine birth as well as emergencies that may arise are at our Birth Center and are brought to the home by the midwife when you birth at home. These include but are not limited to:
- Doppler and Fetoscope for assessing the baby’s heart rate
- Herbs and homeopathics
- Medications and herbs to control hemorrhage
- Oxygen and Resuscitation Equipment, Bulb and Delee suction
- Sterile instruments: scissors, hemostats, needle holders
- Suturing equipment and medication to numb the area when tears occur
- Blood Pressure Cuff, Stethoscope
- Baby scale and tape measure (to weigh & measure they baby)
- Neonatal eye ointment and Vitamin K (given to baby with consent)
- IV equipment, Fluids, Antibiotics (as needed)
- Other misc. supplies, sterile gloves, cord clamps, urinary catheter, amnicot (to break
- water if needed), betadine, gauze
- Birth Ball and Birthing/Squatting Stool for comfort
- submersible-pump to drain birth tub
If you have any questions about specific complications the midwife will be happy to answer your questions.
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