Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Haven

Question 1

What is a birth center?

Accepted Answer

A birth center is a setting designed to support maternity care outside a hospital, with an emphasis on individualized care, physiological birth, and a welcoming environment. Birth center care generally focuses on appropriately screened, low-risk pregnancies and includes clinical assessment, shared decision-making, and plans for accessing higher levels of care when needed. Explore the Birth Center page to learn more.

Question 2

How is birth center care different from hospital care?

Accepted Answer

Birth center care places the birthing person at the center of decisions about their care. It emphasizes physiological birth, relationship-centered midwifery care, informed decision-making, and respect for each person's autonomy. Women and families are encouraged to ask questions, understand their options, and take an active role in decisions about their birth experience. Hospitals provide additional on-site medical resources and interventions that may be important depending on individual circumstances. Both settings have an important role in maternity care. Understanding their differences can help families make informed choices about the setting that best meets their needs. Explore the Birth Center page for more.

Question 3

Who may be eligible for birth center care?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility depends on an individual's health history, pregnancy circumstances, clinical assessment, and the resources available at the birth center. Our team can help you understand the considerations involved and discuss whether Birth Haven may be an appropriate option for your circumstances. See the Birth Center Eligibility page to learn how eligibility is considered.

Question 4

What happens if I need a higher level of care?

Accepted Answer

Thoughtful clinical assessment and transfer planning are important parts of birth center care. If circumstances arise that require resources beyond those available at the birth center, the care team evaluates the situation and coordinates transfer to an appropriate higher level of care. Learn how Birth Haven approaches this on the Safety and Transfers page.

Question 5

Can I labor or give birth in water?

Accepted Answer

Water can be a valuable comfort option during labor, offering warmth, movement, and flexibility. For many women with low-risk pregnancies, laboring in water may be an option, and water birth may also be possible. Some women choose to birth in water, while others use water during labor and give birth outside the tub. Your care team can discuss your preferences, individual circumstances, and the options appropriate as labor progresses. Explore the Water Birth page to learn how it is approached.

Question 6

Can I explore VBAC at Birth Haven?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can contact Birth Haven to discuss your individual circumstances and explore whether vaginal birth after cesarean may be an appropriate option. Our approach emphasizes informed decision-making, including discussion of your clinical history, relevant evidence, benefits, risks, and alternatives. Some circumstances may require a different birth setting, so each situation is evaluated individually. Explore the VBAC page to learn more.

Question 7

What does physiological birth mean?

Accepted Answer

Physiological birth emphasizes the natural processes of labor and birth while maintaining appropriate clinical observation and individualized support. At Birth Haven, we value informed decision-making, respectful care, and helping women explore options that reflect their needs and preferences. Explore the Physiologic Birth page for more.

Question 8

What is midwifery care?

Accepted Answer

Midwifery care is a model of healthcare that emphasizes individualized assessment, education, relationship-centered support, and informed decision-making. Midwives provide clinical care within their professional scope while supporting patients in understanding and participating in decisions about their health. Explore the Midwifery Care page for more.

Question 9

Can I ask questions about my birth preferences?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We believe your questions, priorities, values, and preferences deserve attention. Our approach includes conversations about your options, relevant benefits and risks, clinical recommendations, and the decisions that matter to you.

Question 10

Does Birth Haven provide home birth services?

Accepted Answer

Birth Haven focuses on its Salem birth center and related care offerings. Home birth arrangements are distinct from Birth Haven's birth center services. One founder, Khadijah Cissé, operates a separate independent home birth practice that is not part of Birth Haven. If you would like to explore home birth, please contact the team for information about appropriate independent options. See the Home Birth page for how to ask about it.

Question 11

Is Birth Haven in-network with insurance?

Accepted Answer

Birth Haven is currently considered out-of-network with insurance carriers while credentialing is underway. Depending on your individual plan, partial coverage or reimbursement may still be available. Our team can help you explore your benefits and understand anticipated out-of-pocket costs. See the Insurance and Cost page for details.

Question 12

How much does insurance-benefits verification cost?

Accepted Answer

Insurance-benefits verification and a detailed coverage report cost $35. This fee is waived if you choose to move forward with care at Birth Haven. See the Insurance and Cost page for details.

Question 13

What if my insurance does not cover care?

Accepted Answer

Our team can discuss reduced cash-pay options if coverage is unavailable. Depending on your plan, we may also be able to explore a network gap exception. Any exception or reimbursement is subject to your insurer's determination and cannot be guaranteed. See the Insurance and Cost page to learn more.

Question 14

Can I tour Birth Haven before making a decision?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Touring Birth Haven is a wonderful opportunity to explore the space, meet members of the team, and ask questions about your options. See the Book a Tour page to request a visit.

Question 15

When are tours offered?

Accepted Answer

Tours are generally offered on Tuesdays and Fridays, depending on availability. Whitney Elsesser or Khadijah Cissé may host your tour. See the Book a Tour page to request a time.

Question 16

Does Birth Haven offer childbirth education?

Accepted Answer

Birth Haven is developing opportunities for education and community connection. Danette Siegel currently offers private childbirth education through her independent practice, A Mother Is Born, which is separate from Birth Haven's clinical services. Additional group classes and community offerings will be announced as schedules are confirmed. See the Classes and Community page for more.

Question 17

How can I contact the team?

Accepted Answer

You can reach Birth Haven through our Contact page, by phone at (603) 912-8088, or by email at info@birthhavennh.com. For non-emergency inquiries, our team typically responds within 1 to 2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Haven

Understanding Birth Center Care

Your Birth Experience

Midwifery and Personalized Care

Insurance and Cost

Visiting Birth Haven

Related Information

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