In light of the global threat of COVID-19, maternal and newborn health and wellness operations are in turn under threat. The World Health Organization, cCenters for Disease Control, North American Registry of Midwives, and other global maternity organizations are adjusting their recommendations for safe pregnancy, birth, and postpartum amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
We have altered some aspects of clinical care to preserve community health as best as we can. This involves shifting the majority of non-essential appointments to telemedicine to lower risk factors for staff, providers, and clients. The current recommendation is for pregnant women to discontinue work, in order to self-isolate. If you need support in facilitating this, we are able to write exemption letters for our current clients. For further information please email us at simplyborn@yahoo.com, we are frequently updating our policies and recommendations in suit with the WHO and CDC guidelines in these challenging times.
Please be advised that recommendations are subject to change with short notice and as of March 19th, 2020 these are the parameters we are working within at Simply Born to protect the health and wellbeing of patients, providers, and staff.
Prospective Clients
At Simply Born we are being contacted by prospective clients looking for information regarding out-of-hospital birth as an alternative option during our current global health crisis. While we have some availability, we do have strict requirements for those requesting a late transfer of care. Below are current guidelines which are subject to change.
All pregnant clients transferring care at or beyond 34 weeks are required to birth at our birth center location (802 Merritt St, Grand Rapids, MI). (This helps eliminate increased risk to our staff and clients.)
Clients are required to provide medical health records containing recent lab work, maternal vitals, and recent ultrasound records prior to birth;
if unavailable clients must receive adequate monitoring and lab work at onset of care prior to birth
Reduced financing options available, details can be discussed over the phone with staff. We do take HSA and FSA. We also work with an insurance biller.
Please realize we cannot guarantee a spot on our client roster without payment finalized due to the increased volume of prospective client inquiries we are receiving.
SimplyBorn is able to provide letters stating medical exemption from work for our clients.
This service is for low-risk clients
Please note out of hospital birth is limited to hydrotherapy for pain management, we do not offer epidurals
Low Risk Pregnancy
Certified Professional Midwives are trained and credentialed to offer expert care, education, counseling and support to women for pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. They have particular expertise in out-of-hospital settings. CPM’s working out-of-hospital are able to support clients with low risk pregnancy and birth.
Conditions which risk clients of out care within the SimplyBorn as determined by the Michigan midwifery license are but not limited to:
Unresolved hypertension in pregnancy, labor or birth
Maternal cardiac event
Placental growth abnormalities such as placenta previa
Uncontrolled gestational diabetes
Birth Recommendations
Please be aware that women are encouraged to labor at home as long as possible to reduce exposure risk; whether in hospital or out of hospital.
Women who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 should birth in hospital, in order to have access to higher level care.
How you can help
At this time, Michigan licensed, certified professional midwives (LM, CPM) are not recognized by all insurance providers for partial or full coverage. We must all, collectively fight for insurance to pay for all out of hospital birth, be it home or birth center. We intend to continue to reach out to our representatives to request that the State of Michigan put something in place. Having services we provide, covered by insurance, would help many women with making birth choices that are best suited for their family.
Complaints can be filed by contacting Governor Whitmer and filing complaints through the insurance commissioner's office. Use the following form: https://www.michigan.gov/difs/0,5269,7-303-12902_12907---,00.html?fbclid=IwAR3Oh3oH1u5v08neM74gFhOZIeW6qx8qZXTW3UbLl33RAtw_ux6HOdi9Xak
We strongly encourage all out-of-hospital maternity care supporters to follow these actions to put the pressure on for insurance recognition, and coverage of services.
For 2020 births, this is our current open availability:
March - 0
April - 3/4 Depending on postpartum needs, only Birth Center
May - 2, only Birth Center
June - 3
July - 2
August - 3
September - 6
October - 6
November - 9
December - Open
