What insurances do you accept?
We are in network with most major insurances, including Independence Blue Cross, Keystone Health Plan East, Highmark Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, United Healthcare, Out of State Blue Cross, Keystone First and United Healthcare Community Plan.
Do you only do natural childbirth? Can I have anesthesia?
We believe all births are "natural". We will support you in any decision you make regarding your experience. One of the reason we choose to work in the hospital setting is to offer women a variety of options. Many women seek out midwives because they are looking for an unmedicated experience. If this is what you'd like, we will support you with complementary coping techniques, including hydrotherapy, position changes, birth balls, heat and cold therapy. Other women seek out midwifery care for the personal connection, but desire an epidural for their labor. The beauty of having your baby in the hospital is that this is available to you as well. You don't have to make a choice in advance.
I don't want an episiotomy. You don't do that, do you?
Midwives in general don't perform episiotomies, instead choosing to use techniques to avoid stress on the perineum. This includes use of heat, oil and position to allow your body to stretch to accomodate the baby.
What about VBAC?
Yes, we provide the opportunity for a Trial of Labor after Cesarean (TOLAC). Please read our VBAC section for more info.
What are your stats?
For the last 5 years: We have a c-section rate of 9 to 11 percent each year; a successful VBAC rate of 65 to 90 percent, an episiotomy rate less than 1 percent, an epidural rate of 25 percent.
Are there doctors in the hospital in case there's an emergency?
True obstetrical emergencies happen infrequently, especially with midwives who use intervention only when necessary. At Einstein, there is an obstetrician in-house 24/7. You will meet them only if we believe you need an operative delivery (vacuum or c-section). If these services are needed, you will not lose us as your provider; we will work hand in hand with our collaborating physician to ensure a seamless continuity of care.
Does Einstein Montgomery offer "gentle cesearean?"
One of the biggest complaints for women undergoing cesareans are that they don't feel like they gave birth, but instead had surgery. Everyone at Einstein Montgomery has worked to change this perception through many "gentle" protocols. We now offer opportunities for you to see your baby being born (through a transparent drape), to do delayed cord clamping, and to have the baby be skin-to-skin with you in the operating room. We will not leave your side during the birth, and will ensure that you have a hand to hold, explanations of what is happening, and pictures and videos.
What happens if you have 2 people in labor at the same time?
We get this question often. First of all, we limit the number of patients we take per month. Secondly, there are 24 hours in a day (babies never seem to come from 9 to 5). This means that the chances that there will be another woman at the exact same stage of labor as you are very very slim. Finally, we are extremely good at multitasking and the nurses at Einstein Montgomery are very good at labor support. So rest assured that you will get the attention you expect when your time comes.
Do you have any testimonials?
Sure. Check out our Google reviews here, our Facebook reviews here
And some more:
"Your humor, experience and down-to-earth manner gave me the confidence and support I needed throughout the experience. We are so grateful to you for making this birth story one that I treasure and will be held in my memory forever."
"Thank you so much for being such a strong and supportive person to us during one the hardest and most memorable times in my life…We will always remember your kindness, strength and of course sense of humor!"
"We are both so appreciative for making me believe I could find strength and courage I didn’t even know existed inside of me. I walked away from the experience believing I could do anything."
"We could not have done it without you. Your confidence in me gave me confidence in myself. Your sense of humor boosted my morale when I needed it the most. Your consistent care during my pregnancy, labor and delivery was such a blessing to us..."