It can be difficult if you find yourself unsatisfied with your care during the course of your pregnancy. No one expects that to happen, and from our families to yours, we’d like to extend grace and peace if you find yourself in this unsettling situation. Welcoming a child is the mecca of all emotional experiences, and sometimes you and your provider do not see eye-to-eye when it comes to procedure, interventions (planned or not), or the potential to have a cesarean birth. There is good news though: If you’re feeling unsure about your upcoming birth, you can consider transferring your care to us at Willow.

It isn’t as difficult a process as you might think; making changes in your care is a choice that any person can make throughout the course of their pregnancy, and at Willow, we will accept transfers up until 36 weeks gestation. Your OB provider can even remain a part of your care team if they are needed, or if you wish to return to them after seeing us, whether by choice or because of our recommendation. You may be a good candidate for midwifery care if:

You have a normal pregnancy, with a single baby, and stable health otherwise. This includes people who take medications to remain in stable health, medicines like those for thyroid management, mood management and a limited array of other conditions, all of which we would be happy to chat with you about.
You would like a smaller group of people near you during labor and birth, and personal relationships with each of them.
You would like to explore a water birth.
You have lots of questions and want more education during your prenatal visits, if you would like to hear more about the birthing process, or if you’d like to “unpack” hospital routines, policies, or procedures for a greater understanding of the midwifery model of care. We LOVE to talk about and listen to anything our clients need.
You have had a previous vaginal birth and would prefer a different experience now.
You have a doula or would like a doula to assist you in labor. (We’ll help you find one!)
You wish there was less time pressure during your appointments, that waiting times were less, or that your doctor didn’t need to race through your visit in order to get somewhere else.

Birth is a significant moment, and the providers you choose will have an impact on whether it is a positive, so-so, or even a negative experience. At Willow, your safety and the health of your baby are our primary concerns, but we also value (as all our clients do!) your birth experience; we want you to feel joy when you look back upon it, and to know that your values and opinions were respected. We want to give you a low-intervention vaginal birth, then assist in getting your baby home and settled in your family’s established healthy microbiome. If your philosophy aligns with ours, consider birthing at Willow Midwives.

How to transfer your care

Just call our clinic! We’ll ask you about health insurance (we are in-network with all major payers in Minnesota, but no matter the company, we will work to get your care covered), then we’ll make you an appointment and look forward to meeting you. We will also request the transfer of your medical records and assist in making your transition to Willow as smooth and seamless as possible. Please be aware that we cannot accept transfer clients who are more than 36 weeks along.