Your Questions,
Answered
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Once you establish care with us, we'll meet monthly during your second trimester, then more frequently as your due date approaches. Most visits take place in our Vancouver or Portland offices, with one home visit at 37 weeks. At every visit we check your vitals, listen to your baby's heartbeat, and measure your belly. We'll also discuss any common discomforts and talk through upcoming tests or next steps.
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After your birth, we'll come to your home at 24–48 hours and again at one week postpartum. We'll then see you and your baby for a two-week checkup and you for a six-week visit, both in the office. At each visit we check vitals, support with breastfeeding, and monitor your physical and emotional wellbeing. We remain on call throughout this time, so never hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. We also offer additional visits, including weight checks for baby, whenever they're needed.
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Yes we accept most insurance plans as out-of-network providers. We also accept state insurance in Washington (Molina) and Oregon (OHP). We're happy to send you a copy of our financial agreement upon request.
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We offer a billing service through our biller, who can submit claims to your insurance on your behalf for a fee. We can also provide you with a superbill at no charge, which you can submit to your insurance yourself. If you have state insurance, there is no billing fee.
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Absolutely. Your children are part of your story, and we love having them involved in whatever way feels right for your family. They are always welcome in our office and at your birth. This is your journey, you get to decide who is by your side.
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Yes! We provide the birth tub, and as your due date gets closer, we'll have you purchase a liner and hose. We take care of all the setup and cleanup. You just focus on your birth.
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Birth can be messy, but it's very manageable. Your birth team will keep the area tidy throughout and do a full cleanup afterward. Waterbirths are naturally contained within the tub, making cleanup straightforward. For land births (births not in the water) we use protective supplies like waterproof covers and chux pads to keep your furniture and floors clean. Either way, we'll leave your home the way we found it, if not better!
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Whoever you'd like. This is your birth, and we want you surrounded by the people who support you most. We'll create a birth plan together during your prenatal care and make sure everyone, including little ones and pets, is accounted for so the birth goes as smoothly as possible.
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At Monarch, we meet you where you are. We serve clients with a wide range of needs and backgrounds, and we know that no two birth plans look the same. We're here to provide clear, evidence-based information and to help guide you in making choices that are right for you and your family. At your birth, we can be as hands-on or hands-off as you'd like, and a big part of your prenatal care with us is figuring out exactly what kind of support you're looking for.
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Your safety and your baby's safety are our top priority. Always. The good news is that most low-risk births happen at home with little to no intervention, and most of the time we're simply there to offer calm, steady support and guidance as you birth your baby.
That said, we are fully prepared for emergencies. We're trained in neonatal resuscitation and adult CPR, and we carry medications to address hemorrhage, as well as IV fluids and antibiotics. We regularly drill on birth emergencies and stay current on midwifery research so we're as prepared as possible.
We also have strong relationships with local hospitals. If a situation becomes complex or higher risk, we would transfer care and go with you to the hospital to ensure a smooth handoff, providing the care team with a full picture of your history and needs. Depending on the circumstances, we may stay on as your support person or doula. We'll walk you through all transfer scenarios during your prenatal care so nothing feels unexpected.
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We partner with Quest and Natara for lab work, and we can draw your labs right in our office during a regular visit. For ultrasounds, we send orders to outside facilities, typically Legacy Salmon Creek, Legacy locations in Portland, PeaceHealth, or Vital Care in Battle Ground.
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The Monarch midwives trained at Birthingway College of Midwifery and are licensed in both Washington and Oregon. We are also certified by NARM (North American Registry of Midwives). As licensed midwives, we are authorized to carry and administer lifesaving medications. Visit our individual bios to learn more about each of us.
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Not at all. At Monarch we offer every standard test you would get in a hospital setting, but we believe in informed choice, and we understand that not every test is the right fit for every family. We'll walk you through each test or procedure, share the evidence behind it, and work with you to create a care plan that feels right for you.
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Fill out our contact form and one of our midwives will reach out to set up a free consultation.

