frequently asked questions

I’m not pregnant. Can I still come to you for care?

Yes! Jo is board-certified and trained to care for people from adolescence to post-menopause. She can act as your primary care provider if you are a generally healthy person. She has a license to prescribe medications, order and interpret diagnostic labs and ultrasounds.

Do you have privileges at a hospital?

Yes, I have privileges at Mount Sinai West hospital in Manhattan. Since homebirth isn’t the right fit for every client (medical and personal reasons), we occasionally offer spots for people opting for a planned hospital birth. This decision is typically made during pregnancy if a medical issue develops or during your initial consult. In the case that hospital is the best choice, Jo would be the main provider for you in the hospital setting and manage your labor and birth there.

If you planned for a homebirth and we need to transfer in labor for an urgent medical concern, we will go to the nearest hospital available.

Can I get a doula?

Yes! Doulas can provide invaluable support. In fact Jo recommends that all first time pregnant people having a baby get a doula! If you don’t know of a doula but want one, Jo is happy to help you find one that fits your budget and desires.

is my apartment big enough to have my baby at home?

yup! You don’t need much space at all to have give birth to a baby. Most labor rooms in NYC hospitals are tiny! It’s once the baby becomes a big kid that you might need/or want more space!

What about the mess? what about the noise?

Before you have your baby, we will ask you to buy a birth kit that has a bunch of clean disposable items like, chucks, pads, and a mattress cover so that we can clean up after your baby is born. Jo and her assistant will clean everything up before leaving your house. All that will be left is a bag of garbage and a load of laundry.

We suggest letting your neighbors know that you will be having a baby at home. Most people are SUPER excited and supportive about this news. Leave them a box a goodies at their door before or after you have the baby as a thank you!

Do take insurance and do you take medicaid?

We are technically out-of-network with insurance BUT we can usually get insurance and medicaid to cover most if not all of your care with us at Nettle Wellness. Each person works closely with an expert medical biller to help get the most coverage from your insurance company. Don’t hesitate to reach out due to your insurance or lack of insurance. We really want to make this care accessible to all people .

i’m curious to learn more about homebirth, what do you suggest i read?

The New York City Homebirth Collective has lots of resources. I suggest you start there! But also, do your own research.