A transfer occurs when we change plans for a home birth and go to the hospital for the birth instead. This can happen during labor, during birth, or after birth. Choosing a home birth is a significant decision, and it is normal to wonder what happens if the plan needs to change.
Why would we transfer?There are many reasons why we may transfer. Sometimes you may request a transfer for pain management, such as an epidural, or I may observe clinical indications that birth will be safer at the hospital. Common reasons for a transfer include:
The protocol for a non-emergency transfer includes:
During an emergency transfer, I may ride in the ambulance with you or your newborn. If we take a car, I will bring midwifery equipment in case birth occurs before we arrive. Just like in a non-emergency, I will stay with you to provide support and be a liaison until after the birth.
Our Partnership and Your CareRegardless of where your birth takes place, I will provide postpartum care after you are released from the hospital. Choosing a home birth means having a plan for every scenario, ensuring you and your baby receive evidence-based care every step of the way.
I am driven to do what I can to ensure you are supported well. No matter where birth happens, birth remains a miracle. I find myself in a place of wonder at the miracles of birth that I have the honor to witness, and I continue to be amazed by how strong Moms and babies are.
Why would we transfer?There are many reasons why we may transfer. Sometimes you may request a transfer for pain management, such as an epidural, or I may observe clinical indications that birth will be safer at the hospital. Common reasons for a transfer include:
- Fetal heart tones that indicate the baby is not tolerating labor well.
- Signs of infection, such as an elevated temperature or amniotic fluid with a strong odor.
- Surprise breech birth with a labor pattern that is not reassuring for a home birth.
The protocol for a non-emergency transfer includes:
- Selecting the Hospital: We will discuss which hospital to transfer to, usually the closest one with labor and delivery services, or a hospital I have engaged with to establish clear transfer protocols.
- Professional Coordination: I will call the hospital as soon as I am aware we will be transferring—even if arrival is several hours away—to provide a report. When I call, I will provide details on your last vaginal exam, if your membranes have ruptured, if you tested for GBS and what the results were, fetal heart tones, and vitals.
- Sharing Records: I will fax your prenatal records, labs, and transfer forms so the hospital providers can review them before we arrive.
- The Journey: A family member or support person will drive you while I follow behind with my midwifery equipment in case birth occurs en route.
- Continuous Support: I will accompany you to the labor and delivery unit and act as a liaison and advisor with hospital staff until your baby is born.
During an emergency transfer, I may ride in the ambulance with you or your newborn. If we take a car, I will bring midwifery equipment in case birth occurs before we arrive. Just like in a non-emergency, I will stay with you to provide support and be a liaison until after the birth.
Our Partnership and Your CareRegardless of where your birth takes place, I will provide postpartum care after you are released from the hospital. Choosing a home birth means having a plan for every scenario, ensuring you and your baby receive evidence-based care every step of the way.
I am driven to do what I can to ensure you are supported well. No matter where birth happens, birth remains a miracle. I find myself in a place of wonder at the miracles of birth that I have the honor to witness, and I continue to be amazed by how strong Moms and babies are.
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