Lisa Marie Oxenham, LM, CPM  & Richard Oxenham, Student Midwife


Serving Orange County, the Inland Empire and parts of Los Angeles County

Homebirth FAQs

Homebirth and Waterbirth FAQ

Thank you for visiting this page! If you are planning a homebirth or are a concerned family member or friend, you will find answers to most of your questions here.  Families that have chosen homebirth are oftentimes overwhelmed by the many questions they receive about their choice. Consider that you are not the only one asking them these questions and they may be left feeling defensive and unsupported.  If your questions are not answered here please connect with me directly and I will answer them for you. 

What is homebirth?

Evidenced Based Birth explains who chooses homebirth, the parameters for safety, with statistics and plenty of links. 

Is Homebirth safe?

Planned home birth: benefits, risks, and opportunities. 

Outcomes of planned home birth and registered midwife versus planned hospital birth with midwife or physician

 A new era of home birth research: Science and Sensibility

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is the governing body for standards of care for doctors.  Known as ACOG, they refer to this study: …”It seems increasingly clear that impatience and easy access to many medical procedures at hospital may lead to increased levels of intervention which in turn may lead to new interventions and finally to unnecessary complications. In a planned home birth assisted by an experienced midwife with collaborative medical back up in case transfer should be necessary these drawbacks are avoided while the benefit of access to medical intervention when needed is maintained.”

A landmark study compares planned hospital birth versus planned homebirth.

This study compares postpartum hemorrhage between planned home birth against planned hospital birth, observational study of over 500,000 maternities in the UK.

How is a midwife trained?

There are different types of midwives: nurse-midwives, Traditional midwives, and direct-entry midwives. Midwifery training can vary depending on the type of midwife a person wants to become. Training can include college, apprenticeships, or nurse based programs.  They are trained in well-woman care and labor and delivery care.  Direct Entry Midwives receive extensive education and must pass the  NARM  exam to become a Certified Professional Midwife, which is the route Lisa Marie chose. She attended the National College of Midwifery, where she also serves as a Preceptor. She received, and continues to receive,  additional training and mentoring from world-renowned waterbirth expert midwife Barbara Harper. She is also licensed through the California Medical Board.

What supplies do midwives use?

We supply everything a birthing person and their partner need to have a healthy and safe natural homebirth. During prenatal wellness checks and throughout labor and delivery, most midwives use the following:

  1. Fetoscope and Doppler to monitor the baby.

  2. Sphygmomanometer for checking blood pressure.

  3. Stethoscope for heart rate monitoring.

  4. Hemoglobinometer for monitoring iron levels.

  5. Topical and injectable anesthetics for suturing.
  6. Thermometer for temperature checks.

  7. Sterile instruments for suturing. 

  8. Homeopathic and herbal remedies.
  9. Medications for hemorrhaging.
  10. Oxygen tank and resuscitation bags/masks.
  11. Suctioning device for removing mucus from the baby’s airways.
  12. Injectable/oral Vitamin K.
  13. Erythromycin eye ointment.

Lisa Marie also carries a Rebozo, a Kaya birth stool, a blow-up neck pillow, knee pads, a TENS unit, flashlights, light for the birthing pool, and other miscellaneous items that can assist during a natural homebirth. 

Regarding waterbirth

Water birth, sometimes called gentle birth, encourages labor and delivery in a tub of warm water, which serves as an external womb which can reduce trauma for the baby.

Check out The Science and Safety of Water Immersion by Barbara Harper.

Watch one of our water births here: Annalisa births Lucia

Immersion in water in labor and birth

Birthing pools and deep baths have been used for this delivery method. Waterbirth offers flexibility to birthing mothers as they can change positions easily, and privacy helps women to open up with ease. Others may choose to have their waterbirths at birth centers that offer this option.  

What is a doula, and do I need one?

Doulas are trained natural homebirth companions who provide support and encouragement to the birthing person and her partner. The main priority of a doula is to help the birth mother feel safe and comfortable, complementing the role of the midwife. We require all first-time natural homebirths to use the services of a doula. You can use this resource to find a doula. 

What are some reasons a birthing person or newborn might require transport to a hospital?

During a planned natural homebirth, the birthing person may require transport to a hospital for monitoring or treatment if complications develop. Your midwife may recommend transfer under the following circumstances:

  1. Your labor is not progressing.

  2. Your baby shows signs of distress.
  3. Your baby presents in a position other than headfirst.
  4. You experience bleeding or unsafe high blood pressure readings.
  5. You require pain relief (more common with first-time birth mothers).

Your midwife will discuss possible birthing scenarios and their outcomes during your 36-week training session.

Here is an article on Best Practice Guidelines: Transfer from Planned Homebirth to Hospital 

Who can attend the planned homebirth?

Anyone the birthing person wishes to have as part of their support system can attend the birth. As part of our prenatal services, we discuss relationship dynamics because these can have both a negative and positive effect on the birthing person. We recommend anyone who plans to attend the natural homebirth participates in the three-hour prenatal training session we provide at 36 weeks.

How much does home birth cost?

Our concierge-style care includes everything, including labs, tubs, birth kit, prenatal and postpartum, care. Clients do not receive additional charges or discounts for a shorter or longer labor and delivery experiences. We accept payments via several convenient methods.  Most midwives in Southern California charge between $6000-$10,000, depending on multiple factors. 

What role should men play in the natural birth process?

Men play an important role both in the prenatal time as well as the birthing process. .  We believe that men can  serve as the main support for their partners during labor and delivery. Check out episode 52 of the Evidence Based Birth podcast for a more in-depth explanation. 

Some people do not have partners and we are very sensitive to the special invitations that this can provide.  We create a team that will attempt to meet her needs

barefootmidwife

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35+ yrs birth work Licensed Midwife
100% in-home birth practice
VBAC • Twins • Breech • Waterbirth
Training midwives•mentoring doulas

Lisa Marie Oxenham

barefootmidwife

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May 6

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Happy International Day of the Midwife to all who have midwifed me in various ways over the years. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce my student, Breana @mysticmothering, who spotted me during a birth and connected on multiple levels, sharing a mutual intention. She, along with La Kiesha @agapebirth_wellness round out our practice beautifully. You will be seeing more of her and Kiesha here! #students #studentmidwife #friends

Happy International Day of the Midwife to all who have midwifed me in various ways over the years. This is a perfect opportunity to introduce my student, Breana @mysticmothering, who spotted me during a birth and connected on multiple levels, sharing a mutual intention. She, along with La Kiesha @agapebirth_wellness round out our practice beautifully. You will be seeing more of her and Kiesha here! #students #studentmidwife #friends ...

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barefootmidwife

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May 2

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As a @SpinningBabies Aware Practitioner, I am keenly aware of the need for body work in pregnancy and postpartum. It is safe and supportive when done by someone who is specifically trained to support the pregnant and freshly delivered state. These are unique phases where the body needs a different kind of care—slower, more intentional, and responsive to the nervous system. I’ve recently started referring some of my clients to Cameron, and it’s been really supportive to have someone I trust to send people to. The work is gentle, attuned, and focused on helping the body settle—not just working on tension, but supporting regulation and recovery as a whole. If you’re currently pregnant, or postpartum and feeling like your body could use more support, this is something worth exploring. If you’re a person supporting someone who is pregnant you may need some self care too! Cameron, like us, is a fully mobile practice. You can connect with him here → @knotsandhands.sd

As a @SpinningBabies Aware Practitioner, I am keenly aware of the need for body work in pregnancy and postpartum. It is safe and supportive when done by someone who is specifically trained to support the pregnant and freshly delivered state.

These are unique phases where the body needs a different kind of care—slower, more intentional, and responsive to the nervous system.

I’ve recently started referring some of my clients to Cameron, and it’s been really supportive to have someone I trust to send people to.

The work is gentle, attuned, and focused on helping the body settle—not just working on tension, but supporting regulation and recovery as a whole.

If you’re currently pregnant, or postpartum and feeling like your body could use more support, this is something worth exploring. If you’re a person supporting someone who is pregnant you may need some self care too! Cameron, like us, is a fully mobile practice.

You can connect with him here → @knotsandhands.sd ...

47 5

barefootmidwife

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May 2

Open
My student Breana @mysticmothering was at a baby shower when a fellow midwife asked her who her Preceptor was. The midwife then asked “Is it true that she keeps her birth tubs cold?” Breana, surprised, said no and inquired about why I might do that. “To shock the babies, so that they breath”….something to that effect. As many of you are aware I enjoy the science aspect of waterbirth, but more importantly is the babies experience of their birth as well as the mother’s experience. I have never promoted cold water as that is such a shock to the nervous system. The typical range is anywhere from 96 , if it’s a hot day/room, to 98 degrees. Baby does not need to be shocked to breathe: they breathe when they are introduced to the atmosphere. Many of you know the rest as some of my videos explain it quite thoroughly. We got a good laugh from that!! Richard is performing step 8 from our notebook we leave at the home at the Birth Prep Meeting: smooth the creases out! #waterbirth #homebirth #naturalbirth

My student Breana @mysticmothering was at a baby shower when a fellow midwife asked her who her Preceptor was. The midwife then asked “Is it true that she keeps her birth tubs cold?” Breana, surprised, said no and inquired about why I might do that. “To shock the babies, so that they breath”….something to that effect. As many of you are aware I enjoy the science aspect of waterbirth, but more importantly is the babies experience of their birth as well as the mother’s experience. I have never promoted cold water as that is such a shock to the nervous system. The typical range is anywhere from 96 , if it’s a hot day/room, to 98 degrees. Baby does not need to be shocked to breathe: they breathe when they are introduced to the atmosphere. Many of you know the rest as some of my videos explain it quite thoroughly. We got a good laugh from that!! Richard is performing step 8 from our notebook we leave at the home at the Birth Prep Meeting: smooth the creases out! #waterbirth #homebirth #naturalbirth ...

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barefootmidwife

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Jun 18

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So….we got a dog! For those of you who know us will appreciate what a big deal this is. This is Hank and we knew him for 9 months before we got him. His family had to move and couldn’t keep all the animals they had. We had said “If you ever have to surrender Hank, we want first dibs”. It’s like he was always ours. He has been to 3 births, hanging out in the temperature controlled van. He LOVES the van. #midwifedog #miniaustralianshepard #deafdogsrock

So….we got a dog! For those of you who know us will appreciate what a big deal this is. This is Hank and we knew him for 9 months before we got him. His family had to move and couldn’t keep all the animals they had. We had said “If you ever have to surrender Hank, we want first dibs”. It’s like he was always ours. He has been to 3 births, hanging out in the temperature controlled van. He LOVES the van. #midwifedog #miniaustralianshepard #deafdogsrock ...

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barefootmidwife

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Jun 18

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@MallorieBedard3 had a difficult first planned homebirth that ended in a necessary cesarean, with a different midwife team. We had been booked solid when she sought us out the first time aound so we were thrilled to be able to shepherd her with her second pregnancy. Story coming soon! Thank you @doulatamij Splendid hvbac! #vbac #homebirth #midwives #daughters

@MallorieBedard3 had a difficult first planned homebirth that ended in a necessary cesarean, with a different midwife team. We had been booked solid when she sought us out the first time aound so we were thrilled to be able to shepherd her with her second pregnancy. Story coming soon! Thank you @doulatamij Splendid hvbac! #vbac #homebirth #midwives #daughters ...

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barefootmidwife

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Jun 2

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When you attend a baby shower and see your other mamas and babies!

When you attend a baby shower and see your other mamas and babies! ...

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barefootmidwife

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Mar 18

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So this happened… I had the privilege of caring for my beautiful niece/client, @karamariefagan, and her partner, @zaidkdahhaj, throughout their pregnancy. During labor, after thoughtful discussion, we decided to transport due to a lack of descent and the need for pain management. As a former athlete with a background in gymnastics, soccer, diving, volleyball, and track, Kara faced unique challenges related to past injuries—something we cover in depth during our Birth Prep class so families understand all their options. I accompanied them to the hospital, where it was later determined that a cesarean was necessary. At some point, Kara developed a fever, but the hospital team managed it well. Months later, I was shocked to learn that I was being investigated for negligence—not by the family, but by the hospital itself. Initially, I thought perhaps Kara’s dad, a doctor, had concerns, but that didn’t add up. He had attended our consultation and the Birth Prep class and understood exactly how we approach care. It turns out the hospital initiated the investigation. I hadn’t fully realized that even when families choose to transport, hospitals can still take issue. @zaidkdahhaj may weigh in here, but this experience has been eye-opening in many ways. Midwives, birth workers, families—have you experienced anything like this? Let’s talk about it.

So this happened…

I had the privilege of caring for my beautiful niece/client, @karamariefagan, and her partner, @zaidkdahhaj, throughout their pregnancy. During labor, after thoughtful discussion, we decided to transport due to a lack of descent and the need for pain management. As a former athlete with a background in gymnastics, soccer, diving, volleyball, and track, Kara faced unique challenges related to past injuries—something we cover in depth during our Birth Prep class so families understand all their options.

I accompanied them to the hospital, where it was later determined that a cesarean was necessary. At some point, Kara developed a fever, but the hospital team managed it well. Months later, I was shocked to learn that I was being investigated for negligence—not by the family, but by the hospital itself. Initially, I thought perhaps Kara’s dad, a doctor, had concerns, but that didn’t add up. He had attended our consultation and the Birth Prep class and understood exactly how we approach care.

It turns out the hospital initiated the investigation. I hadn’t fully realized that even when families choose to transport, hospitals can still take issue. @zaidkdahhaj may weigh in here, but this experience has been eye-opening in many ways.

Midwives, birth workers, families—have you experienced anything like this? Let’s talk about it. ...

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barefootmidwife

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Mar 12

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Working with Surrogacy requires a unique awareness. How each phrase is worded matters in a whole new way. Things I’m used to saying to a pregnant mama don’t quite translate the same way when speaking to a mama through IVF. One mama is serving and surrendering, the other is receiving and preparing. The beautiful shared bond between these two mothers was the life blood of this birth. I’ve noticed that first babies of any type (for either parent) usually have longer labors that match the need for deep surrender and humility. I prepared Rachael for this reality knowing that though Rachael had children prior- this labor would be more akin to giving birth for the first time as energetically it was for Sam and Jesse to become parents for the first time. The Birth Day Prep class was tailored to address some of the subtle nuance this situation would call for so that on the birthing day we all felt as prepared as possible. Even the immediate postpartum was very interesting! I had one mama that I had to monitor for bleeding and recovery while guiding the other through establishing bonding. For keeping the uterus toned and tight, being around Zion was important for Rachael. Richard was indispensable in navigating the two very different needs of each of the two fathers present, providing them the grounding and support that was so needed. This was truly a moving experience as we were able to expand our learning with such beautiful souls! We recognize that surrogacy & IVF can be controversial topics, however this is not the forum for debate. Please respect the journeys of these beautiful families. #surrogacy #IVF #homebirth #waterbirth #waterbaby #surrogate #midwife #midwifelife #babies #birthphotography #naturalbirth #birthstory #birth

Working with Surrogacy requires a unique awareness. How each phrase is worded matters in a whole new way. Things I’m used to saying to a pregnant mama don’t quite translate the same way when speaking to a mama through IVF. One mama is serving and surrendering, the other is receiving and preparing. The beautiful shared bond between these two mothers was the life blood of this birth. I’ve noticed that first babies of any type (for either parent) usually have longer labors that match the need for deep surrender and humility. I prepared Rachael for this reality knowing that though Rachael had children prior- this labor would be more akin to giving birth for the first time as energetically it was for Sam and Jesse to become parents for the first time. The Birth Day Prep class was tailored to address some of the subtle nuance this situation would call for so that on the birthing day we all felt as prepared as possible. Even the immediate postpartum was very interesting! I had one mama that I had to monitor for bleeding and recovery while guiding the other through establishing bonding. For keeping the uterus toned and tight, being around Zion was important for Rachael. Richard was indispensable in navigating the two very different needs of each of the two fathers present, providing them the grounding and support that was so needed.

This was truly a moving experience as we were able to expand our learning with such beautiful souls!

We recognize that surrogacy & IVF can be controversial topics, however this is not the forum for debate. Please respect the journeys of these beautiful families.

#surrogacy #IVF #homebirth #waterbirth #waterbaby #surrogate #midwife #midwifelife #babies #birthphotography #naturalbirth #birthstory #birth ...

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barefootmidwife

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Mar 9

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How do midwives recuperate? We hug cows. @thegentlebarn

How do midwives recuperate? We hug cows. @thegentlebarn ...

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barefootmidwife

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Feb 5

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The fully narrated story of Barbie & David’s beautiful twin birth! If you’d rather read the story than listen, it’s in the comments. Narrated by: @catcassio Sound design & editing by: @cassio.creative #waterbirth #naturalbirth #homebirth #twinbirth #twins #twinsisters #spinningbabies #breech #breechbirth #waterbaby #midwife #doula #midwifelife #birthstory

The fully narrated story of Barbie & David’s beautiful twin birth! If you’d rather read the story than listen, it’s in the comments.

Narrated by: @catcassio
Sound design & editing by: @cassio.creative

#waterbirth #naturalbirth #homebirth #twinbirth #twins #twinsisters #spinningbabies #breech #breechbirth #waterbaby #midwife #doula #midwifelife #birthstory ...

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