Birth Home, Inc. records

Birth Home, Inc. records, 1977-1995

Overview of the Collection

Cre: Birth Home, Incorporated
Title: Birth Home, Inc. records
Dates: 1977-1995 (inclusive)
19771995

1982-1986 (bulk)
19821986
Quantity: 10 linear feet, (21 boxes)
Collection Number: 2014-011
Summary: Birth Home, Inc. was the fourth birthing center to open in Oregon. Operating from 1982 to 1986, the non-profit birthing center was staffed by obstetricians, certified nurse midwives, and family practice physicians and provided an alternative to hospital births for low-risk women. These records document the daily and administrative operations of the Birth Home as well as their involvement in the community and published materials collected by the organization.
Repository: Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives
OHSU Historical Collections & Archives
Oregon Health & Science University
3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd. MC:LIB
Portland, OR
97239
Telephone: 5034945587
hcaref@ohsu.edu
Access Restrictions: Some materials in this collection may be restricted due to the presence of protected health information (PHI) or other confidential information. Please contact Historical Collections & Archives for more details regarding access.
Languages: English

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

The Birth Home, Inc. Records contain materials documenting the daily and administrative operations of the non-profit birthing center as well as their involvement in the community and published materials collected by the organization regarding topics relevant to birthing centers, healthcare, pregnancy, and childbirth.

This collection has been divided into 6 major series:

Series I: Patient Records (RESTRICTED) (1984-1986)

Contains patient registration, consent and contract forms as well as fees and payment information, insurance records, and patient care records. Also included are thank you letters and family photographs mailed to the Birth Home from former patients.

Series II: Personnel Files (RESTRICTED) (1982-1986)

Contains the personnel files of Birth Home staff, including birth assistants, birth nurses, cerified nurse midwives, and OBGYN physicians. Files include employment applications, interview materials, time sheets, tax documents, professional health benefits material, and professional liability insurance documentation.

Series III: 501(c)(3) Documentation (1982-1986)

Contains official non-profit, 501(c)(3) corporation papers and other important documentation related to Birth Home's non-profit status, including articles of incorporation, by-laws, and tax exemption materials.

Series IV: Administrative Records (RESTRICTED) (1980-1986)

Contains assorted office files created and used by Birth Home staff during daily operations of the facility as well as other administrative and financial records. Included within this series are correspondence; meeting minutes of the board of directors, committees, and staff; job descriptions and interview materials; protocols, policies, and procedures; financial records; utility records; supply lists and catalogs; Birth Home educational and fundraising event planning and promotional materials; advertisements and other public relation materials; educational handouts; blank patient care forms; volunteer and student worker programs; professional organization membership materials; Birth Home newsletters, and news clippings about the Birth Home.

Series V: Martha Goetsch Administrative Records (RESTRICTED) (1980-1986)

Contains the records created and/or maintained by founding member Martha Goetsch, M.D., and her involvement as Medical Director and member of the Board of Directors. Goetsch's records are kept separate from the primary Administrative Records series to highlight this distinction. Materials are primarily board member and Birth Home medical staff records, including meeting agendas and minutes as well as by-law drafts and revisions. Also included are records documenting the planning for Birth Home's opening in 1982 as well as their proposal to merge with Good Samaritan Hospital after losing professional liability insurance and the closing of the facility in 1986.

Series VI: Reference Files (1977-1986; 1995)

Contains published materials, including news clippings, magazine and journal articles, newsletters, directories, pamphlets and booklets, handouts, reports, organizational standards, and legislation collected by the Birth Home related to pregnancy, childbirth, motherhood, midwifery, breast feeding, birthing centers, medical programs in Oregon, and liability and malpractice insurance.

Series VII: Photographs (RESTRICTED) (circa 1982-1986)

Contains black and white and color photoprints of various sizes and color 35mm slides. The majority of the images were taken at the Birth Home, depicting patient births and Birth Home reunion get-togethers. Many of those featured in the photographs are unidentified; however, some patient names are included with the photographs. Images also feature Birth Home staff, including Martha Goetsch, M.D., Catherine Pelosi, C.N.M., and Vicki Cohen, C.N.M. Also includes 35 mm slides taken of a cesarean section at Forest Grove Hospital, used for a presentation at the Birth Home.

Historical NoteReturn to Top

In September of 1982, the non-profit organization, Birth Home, Inc., located on 2006 SE Ankeny St. in Portland, Oregon, became the fourth birthing center to open its doors in Oregon. The Birth Home was established by a group of certified nurse midwives, family practice physicians, obstetricians, birth nurses, and other childbirth educators seeking to provide an alternative to hospital births for low-risk women. The center maintained a cozy, home-like atmosphere, decorated with houseplants and friendly décor and was equipped with three furnished birthing rooms and all necessary medical equipment and supplies. Women were encouraged to give birth in the position most comfortable for them, offering not only comfy beds but also birthing chairs to support women delivering upright.

An inclusive and welcoming facility, the Birth Home offered their services to GLBT and straight families alike. They also actively encouraged fathers and other family members and friends to participate in the birth process, a significant departure from the solitary birthing experience of earlier years. Additionally, fees were established on a sliding scale, helping to make their facility an affordable one.

Birth Home medical staff was comprised of physicians, certified nurse midwives, and birth nurses assisted by birth assistants and administrative staff. Not all physicians and nurse midwives that assisted in births at the facility were Birth Home personnel. According to a Q&A handout within the Birth Home Records, the facility was the only birthing center in Portland to allow outside physicians and nurse midwives who shared their philosophy and standards to admit patients (Series IV). As a non-profit corporation, a Board of Directors governed the Birth Home, supported by a Board of Consultants. Among Birth Home's administrative staff, founding members Martha Goetsch, M.D., served as Medical Director, overseeing physicians, and Jill Romm, R.N., as Administrator, overseeing daily operations. The Personnel Supervisor oversaw nursing staff.

In addition to birthing services, the Birth Home also hosted educational events for the community on assorted topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, including regular film nights and classes. They also offered post natal support groups as well as resources and referrals to families seeking information on birthing in Portland's hospitals, other women support groups, and available babysitters. Fundraising was an integral component of maintaining operations at the facility, so Birth Home held several community events to raise money. Events included the annual Mother's Day Runaway jog-a-thon and the Father's Day Jazz at Jake's celebration.

At the time, birth centers were still viewed by many as an unsafe option for birthing women, making it difficult for these facilities to maintain professional liability insurance. In 1986, the Birth Home faced losing their coverage. As a means of remaining insured and open, the Birth Home and Good Samaritan Health Services proposed a merger of the two facilities. According to documentation within the records, the merger did not come to fruition due to refusal from Good Samaritan's health insurance company to extend coverage. In fall of 1986, Birth Home officially lost coverage and was forced to cease operations. They closed their doors officially on September 16, 1986, having assisted over 398 families in their four years of operation.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Collection title], Collection Number [####-###], Oregon Health & Science University, Historical Collections & Archives.

Restrictions on Use

OHSU Historical Collections & Archives (HC&A) is the owner of the original materials and digitized images in our collections, however, the collection may contain materials for which copyright is not held. Patrons are responsible for determining the appropriate use or reuse of materials. Consult with HC&A to determine if we can provide permission for use.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Acquisition Information

The records were donated by former Birth Home Medical Director, Martha Goetsch, M.D., and Chairperson, Catherine Pelosi, C.N.M. in 2014.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

I. Patient Records (RESTRICTED), 1984-1986Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box
1		A-Bry	1982-1986
2		Bry-De	1982-1986
3		Del-Hi	1982-1986
4		Ho-Lo	1982-1986
5		Lo-Mul	1982-1986
6		Mun-Rom	1982-1986
7		Ros-Sp	1982-1986
8		St-Wit	1982-1986
9		Wit-Z E-H	1982-1986
	Folder
10	1	Patient chart review checklist: 36 weeks	circa 1982-1986
10	2	Correspondence: patient case reviews	1983
10	3	Birthed and not birthed client payments received and due	1985
10	4	Birth Home patient insurance inquiries	1986
10	5	Patient case review correspondence between Birth Home staff	1983
10	6	Thank you letters to the Birth Home	1982-1986
10	7	Birth Home patient and class attendee surveys	circa 1983-1986
10	8	Incoming correspondence: patient payments	1983
10	9	Pregnancy testing request forms	1986
10	10	Denied patient insurance claim forms	1982-1985
10	11	Blue Cross Blue Shield patient insurance documents	1983-1986
10	12	Health insurance claim forms	1982-1986
10	13	Health insurance claim forms	1982-1986
10	14	Patient letter of support for the Birth Home	circa 1982-1986
10	15	Patient information cards	1982-1984
10	16	Birthed and not birthed client payments received and due	circa 1982-1986

II. Personnel Files (RESTRICTED), 1982-1986Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box
11		A-R	1982-1986
12		R-Z C-W / Other personnel records	1982-1986
	Folder
12	40	Birth assistant completed job applications	1982-1985
12	41	Birth Home staffing calendars	1983-1986
12	42	W2 reconciliation calculation spreadsheets	1985
13	1	Staff W-4s	1984
13	2	Workers compensation case hearing	1986
13	3	PSU work study student Deborah Cohen: statement of account ledgers	1983-1984
13	4	Birth nurse completed applications	1983-1985
13	5	National Hospital Association participating physicians health benefits	1983
13	6	Professional liability insurance materials	1986

III. 501(c)(3) Documentation, 1982-1986Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
13	7	Internal Revenue Service 501(c)(3) tax exemption materials	1982-1984
13	8	Non-profit corporation papers, articles of incorporation, and by-laws	1981-1985

IV. Administrative Records, 1981-1986Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
14	1	Advisory Committee contact information and nomination letters	1984
14	2	Birth Home volunteer application letter	1984 March 22
14	3	Birth Home medical staff application for appointment	circa 1982
14	4	Birth Home birth nurse and birth assistant job applications	circa 1982-1986
14	5	Board of Directors member list	1982-1986
14	6	Board of Directors meeting minutes	1984-1986
14	7	Birth Home committee meeting minutes	1983-1984
14	8	Birth attendant and nurse evaluation forms	circa 1982-1986
14	9	Birth Home interview materials	circa 1982-1986
14	10	Birth Home nursing protocols and procedures	circa 1982-1985
14	11	Birth nurses : in-services participants	1982-1983
14	12	Birth Home wanted poster for on-call birth nurses	circa 1982-1986
14	13	Board of Director correspondence	1983-1986
14	14	Internal correspondence	1983-1984
14	15	General information about Birth Home for interested physicians	circa 1982
14	16	Blank patient chart review checklist for 36 weeks	circa 1982-1986
14	17	Oregon Health & Science University and Birth Home nursing student agreement	1984
14	18	Birth Home job descriptions	circa 1982-1986
14	19	Birth Home orientation scavenger hunt checklist	circa 1982-1986
14	20	Birth assistant orientation outline	circa 1982-1986
14	21	Monthly financial statements	1983-1985
14	22	Employee time sheets	circa 1982-1986
14	23	Public relations resources and planning materials	1983-1986
14	24	Public Relations Committee meeting notices and report	1984-1986
14	25	Balance sheets and financial statements	1985-1986
14	26	Education Committee materials	circa 1982-1985
14	27	Office staff procedures	circa 1982-1986
14	28	Birth Home staff lists and organizational charts	circa 1982-1986
14	29	Financial statements and budget materials	1983-1986
14	30	Public service announcements and press releases	1984-1986
14	31	Correspondence : Senate Bill 2129	1986
15	1	Charitable donation request letters	1986
15	2	Birth Home itemized expenses	circa 1982-1986
15	3	Birth Home janitorial services specifications	1985 October 25
15	4	State of Oregon licensing	1986
15	5	Loss of professional liability insurance: correspondence notes and meeting minutes	1986
15	6	Telephone service provider materials	1982-1985
15	7	Non-profit organization mailing rates	1983-1986
15	8	Birth Home supplies : Mead Johnson formula	1985 September 26
15	9	Birth Home supplies : Northern Medical & Surgical Inc.	1983-1985
15	10	Medical equipment supply catalogs	circa 1982-1986
15	11	Birth Home supplies : Physicians Medical Lab	1982-1983
15	12	Birth Home Natural Birth Association membership and resource library	1985
15	13	Birth Home advertisement order for The Neighbor	1983
15	14	Endorsement letter from Oregon Medical Association Professional Consultation Committee : liability insurance	1983
15	15	Oregon Midwifery Council membership form	circa 1982-1986
15	16	Physicians Association of Clackamas County membership	1985-1986
15	17	Organizations distributing Birth Home pamphlets	circa 1982-1986
15	18	Birth Home information handouts for mothers	circa 1982-1986
15	19	Birth Home birthday party picnic planning materials	1984
15	20	Birth Home policies and procedures	circa 1982-1986
15	21	Post partum support group contact list	circa 1986
15	22	Birth Home program responsibility report : blank forms	circa 1982-1986
15	23	Correspondence between Birth Home staff and participating physicians	1982-1984
15	24	Birth Home utilities : Physicians Answering Service and Radio Paging	1983-1985
15	25	Birth Home event flyers	circa 1983-1986
15	26	Birth Home promotional materials	circa 1982-1986
15	27	Birth Home and Good Samaritan proposed merger	1986
15	28	Birth Home supply needs list	1986
15	29	My call Sunanda rebirthing seminar proposal	1984
15	30	Birth Home Speaker's Bureau lecture service	1984
15	31	Nursing staff meetings : notices agendas and minutes	1984-1986
15	32	Birth Home blank birth certificates	circa 1982-1986
15	33	Birth Home income statements and proposed budgets	1981-1984
15	34	Birth Home desk manual	circa 1982
15	35	News and magazine articles about Birth Home	1983-1984
16	1	How to Become a Birth Home Inc. Family Member information packet	circa 1982-1986
16	2	Birth Home pamphlets	circa 1982-1986
16	3	Birth Home sponsored seminars for pregnant women and childbirth educators	1985-1986
16	4	Birth Home film night	1984
16	5	Jazz at Jake's benefit for Birth Home	1984
16	6	Birth Home catered lunch planning materials	circa 1983
16	7	Letter to former Birth Home patients seeking volunteers	1984 March 22
16	8	Mother's Day Runaway fundraiser pledge sheets	1985
16	9	Mother's Day Runaway fundraiser pledge sheets	1984
16	10	Birth Home brunch fundraiser planning materials	circa 1982-1986
16	11	Birth Home fundraiser forms and advertising materials	circa 1982-1986
16	12	Assorted notes regarding Birth Home activities	circa 1984
16	13	Birth Home fundraising receipts and invoices	1982-1984
16	14	Birth Home funding requests	1982-1984
16	15	McKenzie River Gathering grant information	1984
16	16	Recommended questions for patients selecting practitioner and birth site	circa 1982-1986
16	17	Birth Home insurance pre-authorization forms	circa 1982-1986
16	18	Insurer's packet materials	1985-1986
16	19	Correspondence regarding physician referrals	1982 November 1
16	20	Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance information	circa 1982-1986
16	21	How to bill insurance companies instructions	circa 1982
16	22	Board of Directors minutes notes and budget calculations	1984-1985
16	23	Application and contract for Birth Home services	circa 1982-1986
16	24	Birth Home rate increase phone survey responses	1984 November 6
16	25	Birth Home quality assurance and utilization review	1983 March
16	26	Bylaws revision proposal : minutes and correspondence	1984
16	27	Birth Home newspaper advertisements	1985
17	1	Pregnancy testing policies and procedures	circa 1982-1986
17	2	Birth Home parking space contract with Mobil Station	1982-1986
17	3	Birth Home rental agreement and land use materials	1982-1986
17	4	Zen and the Art of Newborn Maintenance classes	1984
17	5	Volunteer Bureau of Greater Portland registration materials	1983
17	6	Policies and procedures for patient medical records : prenatal intrapartum and postpartum	circa 1982-1986
17	7	Workers compensation policy	1982-1983
17	8	Management of the woman in labor protocol	circa 1982-1986
17	9	Student involvement at Birth Home	1985-1986
17	10	Outgoing correspondence : letters to prospective physicians	1982
17	11	Assorted incoming correspondence	1983-1985
17	12	Assorted outgoing correspondence	1982-1985
17	13	Fundraising for Birth Home correspondence	1983-1985
17	14	Birth Home and Oregon Employment Division Law	1983-1984
17	15	Free standing birthing center state licensure	1985
17	16	Sliding fee scale resources	circa 1982-1986
17	17	Birth Home and Portland State University work study contract	1983
17	18	Criteria for transfer to the hospital	circa 1982-1986
17	19	Eye prophylaxis waiver form	circa 1982-1986
17	20	Guidelines for premature rupture of the membranes	circa 1982-1986
17	21	Guidelines for determining low risk/high risk pregnancies	circa 1982-1986
17	22	Protocol for admitting family in labor	circa 1982-1986
17	23	Caring for the mother post-partum protocol	circa 1982-1986
17	24	Care of the family after discharge protocol	circa 1982-1986
17	25	Prospective patient informational tour outline	circa 1982-1986
17	26	Blank patient assessment forms	circa 1982-1986
17	27	New board member orientation checklist	circa 1982-1986
17	28	Department of Human Resources Oregon Medical Assistance Program enrollment - (RESTRICTED)	1983-1985
17	29	Medical staff meeting announcement - (RESTRICTED)	1983
17	30	Birth Home en"Lightening" newsletter - (RESTRICTED)	1984
17	31	Staff meeting minutes - (RESTRICTED)	1983-1986
17	32	Oregon Bank account materials - (RESTRICTED)	1984
17	33	Birth Home in-house newsletter : The Informant - (RESTRICTED)	1983
17	34	Birth Home usage of images and video : patient consent forms - (RESTRICTED)	1984
17	35	Birth Home promotional pins	circa 1982-1986

V. Martha Goetsch Administrative Records (RESTRICTED), 1980-1986Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
18	1	Affiliation agreement between Georgetown University Medical Center and Martha Goetsch M.D. and Birth Home Inc.	1984 July 9
18	2	Board of Director meeting minutes agendas and notes	1984-1986
18	3	Draft bylaws protocols policies and procedures	1984
18	4	Medical staff bylaws	circa 1982-1986
18	5	Birth Home board member planning materials	1985
18	6	Creation of Birth Home planning materials : minutes notes policies and procedures	1981-1983
18	7	Closing of Birth Home planning materials	1986
18	8	Birth Home and Good Samaritan joint merger proposals	1986
18	9	Birth Home administrative position applicants	1984
18	10	Birth Home guidelines for risk factors	1983-1984
18	11	Birth Home statistics	1982-1986
18	12	Good Samaritan Women's Health Services Planning Committee utilization update	1986 June 13
18	13	Information for patients of Martha Goetsch M.D.	circa 1982-1986
18	14	Board of Directors materials	1980-1986
18	15	Board of Directors materials	1980-1986
18	16	Medical staff meeting minutes agendas notes - (RESTRICTED)	1983-1984

VI. Reference Files, 1977-1995Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
19	1	News clippings: child birth and birthing centers	1982-1986
19	2	Standards and Guidelines for Oregon Midwifery Council Certified Midwives	circa 1982-1986
19	3	OHSU Special Delivery Birth Care Program	1982 October
19	4	Nurse midwifery at OHSU information	circa 1982-1986
19	5	Articles on malpractice insurance for birthing centers and legislation reform	1986
19	6	Professional liability insurance	1986
19	7	Maternity Services Coalition published materials and meeting minutes	1982-1985
19	8	Political addresses	circa 1982-1986
19	9	Breastfeeding organizational resources	1984-1985
19	10	Postpartum health resources	circa 1982-1986
19	11	Childbirth cost-comparison in Portland area hospitals	circa 1982-1986
19	12	Rh negative blood type and pregnancy resources	1983
19	13	Department of Human Resources Oregon Administrative Rule change notices	1984-1986
19	14	State of Oregon Health Division Free Standing Birth Center Rules	1985
19	15	NHA Plan Doctors and Clinics Directories	1981-1982
19	16	Pregnancy safety resources	1977-1984
19	17	Assorted newsletters	1983-1984
19	18	Cascade Midwives Association information resources	1981-1983
19	19	Assorted published materials on childbirth and birthing centers	1977-1995
19	20	Fitness Works pre-natal exercise classes flyer	1985
19	21	National Council of Jewish Women Insights Project year end report and information sheet	1983-1984
19	22	Home health agency Care Management Systems Inc.	circa 1982-1986
19	23	Colombia Region Childbirth Education Council newspaper	1981
19	24	Planned Parenthood resources on pregnancy and contraceptives	1984-1985
19	25	Perinatal and maternal morbidity survey	circa 1982-1986
19	26	Maternity Services Coalition of Oregon : out of hospital births in Oregon event cancellation notice	circa 1982-1986

VII. Photographs (RESTRICTED), 1982-1986Return to Top

Container(s)		Description	Dates
Box	Folder
20	1	Births at Birth Home - assorted images of staff and families	circa 1982-1986
20	2	Births at Birth Home - assorted images of staff and families	circa 1982-1986
20	3	Former birth home babies and families	circa 1982-1986
20	4	Birth Home family reunions	circa 1983-1984
20	5	Cesarean section birth at Forest Grove Hospital presentation slides	1984
20	6	Patient birth (RESTRICTED)	circa 1982-1986
20	7	Patient birth (RESTRICTED)	1983 June
20	8	Patient birth (RESTRICTED)	1986 April
21	1	Mother's Day Runaway fundraiser at Grant High School	1984 May 12
21	2	Mother's Day Runaway fundraiser	1985
21	3	Mother's Day Runaway fundraiser	1986
21	4	Birth Home promotional table at unidentified symposium event	1985 May 5

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

Birthing Centers
Gynecology
Home Childbirth
Midwifery
Nonprofit organizations
Obstetrics
Pregnancy
Reproductive Health

Geographical Names

Oregon--Portland

Other Creators

Personal Names
- Goetsch, Martha (drt)

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