Does insurance cover midwifery?

Often it does! Many insurance companies will reimburse or partially cover the cost for midwifery services.

We use a third party insurance biller (Birthing Professional Billing) to file our insurance claims.

If you would like us to submit a verification of benefits to see how much your out-of-pocket costs would be for home birth services we are happy to do this free of charge!

Additionally we  are able to accept payment from HSAs.

We want to be transparent and up front with any costs so that there are no surprise bills following the birth (which is frequently the case following hospital births!).

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Do I need to live in a house to have a home birth?

Not at all! We attend birth in all sorts of spaces including: apartments, airbnb's, hotels, backyards, mobile homes, tiny homes - you name it!.

All that we require is that there will be running water, electricity & cell service. At 36 weeks we will visit and tour your birth space and work out any details.

 

What if you are called to another birth when I am in labor?

This doesn’t happen often, but is always possible! Fortunately, there are four of us, and we usually can split up and attend 2 labors at once if necessary.

In addition, we have fantastic support from other midwifery practices in the area and we can call on them for back up if needed.

 

Do you take birth photos?

With your permission, we would be happy to document your birth! However, as a disclaimer, we are not professional photographers and cannot guarantee the quality of the photos. If you are interested in keepsake photos, it might be worth checking out our recommended resources to see local birth photographers in the area!

 

Am I a good candidate for home birth?

Most likely! The easiest way for us to answer this question is through a consultation appointment. We will discuss your health & birth history and determine together where the safest place to birth might be.

 

Is home birth messy?

Nope! We provide plenty of supplies to keep your home clean and tidy, and we make sure that any blood or fluids are immediately cleaned up following the birth. We like to leave your space as clean (or cleaner!) than we found it.

 

Do you offer pain medication?

No. Births that happen at home are all-natural and spontaneous. We don’t administer any pain medications for contractions. However, we do have a variety of pain-reliving techniques which help parents to cope with labor successfully (including: water immersion, acupressure, massage, positioning etc). *We do, however, offer lidocaine to numb any tissues which need to be stitched after the birth.

 

Do you offer water birth?

Yes! We have a deluxe inflatable birth tub for rent. With a sterile liner we can set it up and will also help you break it down after the birth. Laboring in the water is a great way to relieve discomfort and rest, even if you end up getting out of the tub for birth.

 

Is home birth dangerous?

Not for low-risk populations! Multiple research studies have shown the safety of home birth for low risk parents to be the same (or safer) than birth taking place in the hospital. There are (of course) risks involved with any birth, and we are trained and skilled in managing emergencies and unexpected complications. We are happy to provide you with research and resources for more information upon request!

 

What is the difference between a doula & midwife?

We are midwives, meaning we are licensed medical care providers who are qualified to catch babies, administer medications, and provide prenatal + postpartum care. Most midwives spend 4-7 years gaining their education and training prior to becoming licensed.

Doulas are trained labor-support people, who are experienced in comfort measures + education for labor and birth. Many of them also provide postpartum services which can include infant care and meal prep. Emotional support is a key part of their role. Most doulas spend 2-6 months becoming certified.

Both roles are important in birth, but the difference should be clear!

 

What if labor starts at nighttime?

It probably will! Most births begin at night due to natural hormonal shifts which occur in the evening. We are on call for you around the clock, and are very used to being called out at 2am!

 

Will I still need to see a doctor if I hire a midwife?

We follow the same schedule of care and offer the same tests that you can have with an OB. During a low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy, there is no need to see an OB in addition to your midwife. However, there are certain complications or situations that may arise where we will want to consult with a physician, such as gestational diabetes, etc. If this becomes necessary, your midwife will refer you to a local OB or CNM and will communicate and collaborate as needed to provide you with the safest plan of action.