Frequently asked questions.
Is home birth safe?
For low-risk pregnancies, research shows that planned home births with a qualified midwife are as safe as hospital births. We carefully screen all clients and have clear protocols for transfer to hospital care if needed.
What qualifications do you have?
Our midwives are Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) with extensive training in both normal pregnancy/birth and emergency situations. We maintain current certifications in neonatal resuscitation and adult CPR and regularly participate in continuing education.
What prenatal care do you provide?
We offer comprehensive prenatal care including:
Regular check-ups (monthly until 28 weeks, bi-weekly until 36 weeks, then weekly)
Laboratory testing and ultrasound referrals
Nutritional counseling and lifestyle recommendations
Birth preparation classes and resources
24/7 on-call availability for questions or concerns
What supplies do I need for a home birth?
We provide a detailed supply list in your welcome packet. We bring all medical equipment needed for birth and emergencies. You'll need to gather some basic household items like clean towels and sheets. We go through the complete list during your home visit at 37 weeks. We will also provide you a link to a prepackaged kit with all disposable supplies.
What if something goes wrong?
While complications are rare in low-risk pregnancies, we are fully trained to handle emergencies. We carry emergency equipment and medications, and have clear protocols for situations requiring hospital transfer.
Does insurance cover home birth?
While currently, we don’t accept insurance, we can provide you with insurance billers who can help petition your insurance for reimbursement. We also offer payment plans and can accept HSA/FSA cards.
What pain management options are available?
There are various natural pain management techniques including:
Water therapy (birth pool)
Position changes and movement
Massage and counterpressure
Aromatherapy
Breathing techniques
Hot/cold therapy
We can discuss all options during your prenatal visits to develop a pain management plan that works for you. We highly recommend hiring a doula to support you during your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
* Please see resource page for more information about recommended doulas, lactation providers, etc
How long do you stay after the birth?
We remain with you for 2-3 hours after birth to ensure mom and baby are stable, assist with initial breastfeeding, and help you get settled. We will also perform a complete newborn exam.
What postpartum care do you provide?
Our postpartum care includes:
Home visit at 24-48hrs postpartum which includes newborn screens
3 & 6-week in-office checkup
Breastfeeding support and resources
Newborn care education
Maternal recovery guidance
Postpartum mood screening
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for home birth?
We conduct a thorough initial consultation to review your medical history and current pregnancy. Generally, good candidates are:
Experiencing a low-risk pregnancy
Carrying a single baby in a head-down position
Between 37-42 weeks at the time of labor
Free of serious medical conditions
Living within 30 minutes of a hospital
Willingness to comply with necessary health recommendations to maintain low risk status
Contact us to schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific situation and determine if home birth is right for you.