Frequently asked questions

What do midwives do?

A certified nurse-midwife is an advanced practice nurse who specializes in caring for women and babies during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the first few weeks following birth. Midwives encourage women to play an active role in their own health and assist with in making decisions that are best for her and her baby. Certified nurse-midwives also provide well-woman care for women of all ages across the life span. They have full prescriptive authority and can treat common health problems and concerns related to women’s health.

What can I expect for visits?

I am a firm believer in personal choice when it comes to giving birth, and support women’s desires for birth whether in or out of hospital. My goal is to provide women with safe, satisfying birth experiences in the comfort of their own home as a home birth midwife. As a “mobile midwife” I offer home visits for prenatal care and other health concerns. Individualized care and shared-decision making are important aspects of building relationships for optimal care and family satisfaction. I am committed to investing TIME for each visit (generally 45-60 minutes) and providing SAFE, evidence-based care and education to my clients. I will bring standard home birth supplies, medications, and equipment to ensure best practice and safety measures for you and your baby. After the birth I will stay for 2-3 hours as you recover and your newborn transitions to life outside the womb.

Do you have a collaborative relationship with other care providers?

YES! If a referral is needed, or at any point during the pregnancy you require a higher level of care, I will consult one of my collaborating physicians and/or midwives. “Risking out” of qualifying for a home birth can be disappointing, but you can rest assured that you will receive the appropriate level of competent, compassionate care.

How much does a home birth cost?

Home birth offers a significant savings over hospital birth. Expect to budget $5500-$6000 for prenatal care, ultrasound and lab fees, birth pool rental (available through my birth assistant) and the home birth fee. Taking childbirth education classes and hiring a doula are some other wise investments I strongly encourage families to consider. Most medical sharing programs reimburse families for home birth and doula services. Regular insurance companies typically reimburse ultrasound and lab fees but not home birth. I do not bill insurance companies but can provide official invoices for reimbursement purposes. Payment plans are set up to make the cost manageable for families.