FAQ
Some common questions we get from clients.
Who can give birth at home?
Home birth is legal and safe for low-risk pregnancies. Midwives work within a set of laws that define “low-risk” vs “high-risk”, but widely speaking the majority of women have low-risk pregnancies. Reach out and we can discuss your individual factors to know if Home birth is right for you.
What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?
A midwife provides medical care and monitoring throughout pregnancy and is focused on the health and safety of the mother and baby during labor and birth. A doula is focused on emotional and physical support during your labor and birth and does not provide medical care.
Will I be able to get a birth certificate?
Yes! Following a home birth your midwife will register your baby’s birth with the state and you can order your birth certificates through them. They will also automatically send you a social security number.
What is the difference between a CPM, a CNM, and a Traditional Midwife?
CPM (Certified Professional Midwife): A specialist trained specifically in out-of-hospital birth (homes & birth centers). Their education is focused on physiology, natural birth, and detecting deviations from normal. This is the most common credential for homebirth midwives. Most licensed midwives are CPMs or CNMs and the state license allows them to carry and administer drugs that may be needed during emergencies.
CNM (Certified Nurse-Midwife): A registered nurse with a master’s degree in midwifery. They are experts in low-risk birth and well-person care, but primarily work within the hospital system. Some may attend out-of-hospital births, though it is less common.
Traditional Midwife: An experienced midwife who may be trained through self-study, apprenticeship, or other non-formalized routes. Their practice is often rooted in cultural heritage and community-based wisdom. Licensing and regulations for traditional midwives vary by state.
If I need stitches after the birth can you do that?
Yes, we assess any tears after the birth (usually after you’ve had an hour of snuggles with your new baby). If stitches are necessary we can do most repairs at home. In rare situations if the tear is significant or complex we will make a plan to go in to the hospital to have the repair done by an OB. Your pelvic health is important. This is usually pretty quick, we go with you, and you are back home in a few hours.
Do you bill insurance?
Yes. We work with a professional biller who advocates directly for you. While most midwives are not in-network, many insurance plans now cover a percentage of homebirth care. We are able to bill most insurance plans, including OHP. See our Prices page for more info.
Is home birth safe?
Yes. For low-risk pregnancies, research shows planned home births with qualified midwives have similar safety outcomes to hospital births. We maintain this safety through vigilant monitoring and a detailed emergency transport plan for every family.
Do I need to see a doctor for routine prenatal care or testing?
No, midwives provide care from conception through to the postpartum period, including the collection of lab specimens. We are the primary obstetric care provider for the women in our care. For some testing such as ultrasounds or specialty tests that we cannot perform at home, midwives offer referrals if that test is necessary or is requested.
What if there is an emergency?
Your safety is our priority. We are trained to handle emergencies and carry medications and equipment to manage many situations at home, such as postpartum hemorrhage. A key part of our expertise is knowing if and when a hospital transfer is the safest choice, ensuring a smooth transition for more advanced care if needed.
Who can be at my birth?
Your birth, your choice. We help you to create a plan that suits your needs, but we do encourage you to think deeply about who you invite into your birth space. We want you to feel supported, not distracted or discouraged. We also encourage you to invite anyone who plans to attend the birth to a prenatal visit so they can ask questions and have concerns addressed before the big day.