How do I know if homebirth is right for me?

Homebirth can be a beautiful option for healthy, low-risk pregnancies. It’s a great fit for people who want an out-of-hospital experience, continuity with a midwife they know and trust, and the ability to birth in the comfort of their own home with the option to transfer if needed.

During our initial visits, we’ll review your health history and pregnancy together to make sure homebirth is a safe choice for you and your baby.

What are the benefits of homebirth?

Pregnancy and birth ask a lot of your body, mind, and heart. When you work with a homebirth midwife, you build a relationship with a provider who knows you, understands your story, and is available for questions and concerns along the way.

Through prenatal care, we get to know one another so that when your birthing time comes, you can lean in and let go. Homebirth often means:

• Being truly heard and included in every decision

• Having the freedom to move, eat, and labor in ways that feel right to you

• Being surrounded by people you know and trust in a familiar environment

For some, homebirth looks like a gentle water birth; for others it’s birthing on the bed, by the bedside, or wherever your body feels best. No two births are the same, and we work together to support what works for you.

How much does homebirth care cost?

Homebirth midwifery care is typically offered as a global care package that includes prenatal visits, on-call care, your labor and birth, and postpartum and newborn follow-up.

At Birthstone Midwifery, I talk openly about costs, payment plans, and what’s included so there are no surprises. Most families invest several thousand dollars in care, and many use HSA/FSA funds or payment plans to make it manageable.

We’ll go over the current fee, what’s included, and your payment options during your free consultation so you can make a decision that feels right for your family.

Do you take insurance?

Right now, Birthstone Midwifery operates as private pay, but many families are able to use insurance in some way.

For PPO plans, we can check your coverage to see what your out-of-pocket expense might be and whether your plan typically reimburses for out-of-hospital midwifery care. In many cases, families can:

• Use HSA/FSA funds

• Submit a superbill and request partial reimbursement from their insurance

We also work with a professional insurance biller who can help you maximize any benefits available through your plan. You can find their information here.

During your consultation, we’ll walk through your options together so you have a clear picture of both the care and the financial side.Are homebirths messy?

Much less than most people imagine.

We bring our own supplies, use waterproof pads, and are very intentional about keeping your space tidy. By the time we leave, there’s usually one small bag of trash and a bag of laundry, often already started for you.

Part of our job is to clean up what we’ve used so that you can stay cuddled in bed with your baby while your home returns to its usual rhythm.

Can I labor and birth in the water?

Yes, if it’s safe for you and baby, water can be a wonderful tool. Many people find that getting into a pool or tub of warm water eases the intensity of labor and helps them relax.

If you’re interested in water birth, we’ll talk about how it works, any safety considerations, and I’ll share resources for renting or purchasing a birth tub if you choose.

What does homebirth aftercare look like?

Homebirth doesn’t end when the baby is born. One of the gifts of midwifery care is the support you receive in the weeks that follow.

With Birthstone Midwifery, postpartum care usually includes:

• Four home visits in the first two weeks postpartum

• Ongoing check-ins for six weeks after birth

• A final visit around 5–6 weeks postpartum (in your home or at the Birthstone Midwifery office, depending on what works best)

These visits include:

• Wellness assessments for you and your baby

• Breastfeeding/chestfeeding support

• Emotional check-ins and space to process your birth

• Guidance on newborn care, sleep, and adjusting to life with a new baby

• Lab tests and contraception counseling when needed

My goal is that you feel cared for, informed, and never alone in this tender transition.

Want to read more about homebirth research?

If you enjoy looking at the evidence, you may find these large studies and reviews helpful:

• Research published in Obstetrics & Gynecology (often referred to as the “Green Journal”) on outcomes for planned home and birth center births

• Studies in the BMJ comparing planned homebirth to hospital birth

• Research in the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal) on homebirth safety

• Analyses in The Lancet on maternal outcomes and interventions in different birth settings

I’m always happy to talk through what the research shows and how it applies to your unique situation during a consultation.