FAQs

Do you take insurance?

No. Because I am a small practice, and I am an out of network provider, I do not currently bill insurance. This means that all of my clients are considered self-pay and are responsible for paying my fees before delivery.

At the end of your care I will provide you with an itemized invoice with insurance codes (superbill) that you may use to seek reimbursement from your insurance company.

What is a Licensed Midwife?

Licensed Midwives are trained professionals qualified to care for healthy, low-risk women and their newborns throughout pregnancy, birth, and up to 6 weeks postpartum. Most LMs attend a comprehensive training program that takes 3-4 years to complete. They are trained by other midwives in an out-of-hospital setting. I have a nursing background with experience in surgery, pediatrics, and primary care. I chose not to become a nurse midwife to avoid hospital clinicals and a large amount of debt for obtaining a masters degree. I knew I only wanted to practice out-of-hospital midwifery.

What are your fees?

Depending on delivery location and other factors, my package rates usually range from $6,000-$6,500. This rate includes all of your prenatal visits, birth, six weeks of postpartum care, and six weeks of well baby care.

I offer flexible payment plans and a discount for those paid in full by 34 weeks.

This fee does not include:

Blood work (can bill insurance)
Sonograms (can bill insurance)
Childbirth education classes (required for anyone having their first unmedicated delivery)
Home Birth Kit
Rhogam injections for Rh negative mothers
Incidental Procedures/ services: these are minor additions that are not needed by every client so they are not included in my package rate. These services may include emergency medication at delivery, suturing or IVs. I strive to keep costs low for my clients by passing along my whole sale pricing.

Do you take transfers from other providers?

Yes. In general I'm able to accept late transfers of healthy, low-risk women. To discuss your options, my availability, and your personal health history, please give me a call to schedule a consult.

What do prenatal visits look like?

Prenatal visits are held in my home office. They are scheduled for an hour. You can read more here.

Who will attent my birth?

Me and another midwife, midwifery student, nurse, or an experienced birth assistant. You are also welcome to have your family or any support people you wish to be there.

What happens if birth doesn't go as planned?

I am trained to handle certain complications at home and to recognize complications that require a hospital transport.

Throughout labor, I will be monitoring the baby using a fetal doppler. This allows me to listen to changes in the baby's heart rate so they can let me know how they are doing. If they begin not tolerating labor, I will transport you to a hospital for delivery.

Other reasons for transport include:

If you decide you want an epidural or other pain relief.

If you become unwell with fever or illness

If your baby has trouble breathing and transitioning after birth

If you hemorrhage and do not respond to intervention

Every member of my team is certified in Neonatal Resuscitation as well as adult and infant CPR for health care providers. Resuscitation equipment for mom and baby and oxygen is set up and available at every delivery. I also carry Pitocin, Cytotec, methergine, and TXA in case of a postpartum hemorrhage.

What are the benefits to midwifery care?

Individualized and evidence based care: all decisions are made together with you. We will have detailed discussions about your needs and review current research so you can make the most informed decisions.

Labor and birth in your own environment. Move, eat, and drink at your leisure. Also, leaving your home in labor is the first intervention!

Immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with your baby. All necessary exams and monitoring are performed at your bedside.

What about a birth certificate?

I am a birth registrar with the State of Texas and will file the necessary paperwork for both the birth certificate and social security card.

Do you have any other resources to help me make a decision?

To listen:

Evidence Based Birth Podcast

Down to Birth Podcast

Pain Free Birth Podcast

Birthing Instincts w/ Dr. Stu and Midwife Blyss

To Watch:

The Business of Being Born