Frequently asked questions

Can I have a home birth?

For the most part, the answer is yes! Home birth is a safe option for healthy, low-risk pregnancies.

Is home birth safe?

Home birth is safe for low-risk pregnancies. The largest study of home birth data from over 16,000 births in the U.S. showed that there was decreased risk of maternal interventions (such as cesareans), infections, and decreased tearing as compared to birth in hospitals. The overall transfer rate was around 10.9%, with the most common reasons for transferring being failure to progress and pain relief. You can find this study here https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12172 . The difficulty with this study is that all information was voluntarily submitted by providers, whereas the best research will be randomized controlled trials. A randomized controlled trial means women would be randomly assigned to have a home or hospital birth, but this would be unethical.

Other current research is this one from 2024, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11542973/ . This research article compared home birth and birth center outcomes. It found that the results of both were very similar and found home and birth centers to be safe. Though the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists does not recommend home births, they do recommend birth centers as a safe place to birth. One of the main reasons they do not support home births is the lack of data available. You can find their statement from 2017 here https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/04/planned-home-birth

Research in other countries regarding home birth has shown that it is safe when attended by a skilled provider. The research in these countries, while showing home birth is safe, cannot be directly reflected to the United States. This is because home birth is integrated into the medical systems of those countries. Home birth is beginning to become more recognized and integrated in some places in the United states, but not all.

Overall, every choice will carry some risks. The choice to birth at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital. It is up to each person and family to decide which risks and benefits are important to them and where they feel safest and the most supported while birthing. There is no one right answer for every person.

What does it cost, and can I use insurance?

The total midwifery fee is $6,000. This includes all of the prenatal care, labor and birth, and postpartum care. A $500 deposit is asked for at the second prenatal appointment and for the balance to be paid by 36 weeks. Financial assistance and installment plans can be worked out between the client and midwife on a case to case basis. Tidal Waters Midwifery is not "in network" with any insurance, though some insurances will reimburse portions of your fee. We utilize a biller who assists in working with the insurance companies. Health Shares are an option for some families and health shares often cover the fees from midwife attended home births.

What if there's an emergency or I need to transfer to the hospital?

Part of a midwife's skill is to respond when there are emergencies. Our training includes treating or stabilizing many different situations. We are happy to discuss these in detail during a consult if you have any questions or concerns. Should someone choose or need to transfer, the midwife will do her best to make it as seamless as possible. She will provide the hospital with any records necessary to take care of you. We also do our best to make sure a member of the team goes with you to the hospital to support you while you are there.

Is my home suitable for a home birth?

Most homes are perfectly suitable for a home birth. It does not take much space to birth a baby in. What is important is you feel safe and comfortable while you labor and birth. Even small apartments can work just fine. At the 36 week home visit, we can help you with any specific questions you have about your home space.

What is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?

A Certified Professional Midwife, or CPM, is a midwife who's training specializes in community birth. That means any birth that happens outside of the hospital. Becoming a CPM requires training, studying, and apprenticeship, with certification awarded after passing an exam by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). It often takes several years to complete the training to become a CPM.

What equipment do you bring?

We bring supplies and equipment to monitor and support the mother and baby during labor. Some of this includes vital sign equipment, a fetal doppler, birth tub, birth chair, and herbs. We also carry what we need in the event of an emergency, such as resuscitation equipment for the newborn, medications to stop bleeding, IV's and IV fluids, and oxygen. We also carry supplies to perform suturing, as needed.