Midwifery Care
Homebirth Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance pay for homebirth?

Some insurance companies will cover a percentage of homebirth. An HMO will not. If you have a PPO or some other type of coverage you can call and ask if they will cover an out of hospital birth with a licensed midwife. If they do pay, it is typically 60 or 70% of what is billed. In that case, couples are responsible for the remaining 30 or 40%, as well as any unmet deductible.

How much does a homebirth cost?

My fee is $3300. I offer a discount to couples paying cash by the 36th week. The discounted fee is $2750. Both fees cover all prenatal care, the entire birth regardless of length, and 6 weeks of postpartum care for both mom and baby. Laboratory tests are additional. There is a $500 deposit required regardless of payment type. Please ask me for details.

Will the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) pay for homebirth?

OHP coverage is available; however, a woman must be on a fee for service card, also known as an “open card”. This means there is no third party resource such as the HMO called LIPA. In order to obtain an “open card” a woman must apply for OHP coverage in her third trimester, or already have private insurance coverage and be applying for OHP as secondary insurance. If you are already on LIPA and are interested in a homebirth, call me to discuss options.

What happens if there are two women in labor at the same time?

In my practice, we serve on average two women per month, so two births at the same time is an unlikely scenario. However we are prepared in the event it does happen. Throughout your prenatal care you will also get to know my assistant; if two women need us at once, we will split up and call in another team of midwives from the area to assist at each birth.

What happens if we have to go to the hospital?

Transferring to the hospital in labor can be disappointing and scary. I will remain by your side at all times, helping you to understand everything that will be happening and serving as an advocate for both you and your baby. The physician will be the Ob/Gyn on call that day at the hospital. My experiences have all been positive to date.

Do you have doctor backup?

This is a heated topic in the Eugene/Springfield area. Due to fears of lawsuits, there are currently no doctors who are willing to call themselves an official backup for homebirth midwives. That said there are several Ob/Gyns who are willing to consult with me as needed. I have access to consultation and ultrasound, as well as high risk hospital care as needed. If assistance is needed during labor, the doctor on call at the hospital receives us.