FAQ
So you want to know more about Homebirth…
How do I know home birth is right for me?
Home birth is an excellent choice for low risk people who are seeking an out of hospital pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience.
What are the benefits of home birth?
Pregnancy and birth asks a lot of a person. When you hire a homebirth midwife you have continuity with a provider who knows you and is available for questions and concerns. Through the prenatal care we develop a relationship so when your birth arrives you can let go. Home birth means surrendering to labor, allowing it to unfold naturally. It means being heard, and making choices. And for some home birth means being able to re-wild in your own environment and feel empowered to do what the labor asks of you. Knowing the people with you makes this easier.
How much does home birth cost?
A homebirth care package includes all prenatal visits, birth, and postpartum care and ranges from $5000 and goes up to $8500, with many midwives offering a sliding scale to accommodate all financial needs. Kara uses the Bay Area Annual Median Income to help families determine where they land in the price tier. Please contact Kara for more information.
Do midwives take insurance?
Most PPOs cover a percentage of homebirth as an out of network provider. We work with an insurance biller to make sure that you are able to get a maximum return.
Are home births messy?
Homebirth is surprisingly tidy. Usually by the time we leave there is one small bag of rubbish and another of laundry, if we haven’t gotten that in the washer yet. Because we clean up the mess we make sure to not make much of one in the first place.
Can I labor and birth in the water?
Yes, you can. Many women find submerging in a pool of warm water eases the intensity of labor. We provide a list of resources so that you can rent a tub if you choose.
What about home birth aftercare?
Homebirth doesn’t end with being tucked into your own bed with your new baby. We do four home visits in the first two weeks postpartum so you can get the care you need without leaving your nest. This includes lactation support, assessments of you and your baby, and support with the transitions of new parenting. Your midwife continues to care for you and your baby for six weeks postpartum with a final visit back at the Root, finishing up where we started.
Here are some birth studies you may like to review: