Frequently Asked Questions

Does insurance pay for homebirth?

Sometimes yes and sometimes no. We are out-of-network providers, so it depends on whether there is an exclusion for homebirth with a licensed midwife. Your out-of-network deductible will need to be met before insurance will reimburse, typically at 60% or 70% of usual and customary. Increasingly insurance companies are placing a cap (maximum allowable benefit) on what they will pay. This is often considerably less than what is billed. We encourage you to discuss this with your insurance company. Because reimbursement is often uncertain, we ask for $5000 by the 36th week and bill a global fee postpartum. If insurance reimburses your homebirth cost, we’ll refund your money. If not, you’ll have no further financial obligation to Midwifery Care.

How much does a homebirth cost?

Our fee is $5000. Payment in full is due at 36 weeks. If a payment plan beyond 36 weeks is necessary please feel free to give us a call, we understand that circumstances can vary.

This covers all prenatal care including any extra visits, accompaniment to diagnostic consultations when indicated, the entire birth regardless of length, and six to eight weeks of postpartum care for mom and baby including extensive lactation support when necessary, 24/7 telephone support and in home visits. Also included are most medications, herbs, homeopathics, and any needed newborn prophylaxis used during birth and immediately postpartum. Lab work and ultrasound costs are additional and typically billable to insurance. A $500 deposit is required at the second prenatal visit regardless of payment method; please ask for details. Credit card and Venmo payments are accepted.

Will the Oregon Health Plan pay for homebirth?

We are not an Oregon Health Plan provider. Those covered by OHP at the time of contract will be offered a reduced fee of $3,800 and a payment plan if necessary. Please contact us to discuss options.

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

Our practice serves an average of four women per month, so this scenario is unlikely; however, we are prepared in the event it does happen. As we are two midwives with an assistant, we always have a backup midwife with whom you have developed a relationship, who will be accompanied by another assistant midwife.

What happens if we have to go to the hospital?

Transferring to the hospital in labor can be disappointing and scary. We will remain by your side at all times, helping you to understand what to expect and serving as an advocate for you and your baby at the hospital. The physician will be the OB/GYN on call. Our experiences with hospital transfer have all been positive to date.

Do you have doctor backup?

For a variety of reasons, there are currently no doctors in Eugene/Springfield who are willing to call themselves backup for homebirth midwives. That said, a few OB/GYNs are willing to consult with us if needed, offering advice for any complications or concerns, and we have access to ultrasound as well as hospital care if needed. This level of backup feels quite sufficient and allows us to fully meet our clients’ needs.

What about any lab work and ultrasound?

We have full lab privileges. We explain all routine lab work, discuss the benefits and alternatives and order the tests we deem necessary. We refer women who desire or require an ultrasound to Maternal-Fetal Medicine at Women’s Care in Eugene, where you will receive top quality ultrasound and care from the most friendly technicians and doctors we know. For non-routine ultrasounds, we’ll make every effort to accompany you to ensure complete continuity of care.

Do you recommend a lactation consultant?

We have an extensive understanding of breastfeeding and are able to provide lactation support for even the most challenging breastfeeding issues. We work closely with some independent lactation consultants in the area when a second opinion or another voice is necessary.