Frequently Asked Questions
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We are moving! Unfortunately I am no longer able to accept TX or NM clients as a result.
What does a home birth cost?
To best serve a wide population, I offer a variety of packages and discounts. Please note: the price does not change if you see another provider and transfer care later in pregnancy.
Premium Package: all of my standard services:
- Unlimited prenatal appointments
- Ordering an insurance provided breast pump, if desired
- Birth kit
- Birth pool and liner
- Trained birth assistant
- Labor and birth services without any time restrictions
- Keepsake footprints
- Unlimited postpartum appointments
- Professional lactation assistance
PLUS:
- 2 Included professional, customized massages in your home ($130+ value)
- As many appointments in your home as you desire (normally $50 extra for each in home prenatal visit, except the single pre-birth home visit which is always included)
$4000
Standard Package:
- Unlimited prenatal office appointments
- Ordering an insurance provided breast pump, if desired
- Birth kit
- Birth pool
- Trained birth assistant
- Labor and birth services without any time restrictions
- Keepsake footprints
- Unlimited postpartum appointments
- Professional lactation assistance
$3500
Discounts and payment plans:
- Military discount.
- Discount for TX Medicaid
- Discount also available for early payment (see contract for details)
- $150 off if you hire a Bliss Births partnered doula.
- Payment plans are available for all clients and are flexible
Will my insurance pay/do you take insurance?
It is possible to bill your insurance, but many insurance plans do not cover my services. If they do, it usually all goes towards the deductible and you will still need to pay out of the pocket for any portion not paid by insurance. Generally, the fee is still less than what you would pay after an insurance covered hospital birth. TX Medicaid and Tricare do not cover any home birth midwives in the area at this time. NM Medicaid does cover home birth and I am in network with them. All other insurances I am out of network.
Coming soon: questions to ask your insurance carrier to get an estimated out-of-pocket cost.
What about the birth certificate or social security card?
I can file the birth certificate and request a social security number/card the same as it is done in a hospital. For TX and NM, the birth certificate can be ordered online or picked up at a county court house. They are not automatically mailed out and there is a small fee for getting a copy. Picking one up is less expensive than ordering one by mail or online. The social security card is automatically mailed out free of charge.
What about lab work or ultrasounds?
I can order any labs or ultrasounds you may need. Those facilities will bill insurance and are covered the same as they would be with any other provider.
What if I need prescription medications?
I am able to provide a limited number of prescription medications if needed. Others would need to be prescribed by your regular provider.
What care do you provide for my baby?
If there are no concerns outside of my scope, I can provide care for up to 6 weeks of age for your baby. I can do the newborn screening tests, and vitamin k and eye ointment are available from me as well. I don't have the ability to do the hearing screen, hepatitis b vaccine, and do not perform circumcisions. I am a certified breastfeeding specialist and can help with lactation issues. Keepsake footprints are done free of charge.
Are the limitations for having a home birth?
Home birth is generally a safe option for low risk people. Certain risk factors are also acceptable for home delivery. Some risk factors may make home birth too risky, such as bleeding disorders or premature birth, but this is uncommon.
What about if there is an emergency?
I carry the same medications hospitals do in the case of postpartum hemorrhage. I also carry oxygen. Myself and my professional birth assistant are both trained and currently certified in CPR and/or Basic Life Support for Providers and NRP. NRP stands for Neonatal Resuscitaion Provider, and is the same training the specialists receive for hospital deliveries. We also carry special equipment for resuscitating babies, though very rarely is it needed.
What if I need stitches?
I can do typical suturing at home using the same equipment, numbing medications, and suture material OBs use. Only the most severe tears require a transfer for specialty repair, but I have never had that happen. I almost never have to suture anyway, as we work to prevent tearing in the first place.