How much is a midwife? How can I pay for my natural birth? Good questions! In fact, these are probably the most common questions I hear from new moms considering an ‘out of hospital’ (OOH) birth plan.
Welcome back Mama! This is part 2 of a 5 part series which will demystify your birth options and understand the benefits of natural birth. As we shared in the Introduction, our topics include:
By the end of Part 5 you will have your personal answer to the most important question:
What is the right kind of pregnancy and birth experience for YOU Mama?
AND for your baby?
Each Part of this site will cover a specific topic on the way to answering that question.
I hope that you were able to complete Part 1, which focused on understanding the differences between an in-hospital vs. out-of-hospital birth experience, and the advantages of natural birth. If not, consider going back to it right now before continuing with Part 2.
If you do have remaining questions about Part 1, please don’t hesitate to reach out using the ASK ME button below. As I shared before, I am a real person, I am here for you, and I WILL respond. No strings attached.
Once we are all caught up, let’s talk about …
Let’s begin our discussion on how much is a midwife, with a couple of comparisons:
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), the average cost of birth in a hospital in the United States in 2021 was $18,865.
For hospital births resulting in cesarean section rather than vaginal delivery (approximately 32% of all births according to March of Dimes Peristats), the national average including hospital fees rises to $26,280.
Of course, for many of us an insurance provider plays a key role in our medical bills, particularly the overall costs we must pay out of our own pocket. Average out of pocket costs for a birth covered by a health plan in the US are $2,854 according to KFF.
By comparison, the average natural vaginal birth attended by a licensed midwife in the US in 2021 was $4650. In the North Bay area where I practice, that would be on the low end - the average price is closer to $6,500.
Typically this is a flat fee, including all midwife services such as prenatal care, birth services and postpartum care / newborn care, including home visits and / or visits to a birthing center.
So clearly, an OOH birth for low-risk pregnancies in the US is, on average, less expensive than a hospital birth (prior to any insurance company reimbursement).
“But Paula” you may be thinking “my health insurance plan doesn’t pay for an OOH birth. How can I possibly afford $4000-$6000 in out-of-pocket costs?”
Many of my clients wrestle with this question. I share with them the ideas and information I’m about to share with you. But I get it – it’s not a simple question. The price of childbirth is significant. And the type of birth you choose, matters.
Today’s reality is: at least in the United States, natural childbirth is not (yet) considered mainstream maternity care by most healthcare providers, There is relatively little consumer demand and underwriting data to support health insurance coverage. Many private insurance companies won’t pay for home births or birth centers.
But some will. More on that in a moment.
In the Introduction to this website, I shared my credentials as a Certified Professional Midwife, licensed by the Medical Board of California. I have provided midwifery services for over 1500 mamas and babies over the last 25 years.
In my humble opinion, I have probably seen EVERYTHING when it comes to paying for a natural childbirth. The number one thing I have learned is: those mothers who really want a natural childbirth, find a way to have one.
Here are 6 ideas I personally share with all of my clients when I am asked "how much is a midwife?" All references to ‘midwives’ are understood to mean fully licensed and experienced professional midwives, including nurse midwives:
In addition to these approaches, a few of my more creative and determined clients have elected to:
Does one of these ideas appeal to you, Mama? Do any of them raise additional questions?
Don’t hesitate to reach out using the ASK ME button.
In the meantime, here are the important questions for this section.
Choose the statement that is MOST true for you at this point of our discussion on how much is a midwife (you can always change it later).
CHOICE A: I’m comfortable with the cost of a natural birth. If I do choose a natural childbirth, I will find a way to afford it.
CHOICE B: I still have questions or concerns about the cost of a natural birth.
Now get ready to hear me say: “there is no right answer.”
Ready? Here it comes …
There is no right answer :-).
Our goal here is to help you decide if natural childbirth is right for you and your baby – not to ‘push’ you in either direction.
So once again, please feel free to ask me ANY question that has occurred to you as you read this introduction. Simply tap the ASK ME button below.
Now, to recap: today’s main questions were "How much does a natural birth cost? Does insurance cover it? How can I pay for it?" Between this discussion and any thoughts you have chosen to share with me, I hope that I have answered these important questions for you.
In Part 3 we will focus on the questions "Does it hurt (natural childbirth) hurt more than a hospital birth? How can I manage without pain medication?"
This topic is so important! I can’t wait to discuss it with you.
In the meantime, thank you for completing Part 2 of my introduction to natural childbirth. See you in Part 3!
Warmly –
Paula Grady LM, CPM