The Cost of Having a Baby with a Midwife: What to Expect
Many families turn to midwives for a more personalized and holistic experience when giving birth. A common question is: "How much does it cost to have a baby with a midwife?" The answer depends on various factors, including location and your insurance coverage. This blog will discuss the typical costs of having a baby with a midwife and what you can expect if you're planning a home birth.
The Basic Cost of a Midwife Birth
The cost of midwifery services can vary depending on the location and what they offer. Midwifery care is typically an “all-inclusive” service that provides the following:
• Prenatal Care: Includes regular check-ups, health monitoring, and preparation for birth.
• Labor and Delivery: Whether you're planning a home birth or birth center delivery, home birth, and birth center birth costs are about the same except for the expenses charged for facility fees, which can vary by location.
• Postpartum Care: After your baby is born, midwives often provide follow-up care to ensure both mother and baby are healthy and adjusting well. This includes check-ups, breastfeeding support, and recovery assistance. Postpartum care with a midwife is very different from hospital birth, where they send you home to figure things out on your own. Midwives will typically provide follow-up care after birth that monitors your baby’s weight in the first few weeks after birth, breastfeeding support, and moms recovery including watching for signs and symptoms of postpartum depression.
Comparing Midwife vs. Hospital Birth Costs
In comparison to traditional hospital births, midwife-assisted births are often significantly less expensive. The average cost of a hospital birth in the U.S. can range from $8000 to $40,000 without insurance, which includes labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care. In contrast, midwifery care for a home birth or birth center birth is often more affordable, offering a more intimate and personalized experience with the cost ranging from $4500 to $12,000.
Does Health Insurance Cover Midwifery Services?
Insurance coverage is one of the most significant factors affecting the cost of having a baby with a midwife. In some cases, midwifery services are covered by insurance, but coverage can vary by state and provider. In Nevada, for example, many insurance companies cover midwifery care for home births, but it's essential to verify with your insurance provider before the birth of your baby.
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Most home birth midwives may be considered out-of-network providers, meaning that your insurance may only cover a portion of the costs. Typically, the midwife will require upfront payment and will provide you with a global invoice after the birth. The global invoice is all-inclusive for your prenatal, birth, and postpartum care.
• Medicaid: In certain states, Medicaid may cover midwifery services, but Nevada does not currently cover home birth midwives through Medicaid.
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): If your insurance does not fully cover midwifery services, using an HSA or FSA can be an excellent way to pay for the costs with pre-tax dollars, effectively lowering the financial burden.
Additional Costs to Consider
When planning an out-of-hospital midwife-assisted birth, there are a few other costs you should keep in mind:
• Supplies for Home Birth: Home births may require purchasing birthing supplies, such as birthing pools, disposable pads, and other medical items. These costs can range from $75 to $450 depending on what type of birth you are planning. If you rent a birth tub for water birth the cost can range from $150 to $350 and up, or you can provide your own.
• Doula Services: Some families choose to hire a doula in addition to a midwife for emotional and physical support during labor. Doula services typically cost between $1800 and $5000. If a midwife has contracted with a doula service they will typically negotiate a lower price for their clients.
• Ultrasounds, lab Work, and additional medications, such as Rhogam for RH neg moms: Depending on your midwife's practice, ultrasounds, lab tests, and additional medical consultations may not be included in the standard midwifery package and could cost extra, but they are usually covered by your insurance. Some midwives will offer a low cost alternative for those without insurance.
Conclusion: A Cost-Effective and Empowering Option
Having your baby with a midwife can be an empowering experience that fosters a more personal connection with your care provider. While midwifery services are more affordable than hospital births, understanding the full scope of costs—from prenatal care to postpartum services—is essential for proper financial planning. Whether you're considering a home birth in Reno or a birth center experience, make sure to discuss the cost structure with your midwife, explore insurance options, and take advantage of payment plans or savings accounts to help make your midwife-assisted birth affordable and stress-free.
At Northern Nevada Midwives Association, we are committed to providing the best midwife services, and helping families make informed decisions about their birthing options. Contact us today for more information on costs and how we can assist you in navigating insurance and payment plans.
