Midwifery FAQs: Your Questions Answered

If you’re exploring the idea of working with a midwife—whether for a home birth or just a more personal approach to pregnancy care—you probably have questions. And that’s a good thing. At Attuned Midwifery Service, we believe that asking questions is a powerful way to make informed, empowered choices.

This FAQ covers some of the most common inquiries we receive from new and expectant families. From safety to scope of care, we’re answering it all with clarity, honesty, and heart.

❓ What is a midwife, exactly?

A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who provides care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. At Attuned Midwifery, we practice the Midwifery Model of Care—focused on relationship-based, personalized support and informed decision-making.

Midwives are experts in low-risk pregnancy and birth and offer a natural, holistic approach to maternity care. We’re trained to monitor your health and your baby’s, support physiological birth, and recognize when medical collaboration is needed.

❓ Is midwifery care safe?

Yes, for healthy people experiencing low-risk pregnancies, midwifery care is not only safe—it often leads to better outcomes. Studies show that midwife-led care is associated with:

• Fewer interventions (including C-sections)

• Lower rates of preterm birth

• Increased satisfaction with birth experience

• Higher rates of breastfeeding

We are trained to recognize early signs of complications and will transfer care to a medical provider or hospital if needed.

❓ What’s the difference between a midwife and a doula?

While both offer support during pregnancy and birth, their roles are different:

• A midwife is a clinical care provider who monitors your and your baby’s health, catches the baby, manages emergencies, and offers complete prenatal and postpartum care.

• A doula offers emotional, informational, and physical support—but doesn’t provide clinical care.

We love working with doulas and often collaborate with them during birth.

❓ Do midwives only attend home births?

Not always. Some midwives work in hospitals or birth centers, depending on their credentials and licensing. At Attuned Midwifery Service, we specialize in home birth because we believe that for many families, it offers the most empowering and gentle start.

❓ What happens if something goes wrong during a home birth?

Safety is our priority. We carry emergency equipment and medications (like oxygen, IV fluids, and postpartum hemorrhage treatments), and we’re trained to respond to unexpected situations.

If transfer to a hospital becomes necessary, we:

• Stay with you during the transition

• Provide records and a clear handoff to hospital staff

• Continue to support you emotionally and physically

Transfers are rare but well-planned for.

❓ What kinds of pain relief do midwives offer?

While midwives don’t offer epidurals at home, we’re highly skilled in natural pain management, including:

• Water immersion (birth pool or shower)

• Massage and counterpressure

• Position changes and movement

• Breathing and relaxation techniques

• Emotional and partner support

Many people find these methods deeply effective when combined with continuous, compassionate care.

❓ How much does midwifery care cost? Is it covered by insurance?

Costs vary by location and services, but at-home midwifery care is often more affordable than hospital birth. Most clients pay a global fee for prenatal care, labor support, birth, and postpartum care.

Some insurance plans do cover midwifery care, especially if your midwife is a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) or Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). We’re happy to help you navigate insurance and reimbursement options.

❓ Can my partner or children be present during the birth?

Absolutely. One of the biggest benefits of home birth is the ability to create a family-centered environment. Your birth team can include anyone you want—partner, kids, siblings, friends, doula—and we’ll help prepare everyone for their role.

❓ What does postpartum care look like with a midwife?

We continue to care for you well after the birth, including:

• Home visits in the first few days postpartum

• Support for healing, feeding, sleep, and emotions

• Clinical checks for you and baby

• Space to process your birth story and ask questions

We’re with you for the whole fourth trimester—not just a six-week checkup.

❓ Do I need to be a certain kind of person to choose midwifery care?

No! Midwifery care is for anyone who values personalized, respectful, relationship-based care and is experiencing a healthy pregnancy. We serve all kinds of families and walk with you in your unique journey.

Final Thoughts

Whether you're new to midwifery or just looking for clarity, we hope this FAQ helps you feel more informed and empowered. At Attuned Midwifery Service, we're always here to answer your questions—before, during, and after your birth experience.