Ways to Pay for Midwifery Care (and Home Birth): What You Need to Know

Planning a home birth is a deeply personal decision—but for many families, it also comes with a big question: How do we pay for it?

At Attuned Midwifery Service, we believe that everyone deserves access to compassionate, high-quality care—regardless of their budget. While midwifery care is often more affordable than hospital birth, out-of-pocket costs can still feel daunting without the right information and support.

This guide will walk you through realistic, flexible ways to pay for midwifery care and make home birth financially accessible.

💳 1. Private Insurance (In-Network or Out-of-Network)

Some insurance plans do cover midwifery care, even for home birth—especially if your midwife is licensed and certified (such as a CPM, LM, or CNM).

Here’s how to make it work:

• Check your plan: Call your insurance company and ask if they cover “licensed midwifery care” and “out-of-hospital birth.”

• In-network vs. out-of-network: Even if your midwife is out-of-network, you may still get partial reimbursement.

• Get a superbill: Most midwives can provide a superbill (detailed invoice) you can submit for reimbursement after services are rendered.

• Use a billing advocate: Some families hire third-party billing services to help navigate claims and improve reimbursement rates.

💡 Pro tip: Use specific language like “global maternity care” and ask about codes related to prenatal visits, delivery, and postpartum.

🩺 2. Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

If you have an HSA or FSA, you can absolutely use those funds to pay for midwifery care.

These accounts allow you to use pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses, including:

• Prenatal care

• Labor and delivery support

• Postpartum visits

• Birth supplies or rental equipment (like birth pools)

This can be a great way to reduce your taxable income while covering care.

💵 3. Self-Pay with Flexible Payment Plans

Many families choose to pay out-of-pocket—and midwives often offer payment plans that make this manageable.

At Attuned Midwifery Service, we’re happy to:

• Break up payments across your pregnancy (often monthly or milestone-based)

• Accept various payment methods (check, card, digital transfer)

• Offer sliding scale options in specific cases or for families in need

We believe in transparency and flexibility—so you’ll always know what to expect, with no surprise fees.

🧾 4. Medical Expense Deductions (Tax Savings)

If your medical expenses exceed a certain percentage of your income, you may be able to deduct them on your taxes. This includes:

• Midwifery care

• Birth supplies

• Lab work

• Prenatal and postpartum visits

Talk to a tax professional to see if you qualify for deductions that could lower your overall financial burden.

🤝 5. Community Support & Gift Registries

If you feel comfortable doing so, you can invite your village to support your birth experience.

Options include:

• Creating a birth fund or donation-based registry (websites like Babylist, BeHerVillage, or GoFundMe)

• Asking for contributions toward care in lieu of traditional baby shower gifts

• Reaching out to local nonprofits or mutual aid organizations that help fund alternative birth options

Remember, people want to support you. Let them invest in what truly matters—your health, your care, and your experience.

🧘 6. Medicaid (Varies by State)

In some states, Medicaid covers midwifery care, including home birth—especially if the midwife is licensed and recognized by your state’s Medicaid program.

To find out if you're eligible:

• Contact your state’s Medicaid office

• Ask about coverage for Licensed Midwives (LM), CPMs, or CNMs

• Ask your midwife if they accept Medicaid or can assist with billing

If coverage is available, it could significantly reduce or eliminate your out-of-pocket costs.

💡 Final Thoughts: Midwifery Is Worth the Investment

Choosing a home birth with a midwife is more than a financial decision—it’s an investment in personalized care, emotional safety, and empowered birth.

At Attuned Midwifery Service, we’re committed to making that investment as accessible as possible. We’ll walk with you through your financial options, answer your questions openly, and work to find a solution that supports your family and your values.

Because when it comes to bringing new life into the world, you deserve care that aligns with your vision—and your budget.