FAQs

Is Homebirth Safe?

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Safety is relative, not absolute. What is considered “safe” depends on an individual’s health history, the course of the pregnancy, available resources, and the quality of care and decision-making support in place.

For healthy, low-risk pregnancies, planned home birth with a licensed, qualified provider can be a safe option when there is appropriate screening, comprehensive prenatal care, and clear protocols for consultation, collaboration, or transfer when indicated.

At Sumner County Childbirth, care is grounded in a strong informed decision-making model. This includes the sharing of current, evidence-based information and a shared decision-making process between the provider and the family. Benefits, risks, and alternatives are discussed openly so families can make choices that align with their values, circumstances, and clinical picture.

No birth setting is without risk, and home birth is not the right choice for everyone. The goal is not to eliminate risk, but to identify, reduce, and thoughtfully manage risk while honoring autonomy and clinical safety.

Resources on home birth safety

Families are encouraged to review reputable, evidence-informed resources, including:

Engaging with a variety of high-quality sources supports meaningful conversations and shared decision making throughout care.

Do You File Insurance?

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No. I am out of network with all insurance carriers and do not file insurance on behalf of clients.

Clients may choose to seek reimbursement directly from their insurance company. Upon request, I am happy to provide a superbill that includes all required billing codes and tax identification numbers for submission.

Choosing not to participate in insurance allows for a higher level of autonomy and shared decision making in care. It also helps keep costs more transparent and often lower, as it eliminates the need for a billing department and the administrative constraints imposed by insurance companies.

Many clients appreciate the ability to focus on individualized care and informed choices rather than insurance-driven limitations.

What Does a Transfer look like?

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Transfers are an important part of safe home birth care and are planned for ahead of time. The process looks different depending on whether a transfer is non-emergent or emergent.

Non-emergent transfers are the most common type and are not urgent. These typically occur when additional monitoring, pain management, or interventions are desired or recommended. In these situations:

  • The pregnant person is usually transported to their hospital of preference by their partner in a private vehicle

  • I do not accompany them to the hospital, as I do not have delivery privileges at local hospitals and my physical presence can create role confusion for hospital staff

  • This approach supports clear communication, respect for scope of practice, and collaborative care between out-of-hospital and hospital-based providers

  • I remain at the home to fax records, call and give report to the receiving provider, clean the birth space, and drain the birth pool if applicable

  • I remain on call and available by phone to support the family and assist with coordination

  • The doula accompanies the family to the hospital to provide continuity of care and emotional support

  • After birth, the family is transferred back to my care for postpartum follow-up

Emergent transfers are less common and involve urgent medical concerns. In these cases:

  • EMS is activated, and the birthing person is transported to the closest appropriate hospital

  • The partner and doula typically follow in their own vehicles

  • In rare circumstances—such as when additional clinical support is needed beyond what EMS can provide—I may accompany the client in the ambulance

Clear communication, preparation, and collaboration are central to both types of transfers. The goal is always to ensure timely, appropriate care while maintaining dignity, continuity, and support for the family.

What is the Prenatal Schedule?

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The prenatal schedule at Sumner County Childbirth follows a standard, evidence-based model of care, similar to other prenatal practices.

Appointments are typically scheduled as follows:

  • Monthly visits during the first and second trimesters

  • Bi-weekly visits beginning in the third trimester

  • Weekly visits starting at 37 weeks

Routine prenatal labs are typically drawn around the 12-week, 28-week, and 36-week appointments, though this may change based on clinical indication or individual circumstances.

A pregnancy is considered full term between 37 and 42 weeks, which is the safe and appropriate window for planned home birth under my care. Visit frequency, lab work, and care plans may be adjusted as needed to support health and safety.

The goal of prenatal care is to monitor health, build relationship and trust, provide education, and support informed, shared decision making throughout pregnancy.