What if something goes wrong?

Your midwife will check on you and your baby's wellbeing at every prenatal visit and if you are healthy during your pregnancy, you should be able to have a normal, uncomplicated birth. Midwives are trained to recognize signs of complications as they arise and carry with them supplies and equipment for handling the most common complications of childbirth. We also make a transport plan should a complication arise that cannot be managed at home. Should we have to go to the hospital, your midwife will stay with you and advocate for you at the hospital.

Is homebirth messy?

Most homebirths are not messy. Any mess is caught with disposable underpads or in the water (in the event of waterbirth) and all will be cleaned up before the midwife leaves. We will even start your laundry for you!

How much does it cost to have a homebirth?

The fee for a homebirth with North Star Midwifery is $3000. This includes all the prenatal care, the birth, and all postpartum and newborn care. It also includes any additional support you may need in the early postpartum time. Payment plans are available.

Does insurance cover homebirth?

Many families with North Star Midwifery see some insurance reimbursement for their homebirth. Some families have even been reimbursed in full. North Star Midwifery works with a billing service to maximize the chances of getting money back for your care.

What supplies do I need to have a homebirth?

There is a birthkit that is ordered online which has some of the supplies necessary for your birth. The cost of the kit is $42 including shipping. This kit includes: disposable underpads, gloves for the midwife, a peribottle, large maxi pads, etc. You will also need to gather a few things that are found readily in your home: garbage bags, towels and blankets, paper towel, etc.

Can other children be present at birth?

Children are welcome and encouraged to be present at the birth of their sibling if they and their parents wish them to be, provided they have someone to care for them. We can discuss having your other children present at the birth during the course of your prenatal care.

Do you do newborn care or do I need to take my baby to a doctor shortly after birth?

Midwives specialize in care of normal, healthy newborns and provide regular care for the first few weeks of your baby's life. It is a good idea to have a care provider (family practice or pediatrician) set up ahead of time in case your baby needs some additional assessment or care in those first few weeks. I do recommend that families take their babies in to their regular provider at two weeks postpartum.

I am confused by all the letters after people's names, what is the difference between types of midwives?

There are two broad categories of midwife in the US: Nurse midwives with the letters CNM who receive their training primarily in the hospital and mostly attend hospital births and direct-entry midwives who primarily practice in out-of-hospital settings.

Among direct-entry midwives, some are certified (Certified Professional Midwives or CPMs) and some are licensed by their state (LMs or LTMs) and some choose not to be certified or licensed. Aly Folin is both certified and licensed.