Numerous studies demonstrate that home birth with a skilled midwife is just as safe as hospital birth, with fewer interventions. During your labor, we will closely monitor you and baby to make sure that everything is within the range of normal. If a medical complication develops that makes the birth higher risk, we are easily able to transport to a hospital setting, if necessary.

Does insurance cover homebirth?

Most PPO insurance plans will reimburse for homebirth midwifery care. I work with a skilled team of medical billers who will coordinate with your insurance company so that you can get reimbursement for the care that you receive. You can submit a “verification of benefits” request here to find out more about your specific coverage. Unfortunately, Kaiser and Medi-Cal clients are not eligible for insurance coverage for homebirth at this time.

Where do my appointments take place?

Prenatal care takes place in my lovely Albany office. I offer one home visit in the 3rd trimester. The first two weeks of postpartum care is provided in the comfort of your home. All appointments are scheduled for an hour in length.

Do I need to work with an OBGYN if I hire a midwife?

No. I provide all the care needed to see you through a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Midwives can provide the same standard tests/screens that an OB would offer. Some of my clients choose to do concurrent care with an OB during pregnancy, but it is not required or necessary. In some cases, a medical complication may necessitate physician consultation or co-managed care.

Do you offer care to people planning a hospital birth?

Yes. Home birth is not for everyone: some people choose to birth in the hospital because they have a medical complication or risk factor that makes it a safer option, and some people simply prefer the hospital setting. I provide full prenatal care for those planning a hospital birth, and then go to the hospital with you when you are in labor, resuming postpartum care at home after the birth. Working with a midwife for a planned hospital birth gives you the best of both worlds: a more connected and holistic approach to your care, with the resources of the hospital setting.

Do you offer water birth? Is it safe?

Yes, many of my clients choose to labor and/or birth in water. Being submerged in water is studied to reduce discomfort in labor. Babies have an innate “dive reflex,” which means that they do not attempt to breathe underwater. This makes water birth a safe option for low-risk people.

How often will you see me for prenatal care?

I follow the same general appointment schedule as an OBGYN during pregnancy. This includes visits once a month until you are 28 weeks, then every other week until 36 weeks, and then weekly until you give birth. More frequent visits are offered if indicated.

Do you work with doulas?

I strongly encourage all first-time birthers to hire a doula as part of their support team! A doula is a non-medical support person who offers physical, emotional, and informational guidance to birthing people. While not required, doulas can be a wonderful addition to the team. You are also welcome to have as many or as few family members/friends with you at your labor and birth.

Do you offer the same prenatal tests/screens that I would get from an OBGYN?

Yes, I offer the standard of care in testing and screening during pregnancy and in the postpartum. Each test will be discussed in detail, and you will make an informed decision about which tests/screens you would like to have. We can do all routine blood work during our appointments, and bill the labs directly to your insurance. Any ultrasounds will be performed in a reputable ultrasound facility, and will also be billed directly to insurance.

Do you bring an assistant or second midwife to the birth?

There are always two licensed midwives in attendance for every home birth. Having two sets of skilled hands increases the safety of home birth, and means that there is more support available to you.

Who chooses midwife-led fertility care?

Emunah Midwifery provides services to anyone who needs respectful fertility care, but especially to those who’s needs are not being met in the mainstream system. This includes queer folks, trans and non-binary people, single people, people who experience size discrimination, “older” parents, non-traditional families, and those seeking a more holistic approach to health and fertility.

What is intrauterine insemination?

IUI is a procedure in which washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus, using a thin catheter (tube) that goes through the cervix. The procedure typically takes less than 2 minutes, and feels similar to getting a Pap. IUI is a safe and effective way to achieve pregnancy.

What is sperm washing and why is it necessary for IUI?

“Sperm washing” refers to the process where motile sperm are separated out from the other components in seminal fluid. Since IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterine cavity, it’s important to remove bacteria, as well as prostaglandins that can cause uterine cramping. Additionally, removing the non-motile sperm and leaving only the healthy ones increases the chances of success. The washing process involves layering the seminal fluid over sperm-washing medium to create a density gradient, and using centrifugal force to separate out the healthy sperm. If you are purchasing sperm from a bank, you will need to get IUI-ready (washed) vials. If you are using fresh sperm (either from a known donor or a partner), your midwife will do the sperm washing at your home immediately prior to the IUI.

Does insurance cover fertility and IUI care?

Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not include any fertility benefits. You are responsible for paying for any care provided by Emunah Midwifery, with payment due at the time of service. Some workplaces may offer fertility benefits, and I am happy to provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement. Any lab work can be billed directly to your insurance (with the exception of Kaiser members).

How many cycles does it usually take to conceive with IUI?

There is no easy answer to this question; everyone’s journey is unique. These statistics might help you get a sense of realistic expectations: For people under 30, the success rate is around 20-25% per cycle. For people aged 30 to 35, the success rate of IUI is typically 15-20% per cycle. People aged 35-40 have a 10% success rate per cycle. By their early 40s, the success rates drop to approximately 5%. These are statistics for people with no known fertility issues, who are using high-quality sperm. If you are impacted by fertility complications, your statistical chances of success will be lowered.

Can you prescribe fertility medications?

Medication management is outside of my scope as a Licensed Midwife. Some clients choose to get fertility medications prescribed through an MD, while still pursuing at-home IUI with Emunah Midwifery. We can discuss the risks and benefits of medications during a preconception consultation, so you have the information to make the best choice for your individual circumstances.

Embracing Empowerment: Home IUI with Midwives When the Fertility Clinics Don’t “Get” You

Introduction

In the intricate tapestry of conception journeys, individuals and couples seeking to expand their families often find themselves at a crossroads, wondering which path to take. For those with healthy fertility, particularly queer and single individuals, the choice of a midwife-assisted home intrauterine insemination (IUI) is perhaps the most supportive option (and usually the most affordable, too!). In this article, we explore the unique benefits of choosing a midwife for your conception journey, shedding light on the personalized care and inclusive support we offer. Many queer families and single individuals wishing to become parents do not fit the mold for the typical (straight) couple seeking care at a fertility clinic. Midwifery-led fertility care might be the perfect solution.

Understanding the Specific Needs of Queer People and Single Individuals in Fertility Care

Queer and single individuals embarking on the path to parenthood face a unique set of challenges, from navigating the complexities of assisted reproductive technologies to finding a supportive environment that honors and uplifts their family and goals, which may not fit the conventional norms. Mainstream healthcare settings may not always provide the inclusive and empathetic care needed to provide support for queer families, or family configurations outside of the straight and partnered norm. Clinics are typically geared to those suffering from infertility, and are geared towards a very medicalized model of care that may not be necessary or appropriate as a starting place for queer or single parents wishing to grow their families. This is where midwives come in, with our focus on holistic and individualized care that puts queer and non-traditional families at the center.

Holistic and Individualized Care

Midwives have long been champions of holistic healthcare, considering the physical, emotional, and social aspects of well-being. When it comes to conception journeys, this approach becomes especially crucial. Home IUI with midwives offers an intimate and personalized experience, with midwives taking the time to understand the unique circumstances and desires of each individual or couple.

In the comfort of one's home, the midwife-client relationship flourishes, creating a safe space for open communication and trust. This environment allows for a comprehensive exploration of the emotional and psychological aspects of the conception journey, ensuring that individuals and couples feel seen, heard, and supported every step of the way.

Midwifery-led fertility care also looks at determinants of health from a more holistic view, and includes things like herbs, nutrition, stress-reduction, and supportive relationships as part of the conversation on boosting fertility. In some cases, fertility medications may be desirable or necessary to achieve pregnancy, but they are not the only option and there are many factors that can impact the success rate for conception with IUI or other methods. At Emunah Midwifery, we take an individualized approach to finding the best solutions for you, whether that’s traditional and holistic modalities like acupuncture and herbs, or through pharmaceutical medications like Letrazole or Clomid.

Empowering Autonomy in the Conception Process

Home IUI with midwives empowers individuals and couples by placing them at the center of their conception journey. Midwives collaborate with clients, offering guidance and expertise while respecting their choices and desires. This shared decision-making process fosters a sense of empowerment, as individuals actively participate in shaping their path to parenthood. This is especially true for queer folks, single individuals, or other’s building families outside of the normative structure, as they have often faced ridicule or felt misunderstood or poorly cared for in mainstream health institutions.

Cultivating Inclusive Environments

Emunah Midwifery is a queer-owned practice, with a commitment to providing care that is culturally sensitive and inclusive, create environments where all individuals feel welcome and respected. This is particularly important for queer and single individuals, who may have encountered judgment or lack of understanding in other healthcare settings. Midwives strive to create spaces where diverse family structures are not only acknowledged but celebrated.

Conclusion

As we celebrate the diversity and uniqueness of every family’s conception journeys, it becomes evident that home IUI with midwives offers a unique and empowering option for those with healthy fertility, particularly within the queer communities. The holistic, individualized, and inclusive care provided by midwives fosters a supportive environment where individuals and couples can confidently embark on their path to parenthood. In choosing a midwife, one not only gains a healthcare provider but also a compassionate ally in the beautiful tapestry of creating a family.

Embracing Empowerment: Home IUI with Midwives When the Fertility Clinics Don’t “Get” You

The case for midwife-led postpartum and newborn care