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.

Home IUI vs. Clinic IUI - Home IUI With Midwives in Berkeley, CA - Fertility Help - IUI

A large pink flower blooming representing the organic journey of Home IUI with Midwives in Berkeley, CA.

I wanted to write a blog that discusses the main differences between working with a community midwife for home IUI vs. getting fertility care in the clinic setting. Home IUI can be the optimal choice for individuals or couples with healthy fertility but who lack sperm as part of the equation (usually, either because you are single or in a queer same-sex relationship). We’ll also go over the circumstances in which working with or consulting a physician would be the best route.

Understanding IUI

First, let's briefly discuss what IUI is. Intrauterine Insemination is a fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into the uterus to facilitate fertilization. It's often used to increase the effectiveness of conceiving with frozen donor sperm when the sperm needs a little boost to reach the egg, or in cases of unexplained infertility or male factor infertility.

The Clinic IUI Experience

Clinic IUI, often performed at a fertility clinic or medical facility, is a well-established method of assisted reproduction. It offers several advantages, including access to prescription fertility medications, advanced fertility testing with ultrasound, and the ability to handle complex cases. They also offer IVF, which is beyond the scope of midwives.

However, clinic IUI comes with some downsides. It can be prohibitively expensive, and for people with presumably healthy fertility, it can be an overly medicalized experience. The clinical environment can also be stressful and impersonal, which may not suit everyone's needs, and fertility clinics are often geared towards straight couples with infertility, which may feel alienating to queer or single people.

Home IUI: A Personalized Alternative

Home IUI with a community midwife, on the other hand, offers a more intimate and personalized approach to fertility care, as well as a more holistic approach. It's most optimal for individuals or couples with healthy fertility but lacking sperm, though can also be appropriate for people who are in consultation with a physician but looking for more personalized care alongside the medical model.

Here are some key advantages of home IUI:

A red flower starting to bloom representing the growth and bonding that can occur when you choose Home IUI with Midwives in Berkeley, CA.

1. Affordability

Home IUI is a cost-effective alternative to clinic-based procedures.

2. Privacy and Comfort

The home setting provides a comfortable, relaxed environment, with a care provider who is not rushed and is fully focused on you. This can reduce stress and anxiety, factors that can affect fertility.

3. Personalized Timing

Home IUI allows you to time the procedure based on your own fertility charting, enhancing your chances of success by optimizing the timing of insemination. Working with a midwife in private practice means much more flexible timing, as we work on weekends and offer late night appointments, and better timing leads to better chances of success.

4. Lower Intervention

For individuals or couples with healthy fertility, home IUI eliminates the need for frequent medical monitoring and reduces the potential for unnecessary interventions.

5. Bonding Experience

Many couples find that performing home IUI together fosters a sense of partnership and connection during the journey to parenthood. Partners are invited to be more involved in the process, and to participate to whatever degree they are comfortable with.

Important Considerations

It's crucial to note that home IUI isn't suitable for everyone. Individuals or couples with underlying fertility issues or medical complications may still benefit from a higher level of care offered by a fertility clinic.

However, for those with presumed healthy fertility who simply lack sperm, home IUI can be a fantastic, low-intervention option. IUI is a simple procedure that midwives have expertise in providing, and bring a more holistic and connected approach to fertility care.

In conclusion, the choice between home IUI and clinic IUI depends on your unique circumstances and preferences. Home IUI is a viable, low-intervention alternative for individuals or couples with presumed healthy fertility who lack. It's a personal, affordable, and empowering way to embark on your journey to parenthood while creating a loving, supportive environment for your future family.

Pink and white rose petals on the green grass representing the holistic, whole body approach to fertility help that home IUI with Midwives in Berkeley, CA offers.

Unlock Your Path to Parenthood During Home IUI with Midwives in Berkeley, CA.

Embark on your journey to parenthood with confidence and personalized care. Discover the benefits of home IUI, from affordability and privacy to personalized timing and a deeper bonding experience. Let us guide you towards a low-intervention, holistic approach to fertility care that's tailored to your needs. Take the first step towards building your future family, where support, affordability, and empowerment are at the heart of your parenthood journey.

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Other Services Offered By Emunah Midwifery:

Homebirth

Home IUI vs. Clinic IUI: A Personalized Approach to Fertility Care

Understanding IUI

The Clinic IUI Experience

Home IUI: A Personalized Alternative

Here are some key advantages of home IUI:

Important Considerations

Unlock Your Path to Parenthood During Home IUI with Midwives in Berkeley, CA.

Other Services Offered By Emunah Midwifery:

How to Prepare for the Potential of a Hospital Transport When you are Planning a Home Birth

My path to becoming a midwife