 Affording Homebirth
Paying out of pocket for midwifery care—often anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000—can feel out of reach at first. In our state, most homebirth midwives don’t work directly with insurance, which means families have to get creative and intentional when it comes to planning for this kind of care. Here are some ways to help make homebirth financially possible: Ask about HSA or FSA options Midwifery care often qualifies for reimbursement through Health Savings Accounts (HSA) or Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Ask your midwife if they can accept HSA/FSA card payments directly or provide a superbill for you to submit. Request a payment plan Many midwives are happy to offer payment plans—some possibly even extending into the postpartum period. Others offer discounts for early payment in full. It never hurts to ask. Most midwives genuinely want to make their care accessible for families who are committed to working with them. Consider bartering or trade If you or your partner have a skill or service to offer, it’s worth bringing it up. Some real-life examples of barters midwives have accepted: • Photography or videography • Handyman work or skilled trades • Website design or branding help • Herbal remedies, handmade goods, sewing, farm or garden products • Regifted or unused gift cards • Airline miles, hotel points, or access to a vacation home (consider asking friends or family members with a beach house or cabin to donate a weekend stay for your midwife’s family) • Childcare, music lessons, or sports coaching for the midwife’s children Many midwives are open-minded and resourceful—you won’t know unless you ask. Start a Homebirth Fund Instead of registering for baby gear or receiving dozens of onesies, some families create a fund specifically for midwifery care. • Platforms like BeHerVillage allow you to register for birth and postpartum support • GoFundMe can be used to share your story and raise funds • A simple Venmo or CashApp tag can be shared at a baby shower or in a holiday card People want to give meaningful gifts—inviting them to invest in your birth experience can be a powerful option. Ask for financial contributions instead of gifts Some families include a short note in their shower invites or baby announcements that says something like: “In lieu of traditional gifts, we’re gathering support for a safe and peaceful homebirth experience.” Look into a credit card with low or no interest Opening a 0% interest credit card or one with travel reward points can be a short-term solution for some families—especially if you have a plan to pay it off gradually after the birth. Start small, save monthly Even setting aside $100–$300 per month during pregnancy adds up quickly. You might also consider using tax returns, bonuses, or selling unused items around the house. Pausing non-essential spending (subscriptions, take-out, etc.) for a few months can also create room in your budget. Investing in homebirth care is not just about paying for a service—it’s about choosing a birth experience that aligns with your values, your body, and your intuition. It’s okay to get creative. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s absolutely okay to prioritize care that feels safe and sacred to you.
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 Home Birth in NC is possible!
Navigating the complexity of legal language around homebirth midwifery in North Carolina is a bit of a wild goose chase. NC currently only recognizes and licenses Certified Nurse Midwives to practice homebirth legally, denying licensure to the branch of midwifery qualification that specializes in out of hospital birth, Certified Professional Midwives. Despite the complications of living in a state that refuses licensure to highly qualified, nationally recognized CPMs, there is indeed a robust homebirth community in North Carolina. It is the fundamental legal right of any birthing family to choose where and with whom to give birth, and there is a community of midwives and traditional birth attendants who believe in the autonomy of families and their right to their choice of care. It can be challenging to navigate your options for finding a midwife who is forced to work "underground"- I am here to help. Please join the facebook group "Homebirth Community of NC" for help finding midwives near you. Inquire with me if you are in need of support navigating your rights and resources for pursuing homebirth in NC. I offer support and consultations to help you find your ideal birth team, with resources reaching state wide. |
Sarah Eiley CowherdSarah is a mama to 4 wild things and a doula in Charlotte, NC with over 10 years of experience in supporting families of all kinds. With gentle hands and a humble heart, she guides women to experience birth without fear and move forward into motherhood in confidence. Categories  |
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