Frequently Asked Questions

This type of care is specifically for low-risk individuals. We collaborate with physicians as needed to ensure the safety and well-being of both the birthing person and the baby. Whenever care needs falls out of the scope of the midwife or in the event of an emergency, care is immediately transferred to a higher level of care. 

Schedule your free consultation today to see if a homebirth is for you! 

Absolutely! We even provide birth tubs for our clients to use. Hydrotherapy is an excellent way for birthing persons to cope with labor!

The total cost of care is $5500, with a non-refundable retainer of $1000 to secure your place in our care. We require the balance to be paid in full by your 36th week of pregnancy, as we want to be fully prepared to go on call for your birth at 37 weeks.

We're committed to ensuring that finances don't become a barrier to receiving the care you deserve. If you have any concerns or questions about the cost, please don't hesitate to reach out! We're more than willing to explore potential discounts or create a customized payment plan that works for you. Our priority is your well-being and peace of mind during this incredible journey, and we're here to find a way to make it work together. 

There are numerous insurance companies and policies, and we are unable to handle the huge undertaking that billing entails. We do not accept HSA funds, and we are not Medicaid providers. However, we may provide discounts to Medicaid clients. 

Upon request, we will provide you with a Superbill, a document that lists the services you received, that you can submit to your insurance provider for potential reimbursement. It is advised to reach out to your insurance company to determine what reimbursement might look like under your specific plan.

We do accept payment plans for the cost of care. A non-refundable retainer of $1000 is due at your initial visit, and payments can be arranged to pay the balance in full by 36 weeks. We cannot attend your birth if your balance is not paid by 36 weeks, and thus your care will be transferred to an appropriate provider unless a prior arrangement has been made.

Birth With Jazz believes that every person should have the birth they desire, regardless of finances. Please reach out to see what we can work out together! Send us an email at info@birthwithjazz.com or give us a call at 757-916-9066 to discuss options.

The global fee covers almost all costs associated with care, such as prenatal visits, labor and delivery, postpartum care, essentials for birth kit, and birth certificate filing. Some things not included in the global fee are:

• Labs-can be billed through your insurance and you pay the associated fees independently of the practice
• Birth supplies
• Copies of birth certificates (Virginia charges $12 for each copy requested)
• Ultrasounds-are referred out and can be billed through your insurance, and you pay the associated fees
• Non-emergency medications administered 
• Doulas
• Childbirth education
• Placenta encapsulation

You've decided that a homebirth is the better choice for you and your family! That's great!

Here are your options:

1. Obtain your records from your current provider. Inform them that you would like a copy of your records (any ultrasounds, labwork, prior labor and delivery reports, current prenatal chart). You may also want to keep a copy for yourself. They can be faxed directly to us at 757-981-0288. (These will need to be reviewed by the midwife before scheduling your initial visit)

2. Stay with your current hospital-based provider for co-care. You can continue appointments with them, as well as care with us! This is a great option for VBAC clients or in the case of transfer. If transfer needed to occur, you would have an established relationship with the practice, and your chart would already be on file with them. 

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are trained as nurses and have completed additional education and certification in midwifery.  Some attend births in the out-of-hospital setting. 

Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) have education, training, and certification specific to out-of-hospital settings, such as birth centers and home births. Almost all CPMs only attend births out-of-hospital. As a CPM, I do not have hospital privileges. 

As out-of-hospital providers, we cannot provide pharmaceutical pain relief, such as an epidural. Midwives have great techniques to help you cope with labor though! Clients are encouraged to utilize doulas and childbirth education classes for coping strategies. We also assist with  techniques, such as position changes, heating pads, and water submersion to help you manage any pain.

Having both a midwife and a doula can complement each other's roles. A midwife focuses on medical care and safety, while a doula focuses on emotional support and advocacy.  Doulas can support the entire family, and can assist your partner in learning the best way to provide you with emotional and physical support. 

Your labor may consist of a good deal of time before the midwife arrives, and a doula can be beneficial in helping you to cope, as well as help decipher a good time to call the midwife. Many individuals find that having both a midwife and doula enhances their birthing experience. However, the decision ultimately depends on your personal preferences and the level of support you desire. Throughout your care,  we can discuss your options to determine what combination of care is best for you.  

It is strongly encouraged for first-time parents, VBAC clients, and those who have never experienced an unmedicated birth to hire a doula.