Elke Barnes Midwife in Renton, WA

A midwife is a licensed medical provider trained to care for you and your baby throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Midwives provide clinical care, including prenatal checkups, monitoring the health of both parent and baby, ordering labs, managing labor and birth, and identifying and responding to complications. They are trained to carry medications, perform clinical assessments, and make medical decisions—including when to transfer care if needed. A doula is a non-medical support person who focuses on emotional, physical, and informational support. Doulas may offer comfort measures like massage, positioning suggestions, breathing techniques, and encouragement throughout labor. They do not provide medical care, perform clinical tasks, or make medical decisions. In many cases, families choose to have both. A midwife ensures safety and provides medical care, while a doula offers continuous emotional and physical support—creating a well-rounded, supported birth experience.

YES! We accept transfer of care even into the third trimester. However, the longer we have with you, the better of a relationship we all can build.

For families with a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, planned home birth is supported by a growing body of research showing meaningful benefits—especially when it comes to reducing unnecessary medical interventions. Large studies from the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and the Netherlands consistently show that planned home birth is associated with significantly lower rates of intervention. This includes lower rates of labor induction, epidural use, continuous fetal monitoring, episiotomy, and—most notably—cesarean birth. In many studies, cesarean rates for planned home birth are a fraction of those seen in hospital settings for similar low-risk populations. Home birth is also associated with lower rates of severe maternal complications, including postpartum hemorrhage, infection, and severe perineal trauma. With fewer interventions, the cascade that can sometimes lead from one procedure to another is less likely to occur. At the same time, research shows that outcomes for babies in low-risk, planned home births are comparable to hospital births when attended by a trained midwife within an integrated system. This is a key point—safety is rooted in appropriate screening, skilled care, and access to transfer if needed. Another important benefit supported by evidence is higher rates of spontaneous vaginal birth. Without routine time limits or institutional pressures, labor is more likely to progress physiologically, which supports both maternal and newborn well-being. Beyond physical outcomes, studies also highlight higher maternal satisfaction, increased feelings of autonomy, and more positive birth experiences among those who choose home birth. Continuous, one-on-one care from a known provider plays a significant role in these outcomes. In short, for the right candidate, planned home birth offers: • Lower rates of cesarean and medical intervention • Lower rates of certain maternal complications, including hemorrhage • Comparable outcomes for babies • Higher likelihood of a spontaneous, physiological birth • Greater satisfaction and sense of empowerment However, in case of a true obstetric emergency, it’s always better to be in the hospital. Each family must weigh the pros and cons of birth location and choose what is right for them.

Elke's Home birth package is $7,500 USD, flat rate.

Taking new clients. Due Oct – Nov 2026, Jan – Jul 2027. Availability was confirmed 1 day ago.

Elke lists Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), LifeWise, Premera Blue Cross, and Regence Blue Cross Blue Shield as accepted insurance. Message Elke to confirm coverage for your plan.