Answer a few questions, and match directly with top-rated and certified midwives near you in Emeryville, CA - all in 30 seconds, and it's entirely free!
Save time
No more endless searching online
Save money
Compare your options and pricing
Global movement
Both in-person and virtual support available
How Bornbir works
Bornbir streamlines provider selection during pregnancy and postpartum.
Get matched
Tell us about your needs to connect with highly-rated doulas, midwives, and lactation consultants near you
Extensive provider network
Begin matching with our network of 6000+ doulas, midwives and lactation consultants, easily message those who fit your needs.
Real parent reviews
Gain insight from reviews by fellow parents to make a well-informed decision.
A midwife is a licensed medical professional who cares for low-risk pregnancies and mothers who want no-to-low intervention deliveries (e.g., home birth, birthing center delivery, water birth).
Can you pay for a midwife with HSA or FSA Funds in Emeryville, CA?
Yes, you can use Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to pay for midwifery services, as long as those services are related to medical care. Always check the specific rules of your HSA or FSA plan, as there can be variations in what expenses are considered eligible between different plans.
Are midwives covered by insurance in Emeryville, CA?
Whether midwife services are covered by insurance depends on the insurance policy, the type of midwife, and where the birth is planned to take place (e.g., at home, in a birthing center, or in a hospital). In the United States, many insurance plans do cover midwifery services, especially when those services are provided by a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) who is licensed in the state where they practice. CNMs are trained in both nursing and midwifery and are often affiliated with hospitals and medical centers, making their services more likely to be covered by insurance.
How much does a midwife cost in Emeryville, CA?
In Emeryville, CA, midwife costs vary a lot depending on the type of care, whether it’s hospital, birth center, or home birth, and whether you’re paying with insurance or out of pocket.
Typical price ranges in the Emeryville / East Bay area:
Prenatal, birth, and postpartum care with a home birth midwife:
About $5,000 to $9,000 total
Birth center midwife care:
About $4,000 to $8,000 total
Hospital-based midwife care:
Often billed through a medical group or hospital, so out-of-pocket cost depends heavily on insurance; without insurance, total maternity charges can be much higher, often several thousand dollars or more
Postpartum-only or lactation/newborn follow-up visits:
Roughly $150 to $400 per visit
Doula support, if added:
Usually around $1,500 to $3,500, but doulas are not midwives
A few important things for Emeryville specifically:
Emeryville itself is small, so many families use midwives based in nearby Berkeley, Oakland, or the broader East Bay.
Licensed midwives and certified nurse-midwives may charge differently.
Home birth packages often include prenatal visits, labor and delivery, basic newborn care, and a few postpartum visits.
Some practices offer payment plans.
Insurance:
If you have insurance, your actual cost may range from little to a few thousand dollars depending on:
Deductible
Copay and coinsurance
Whether the midwife is in-network
Whether home birth or birth center care is covered
For Medi-Cal or some employer plans, certified nurse-midwife care may be covered, especially in hospital settings. Home birth coverage is more variable.
If you want, I can also help you find actual midwife practices near Emeryville and estimate what they charge.
What's the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A midwife is a trained health professional who helps women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies. Midwives can provide gynecological examinations, prenatal care, and postpartum support. They are qualified to deliver babies and are trained to handle certain complications during childbirth. A doula, on the other hand, is a non-medical professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth. The doula's role is to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience. They are known for their continuous support, beginning during pregnancy and lasting through the postpartum period. While midwives have a broad scope of practice that is clinical in nature, doulas specialize in the non-clinical aspects of care. They might be preferred by mothers who are looking for continuous bedside support that is not typically provided by the medical staff. Doulas are known for their advocacy for the mother's wishes during childbirth, which can be especially valuable in hospital settings where the mother may desire a birth plan that deviates from standard procedures.
What's the difference between a midwife and an OBGYN?
A midwife is a healthcare professional who specializes in low-risk pregnancies, childbirth, and postpartum care. They typically emphasize a natural and holistic approach, focusing on minimal medical interventions. Midwives often work in birth centers, at home births, or in hospitals, depending on their certification and location. They provide personalized care and support throughout pregnancy and labor and may also assist with breastfeeding and newborn care. An OBGYN is a medical doctor who has completed extensive training, including medical school and a residency, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. They care for all types of pregnancies, including high-risk cases, and are trained to handle medical complications, perform surgeries (like C-sections), and provide comprehensive reproductive healthcare beyond pregnancy. OBGYNs typically work in hospitals or clinics and can manage a broader range of medical situations.
Can I see a midwife for an IVF pregnancy?
Yes, you can see a midwife for an IVF pregnancy. Midwives are trained to provide care during pregnancy, including for those conceived through IVF, as long as the pregnancy is low-risk. They can help with prenatal care, labor, and delivery, and provide postpartum support. However, if your IVF pregnancy is considered high-risk or involves complications, you may need to work with an obstetrician in collaboration with the midwife to ensure proper care. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best care plan for your situation.
How much does it cost to use Bornbir?
Bornbir is entirely free for new and expecting parents to use. To begin, simply tell our community of midwives what you need in your job posting and let the right providers come to you. You can then engage in direct conversations with top-rated midwives to learn more and make informed decisions. Our goal is to facilitate a seamless and accessible experience for you as you embark on this transformative journey. Get started here.
Trusted by thousands of parents worldwide
parents seeking support per month
2,500+
midwives ready to support you
1000+
positive reviews posted by parents
10,000+
covered cities in US and Canada
1200+
What parents are saying...
“I wish I knew about Bornbir sooner, as it's so important to surround yourself with experts who understand during those overwhelming moments and share evidence-based information.”
“I found my birth doula on Bornbir. After submitting my needs, I was able to connect with several awesome doulas that are within a local distance from me.”
“Bornbir is a powerful network. It makes connecting with maternal providers so much easier. It means supporting one another through this parenthood journey, no matter what stage you are in.”