Frequently Asked Questions

Questions about midwifery, doulas, birth centers, home birth, and water birth.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

Midwives are healthcare providers who offer services similar to your local OB/GYN, including assisting with the delivery of your baby. Doulas are non-medical support persons who focus on the needs of the birthing person – offering mental, physical, and emotional support. Think of the doula as more of a childbirth coach. They don’t replace your healthcare practitioner, but rather can add extra services, such as helping you with techniques to manage pain and better cope with labor.

Do I still need to see my doctor?

The short answer is no. Our midwives can provide all of your pregnancy-related care. However, there may be special circumstances which would require consultation or follow-up with a physician. Many people believe they need to see a physician for the first visit or confirmation of pregnancy, but this a service that we also provide.

Is giving birth at home or a birth center safe?

Birth centers and home birth are safe options for healthy, low-risk pregnancies when attended by trained professionals. Our Certified Nurse Midwives provide medical care, monitor you and your baby closely, and follow strict safety guidelines. They also have clear plans for hospital transfer if needed, giving many families peace of mind along with a more personal, supportive birth experience.

What if there is an emergency?

In the case of a true emergency, the birthing person and/or baby will be transported via ambulance to the nearest hospital. When possible, the midwife will accompany the client and remain as a support person until a mutually agreed upon plan of care has been developed. Please be aware that our midwives do not have hospital privileges and that your care will be transferred to the physicians on call at the hospital. There will be a proper handoff of medical history and records at the time of transfer. If the transfer is not an emergency, personal vehicles may be used.

What should I do to prepare for my birth?

We highly recommend completing childbirth education classes as well as hiring a doula. Talk with others who have had positive home birth and birth center experiences. Hire a doula if this is your first birth, first unmedicated birth, or first out-of-hospital birth.

Why should I consider a water birth?

Hydrotherapy, or water birth, involves either using warm water as a comfort measure or delivering your baby in a tub of warm water. Warm water is soothing, comforting, and relaxing. The water lessens the mother’s body weight, allowing free movement and positioning. Most moms report less painful contractions when in the water. Water also causes the perineum to become more elastic and relaxed, reducing the incidence and severity of tearing and the need for stitches. For the baby, water birth can be a more gentle transition earthside as it moves from one pool of warm water into another.

Who comes to the birth?

The birth team includes the on-call midwife and up to two midwife assistants or students. Aya midwives share on-call responsibilities. The midwife who is on call when you go into labor will attend your birth. Clients are not able to choose a preferred midwife for labor or birth attendance. We strongly encourage clients to hire a doula, who will also be an integral part of the birthing team.

Can I have friends and family at the birth?

You are welcome to invite whoever you would like to the birth; however, in our experience, too many people interrupt the energy of the birth environment. “A watched pot never boils” applies to birth, too. Humans are not made to birth with an audience. We are primal beings. As such, it is instinctive and natural to seek out quiet, secluded spots in which to give birth. We encourage you to keep your birth space intimate, inviting only those individuals who are supportive, believe in your ability to birth naturally, and that you feel that you just can’t birth without.

Can I have a birth photographer at my birth?

Yes. There are several reputable photographers in the area. We do ask that you tag Aya Birth & Community Wellness on any social media posts, contests, or publications.

Do you accept plus-size clients?

Yes. We welcome clients of all body sizes and believe that weight alone is not a measure of health or one’s ability to have a safe, supported birth. As an accredited birth center, we do follow clinical guidelines designed to promote safety for both parent and baby. Eligibility is determined through an individualized assessment that considers overall health, medical history, and pregnancy course—not just body size. Our guidelines are intentionally generous, and our goal is always to provide respectful, evidence-based care while prioritizing safety.

Questions about insurance, payment options, and paperwork

How much does it cost?

Costs are determined by the location you choose for birth, your home or our birth center. All other services are offered on a fee-for-service basis. Please call our office for pricing specific to your needs.

Is there a discount for entering later in pregnancy?

Because the majority of prenatal, birth, and postpartum care occurs in the later weeks of pregnancy, we do not offer a discount for late entry into care. Midwifery care is relationship-based, and much of the time and support involved happens after 30 weeks and around the birth itself. When possible, establishing care earlier in pregnancy allows more time to build that relationship and support continuity of care, but we welcome families at various points in pregnancy when space allows.

Do you accept insurance?

With the exception of clients who receive Medicaid, we are currently a self-pay practice and do not yet bill insurance directly. Medicaid can be used for services, but not for birthing at the birth center or at home. All other birthing clients with insurance will receive a detailed superbill after the 6-week postpartum visit, which may be submitted to your insurance company for possible reimbursement, depending on your plan.

We are actively in the process of credentialing with major insurance carriers and working toward accepting insurance in the future. This page will be updated as additional coverage options become available. Our goal is to make midwifery and community-based care as accessible and affordable as possible while maintaining high-quality, relationship-centered care. Please contact your insurance provider directly for details on your specific coverage.

Do you have payment plans?

Yes. We offer payment plans for birthing clients. A deposit is due at the first visit, minimum payments are required at each subsequent visit, and the remaining balance is due by 36 weeks of pregnancy.

All other services are offered on a fee-for-service basis. We recognize that every family’s financial situation is different and are open to discussing alternative arrangements when appropriate. Please contact our team to talk through available options.

What about the birth certificate and the social security card?

A birth packet, including the birth certificate worksheet, will be provided to you. This form will be collected from you either at the birth or at one of your home visits. The form will also allow you to indicate that you want a social security card for your baby. We will file the birth certificate paperwork for you.