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Frequently 
asked
Questions

What is included in the home birth kit, and what do we need to provide?

One of the most common questions families have is what they need to prepare for a home birth. I bring all of the medical and birth-related supplies needed to safely care for you and your baby. You will also be asked to have a few common household items available to support comfort and clean-up. Everything is outlined clearly ahead of time so there are no surprises.

What I Provide

Your home birth fee includes all standard medical and birth supplies, including:

  • Birth pool rental with an individual, single-use birth pool liner

  • Plastic tarp(s) to protect flooring under birth pool

  • Disposable chux pads for the bed and/or birthing location

  • Disposable medical PPE used during a home birth, such as gloves, and sterile supplies as indicated

  • Medical supplies for labor, birth, and immediate postpartum care for both parent and newborn

  • Vitamin K injection (IM) for the newborn, optional

  • Newborn eye prophylaxis ointment, optional

  • Immediate postpartum care supplies

  • Birth assistant coverage, typically another licensed midwife, who supports care during labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period

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What You Will Need to Have at Home

Families are asked to provide a small number of everyday household items. These are things most people already have and are used for comfort, warmth, and simple clean-up:

  • Bath Towels

  • Hand towels

  • Washcloths

  • Two sets of bed sheets

  • Newborn receiving blankets

  • Basic household cleaning supplies

  • A few additional small items (a detailed checklist will be provided well in advance)

You’ll receive this checklist early in care so you have plenty of time to gather everything without stress.

What is not included in the home birth fee?

Our flat home birth fee covers comprehensive prenatal, birth, and immediate postpartum care within our practice, including supplies, midwife and birth assistant support, and routine postpartum follow-up. Some services or tests that may be needed outside of this scope are not included in the fee.

Examples of what is not covered include:

  • Diagnostic or specialty ultrasounds (e.g., initial dating scan, anatomy scan, growth scans)

  • Laboratory testing or blood work: While labs can be drawn in our office and submitted with your insurance, you may receive a bill if your insurance coverage is limited

  • Referrals to other providers: This may include chiropractic care, acupuncture, physical therapy, bodywork, or massage

  • Specialty medical consultations: For example, physician referrals, Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) consults, or care required outside our office

These services are offered as needed and can be coordinated by our office. We always provide guidance and recommendations to help you access additional care while supporting your home birth goals.

If you have questions about whether a specific service is included, I’m happy to review it with you so you feel fully informed.

How is the birth certificate handled for a home birth in California?

For home births in California, the birth certificate process is slightly different than it is in a hospital, but it is straightforward and well-established. As your attending licensed midwife, I guide you through each step and submit the required documentation to ensure your baby’s birth is properly registered.

Who files the birth certificate?
I complete and submit the necessary medical portion of the birth certificate paperwork as the attending licensed midwife. You will also complete a parent worksheet with demographic information, which I will review with you to ensure accuracy before submission.
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When is the birth certificate filed?
Birth certificate paperwork is typically submitted within one week after the birth, once all required information has been completed. Processing times vary by county, but most families receive confirmation or access to certified copies within several weeks when they go down to the county clerk office.
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How do we apply for our baby’s Social Security number?
Applying for a Social Security number is optional and handled separately from the birth certificate. I provide clear instructions on how to apply once the birth has been registered.

Website for more information:  https://publichealth.santaclaracounty.gov/programs-and-services/birth-and-death-registration

Who is a good candidate for a planned home birth in California?

Home birth is an option for many healthy pregnant people with low-risk pregnancies. In California, Licensed Midwives provide care for families who meet certain safety criteria and continue to meet those criteria throughout pregnancy.

What types of pregnancies are typically appropriate for home birth?

Home birth is generally appropriate for people who:

  • Are experiencing a healthy, low-risk pregnancy

  • Do not have medical conditions that require hospital-based monitoring or intervention

  • Have a pregnancy that continues to progress normally

  • Have access to timely transfer to a hospital if needed

Eligibility is not determined once and forgotten—it is reviewed continuously throughout pregnancy.


What situations might make home birth no longer the safest option?

Sometimes, new information or changes during pregnancy can increase risk beyond what is appropriate for out-of-hospital birth. When this happens, we talk through it together clearly and early.

Examples may include:

  • Certain pre-existing medical conditions

  • Pregnancy complications that develop over time

  • Conditions that require continuous fetal or maternal monitoring

  • Situations where hospital-based resources are recommended for safety

The focus is always on choosing the safest birth setting, not on “passing or failing” criteria.


What happens if my risk status changes during pregnancy?

If something arises that affects home birth eligibility:

  • We review the findings together in a supportive, transparent way

  • You receive clear, evidence-based information

  • Options for co-management or transfer of care are discussed

  • I support you through the transition whenever possible

Care decisions are made collaboratively, with respect for your goals and values.

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Where can I learn more about Licensed Midwives and home birth regulations in California?

For families who want to explore the regulatory framework in more detail, the Medical Board of California provides information about Licensed Midwives, including education, licensure, and scope of practice:  https://www.mbc.ca.gov/Licensing/Licensed-Midwives/Practice-Information/

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