Modern Mama Services
personalized & holistic care for pregnancy, labor, and postpartum
serving families across Eastern Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CPM exactly?
A CPM is a Certified Professional Midwife, a national credential awarded by The North American Registry of Midwives. CPMs are specifically trained in providing midwifery care in out-of-hospital settings. CPMs' role in maternity care varies greatly from state to state. In the state of Massachusetts, the CPM credential is not required to practice midwifery; rather, it is a voluntary credential sought by individual midwives.
What about water birth?
We support women seeking water births and provide a tub & individual medical-grade liner for rental to our clients. Many women rent a tub for pain management in labor, regardless of whether they plan to birth in the water.
What happens if we need to go to the hospital?
On average, the hospital transfer rate is 12%. The vast majority of hospital transfers are non-emergent; however, a small minority are time-sensitive. In the event of transfer, we call the hospital to alert them of our arrival, and we fax clients' medical records and pertinent clinical information. You will be supported in the hospital by at least one midwife, whose role transitions to that of advocate and support person.
How much does home birth cost?
The fee for comprehensive care through pregnancy, labor, birth, and the first 6 weeks postpartum is $3,550-$4,250. We recognize this as a significant cost for families, and we are committed to working with you to form a manageable payment plan. We can customize your schedule of payments, and we also accept payments by credit card or through your HSA/FSA accounts. Please reach out with additional questions; we are happy to further discuss your particular financial concerns.
Does insurance cover your services?
Your insurance will cover labwork, including ultrasound. Our services as out-of-network providers are covered or partially covered by some insurance companies. Coverage is not guaranteed, however, so it is important to plan for your birth as an out-of-pocket expense, and we will be happy to walk you through the reimbursement process. We work with a medical billing specialist who has ample experience in billing for home births, and clients have the option to submit a "benefits inquiry" to find out if our services (or a portion of our services) will be reimbursed by their insurer.
I've already been seeing another provider for this pregnancy. Am I too late?
Women come into our care at every stage in pregnancy... Please don't hesitate to reach out to us, whether you are 8 weeks or 28 weeks along!