Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have questions — and we love that! Here are answers to the ones we hear most often.
About Midwifery & Home Birth
What is a midwife, and how is it different from an OB?
A midwife is a trained, licensed professional who specializes in normal, healthy pregnancies and births. While OB/GYNs are surgeons trained to handle high-risk situations, midwives are experts in supporting the natural process of pregnancy and birth when everything is going well. At Heart to Heart, we bring all the care of a clinic right to your home — along with a whole lot of heart.
Is home birth safe?
For low-risk pregnancies, research consistently shows that home birth is a safe choice. In fact, about 85% of pregnancies qualify as low-risk. We bring all the necessary equipment to your home, including oxygen, medications to control bleeding, and newborn resuscitation supplies. We monitor you and your baby carefully throughout labor, and if a transfer to the hospital is ever needed, we go with you and stay by your side.
What makes Heart to Heart different from a hospital birth?
At Heart to Heart, you are never just a number. You will spend a full hour with your midwife at every prenatal appointment. You will know us long before your birth day — and we will know you, your hopes, your concerns, and your family. You get to labor in your own home, in your own bed, with your own people around you. We tidy up after the birth, stay until nursing is established, and follow up with you and baby for six full weeks.
What if something goes wrong during labor?
Your safety is always our first priority. We continuously monitor both you and your baby throughout labor. If we see signs that a hospital transfer would be safer, we will talk you through it clearly and calmly, and we will accompany you to the hospital. We have established working relationships with local hospital providers for just this reason. The vast majority of our clients have smooth, beautiful births at home — but we are always prepared.
Can I have a water birth?
Yes! Many of our clients love laboring and birthing in water. We can guide you on renting or purchasing a birth pool, and we are experienced in supporting water births. Just let us know at your consultation that this is something you are interested in.
Am I a Good Candidate for Home Birth?
How do I know if I qualify for a home birth?
At your free consultation and throughout your care, we continuously assess whether home birth is a safe and appropriate choice for you. Generally, low-risk pregnancies are excellent candidates. This includes women who are in good health, carrying a single baby in a head-down position, between 37 and 42 weeks gestation, with no major pregnancy complications. We will be honest with you throughout your care if anything changes that affects your eligibility.
What conditions would make home birth not the right choice?
Certain conditions require hospital-based care, including high-risk pregnancies, multiples, placenta previa, certain maternal health conditions, or babies in breech position at the time of labor. If at any point your pregnancy moves into a higher-risk category, we will discuss your options with you and refer you to the appropriate provider. We never compromise on safety.
I have had a C-section before. Can I still have a home birth?
VBAC, or Vaginal Birth After Cesarean, at home is something we evaluate on a case-by-case basis. It depends on the type of incision from your prior surgery, the reason for the C-section, and your overall health. Please bring this up at your free consultation so we can talk through your individual situation.
Is this my first baby — does that matter?
Not at all! We love supporting first-time moms. In fact, many of our clients are first-time parents. We will walk you through everything, answer every question, and make sure you feel completely prepared and confident going into your birth.
What to Expect From Our Care
How often will I have prenatal appointments?
We see you monthly up to 28 weeks, every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and then weekly until your baby arrives. Every appointment is a full hour — just you, your family if you choose, and your midwife. There is no rushing, no waiting rooms, and no quick check-ins.
Do you do lab work?
Yes! We do in-office lab work throughout your pregnancy — the same labs you would be offered in a hospital setting. We can also order ultrasounds at a local clinic or hospital and refer you to other providers as needed.
What happens during labor?
Once labor begins, we stay in close contact with you by phone. When you are in active labor, we come to your home and bring all the equipment needed for a safe birth. We monitor your vital signs and baby’s heart rate throughout. We give you space to labor the way your body needs to, and we offer guidance, encouragement, and hands-on support the whole time. After the birth, we stay for 2 to 4 hours to make sure you and baby are well before we leave.
What does postpartum care look like?
We are not a one-and-done practice. After your birth, we call you within 24 hours, visit your home within 24 to 48 hours, and see you again at 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks. We track your baby’s weight, support breastfeeding, monitor your recovery, and make sure you have everything you need. At your 6-week visit, we also offer a well-woman exam with an optional pap smear.
Do you do newborn care?
Yes! Right after birth, we perform a full newborn exam and assessment. We also complete newborn metabolic screening, critical congenital heart defect screening, and hearing screening. We file for your baby’s birth certificate and social security card, and we continue to track baby’s growth at postpartum visits.
Fees & Insurance
How much does it cost?
Our fee is a global fee that covers all prenatal care, labor and birth, and postpartum and newborn care from the start of your care through your 6-week postpartum visit. This fee does not include additional services such as lab work, ultrasounds, or doula services. We discuss all fee details at your free consultation — we want you to know exactly what to expect before you commit to anything.
Do you take insurance?
We bill as an out-of-network provider, so your coverage depends on your specific plan. We work with STM Billing, LLC, a specialized midwifery billing company, to submit claims on your behalf. We strongly encourage you to call your insurance company ahead of time to ask about your out-of-network benefits for midwifery and home birth services. We cannot guarantee payment, but many clients do receive partial or full reimbursement.
Do you accept health sharing ministries?
Yes! Health sharing ministries, such as Christian Health Ministries, typically cover 100% of midwifery and home birth services. We are a pre-approved provider and can direct-bill Christian Health Ministries. We are happy to provide receipts for any health sharing plan.
What about Minnesota Medical Assistance?
Unfortunately, at this time the Minnesota Medical Assistance Program does not recognize Licensed Midwives as covered providers for home birth services and will not reimburse us for our care. We wish this were different, and we encourage families to advocate for change in this area. Please contact our office to discuss payment plan options if cost is a concern — we will do our best to work with you.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes, absolutely. We encourage payment plans and trust you to know your family’s budget. Our full fee is expected to be paid by 34 weeks, and we are flexible about how you get there. We also offer an early pre-pay discount for families who pay in full ahead of schedule.
Getting Started
How do I get started?
The first step is a free, no-obligation consultation. This is a relaxed conversation where you get to meet us, ask all your questions, and see if Heart to Heart feels like the right fit for your family. There is no pressure and no commitment required. To schedule your free consult, call us at 218-999-7354, email us at hearttoheartmidwifery@gmail.com, or use the contact form on our website.
How far in advance should I reach out?
We limit the number of clients we take each month in order to give every family our full, undivided attention. We recommend reaching out as early in your pregnancy as possible — ideally in the first trimester. Popular months fill up fast, especially summer and fall.
Do you serve my area?
We serve Grand Rapids, Bemidji, Hibbing, Eveleth, Virginia, Aitkin, and all surrounding areas within 75 miles of our Grand Rapids office. Families beyond 75 miles are welcome to inquire — a one-time travel fee of $200 applies for those outside our standard service area.
Can my partner, family, or doula be present?
Absolutely! Your birth, your people. Partners, family members, children, doulas, and friends are all welcome. We believe birth is a family event, and we love the energy that a circle of loved ones brings to the room.
Still have questions?
We would love to talk with you. Call us or schedule your free consultation today.
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