Questions, answered.
The things families ask before they pick up the phone.
If you have a question that is not here, that is exactly what our free chats are for. Reach out and ask.
Home birth is a safe option for healthy, low-risk pregnancies. The best way to find out whether you are a candidate is a free chat with us, where we walk through your medical history, your pregnancy so far, and your hopes for this birth.
As early as you would like. Many families call after a positive pregnancy test. Others call later in the first or second trimester. We will accept clients into the third trimester when there is space and the pregnancy is appropriate.
Yes. Our chats are free of cost and free of pressure. They typically last 45 to 60 minutes and you are welcome to bring your partner, your questions, and your skepticism.
A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is a credentialed midwife trained specifically in out-of-hospital birth. Both midwives at Sacred Journey hold the CPM credential and are licensed to practice in Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Your birth is attended by your midwife and her trained birth assistant, who is dedicated to supporting both mother and baby. A second midwife is available upon request for an additional fee. This model is the standard of care for licensed home birth midwifery.
We bring everything needed for a healthy birth and for managing common complications. That includes oxygen, neonatal resuscitation equipment, anti-hemorrhage medications, IV supplies, suturing equipment, and continuous fetal monitoring tools. We also bring a birth pool at no charge for families who want one.
Transfers happen in a small percentage of home births and are handled with planning, not panic. We coordinate with local hospitals, send your records ahead, and stay with you through the transfer to keep continuity of care.
For healthy, low-risk pregnancies attended by a trained midwife, home birth has comparable safety outcomes to hospital birth in the published research, with significantly fewer interventions. Risk screening throughout pregnancy is part of how we keep that true for your specific situation.
Eligibility for home birth after a previous cesarean varies by state law and by your specific medical history. We talk through the legal and clinical picture during your free chat, and refer to hospital-based VBAC providers when home birth is not the right fit. Atara has a longstanding specialty in VBAC support, education, and prep.
We are trained, equipped, and continually re-credentialed for the complications that can come up at a home birth, including hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, and newborn resuscitation. When the situation calls for hospital-level care, we transfer promptly and stay with you.
We offer two packages: a Standard Package at $6,900 with office appointments and a Sacred Package at $7,900 with appointments in your home. We walk through what is included and what is billed separately during your free chat.
We are out-of-network with all insurance plans. Many families recover a portion of their fee through out-of-network reimbursement, and we work with Vicci Davidson at URbilling to walk you through the claims process.
We accept cash, check, PayPal, Venmo, and credit or debit cards. Card payments carry a 4 percent processor fee. Payment plans can be arranged during your free chat.
A minimum of three home visits across your first six weeks postpartum, with the first within the first 24 hours after birth. More are possible if you need them.
Yes. We complete a full newborn exam shortly after birth and continue monitoring weight, feeding, jaundice, and overall wellness through every postpartum visit. We refer to a pediatrician for ongoing well-child care.
Lactation support is part of standard postpartum care. We help with latch, supply, pumping logistics, and the bigger emotional landscape of feeding a new baby.