Numerous studies demonstrate that home birth with a skilled midwife is just as safe as hospital birth, with fewer interventions. During your labor, we will closely monitor you and baby to make sure that everything is within the range of normal. If a medical complication develops that makes the birth higher risk, we are easily able to transport to a hospital setting, if necessary.

Does insurance cover homebirth?

Most PPO insurance plans will reimburse for homebirth midwifery care. I work with a skilled team of medical billers who will coordinate with your insurance company so that you can get reimbursement for the care that you receive. You can submit a “verification of benefits” request here to find out more about your specific coverage. Unfortunately, Kaiser and Medi-Cal clients are not eligible for insurance coverage for homebirth at this time.

Where do my appointments take place?

Prenatal care takes place in my lovely Albany office. I offer one home visit in the 3rd trimester. The first two weeks of postpartum care is provided in the comfort of your home. All appointments are scheduled for an hour in length.

Do I need to work with an OBGYN if I hire a midwife?

No. I provide all the care needed to see you through a healthy pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Midwives can provide the same standard tests/screens that an OB would offer. Some of my clients choose to do concurrent care with an OB during pregnancy, but it is not required or necessary. In some cases, a medical complication may necessitate physician consultation or co-managed care.

Do you offer care to people planning a hospital birth?

Yes. Home birth is not for everyone: some people choose to birth in the hospital because they have a medical complication or risk factor that makes it a safer option, and some people simply prefer the hospital setting. I provide full prenatal care for those planning a hospital birth, and then go to the hospital with you when you are in labor, resuming postpartum care at home after the birth. Working with a midwife for a planned hospital birth gives you the best of both worlds: a more connected and holistic approach to your care, with the resources of the hospital setting.

Do you offer water birth? Is it safe?

Yes, many of my clients choose to labor and/or birth in water. Being submerged in water is studied to reduce discomfort in labor. Babies have an innate “dive reflex,” which means that they do not attempt to breathe underwater. This makes water birth a safe option for low-risk people.

How often will you see me for prenatal care?

I follow the same general appointment schedule as an OBGYN during pregnancy. This includes visits once a month until you are 28 weeks, then every other week until 36 weeks, and then weekly until you give birth. More frequent visits are offered if indicated.

Do you work with doulas?

I strongly encourage all first-time birthers to hire a doula as part of their support team! A doula is a non-medical support person who offers physical, emotional, and informational guidance to birthing people. While not required, doulas can be a wonderful addition to the team. You are also welcome to have as many or as few family members/friends with you at your labor and birth.

Do you offer the same prenatal tests/screens that I would get from an OBGYN?

Yes, I offer the standard of care in testing and screening during pregnancy and in the postpartum. Each test will be discussed in detail, and you will make an informed decision about which tests/screens you would like to have. We can do all routine blood work during our appointments, and bill the labs directly to your insurance. Any ultrasounds will be performed in a reputable ultrasound facility, and will also be billed directly to insurance.

Do you bring an assistant or second midwife to the birth?

There are always two licensed midwives in attendance for every home birth. Having two sets of skilled hands increases the safety of home birth, and means that there is more support available to you.

Who chooses midwife-led fertility care?

Emunah Midwifery provides services to anyone who needs respectful fertility care, but especially to those who’s needs are not being met in the mainstream system. This includes queer folks, trans and non-binary people, single people, people who experience size discrimination, “older” parents, non-traditional families, and those seeking a more holistic approach to health and fertility.

What is intrauterine insemination?

IUI is a procedure in which washed sperm is placed directly into the uterus, using a thin catheter (tube) that goes through the cervix. The procedure typically takes less than 2 minutes, and feels similar to getting a Pap. IUI is a safe and effective way to achieve pregnancy.

What is sperm washing and why is it necessary for IUI?

“Sperm washing” refers to the process where motile sperm are separated out from the other components in seminal fluid. Since IUI involves placing sperm directly into the uterine cavity, it’s important to remove bacteria, as well as prostaglandins that can cause uterine cramping. Additionally, removing the non-motile sperm and leaving only the healthy ones increases the chances of success. The washing process involves layering the seminal fluid over sperm-washing medium to create a density gradient, and using centrifugal force to separate out the healthy sperm. If you are purchasing sperm from a bank, you will need to get IUI-ready (washed) vials. If you are using fresh sperm (either from a known donor or a partner), your midwife will do the sperm washing at your home immediately prior to the IUI.

Does insurance cover fertility and IUI care?

Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not include any fertility benefits. You are responsible for paying for any care provided by Emunah Midwifery, with payment due at the time of service. Some workplaces may offer fertility benefits, and I am happy to provide you with a superbill that you can submit for reimbursement. Any lab work can be billed directly to your insurance (with the exception of Kaiser members).

How many cycles does it usually take to conceive with IUI?

There is no easy answer to this question; everyone’s journey is unique. These statistics might help you get a sense of realistic expectations: For people under 30, the success rate is around 20-25% per cycle. For people aged 30 to 35, the success rate of IUI is typically 15-20% per cycle. People aged 35-40 have a 10% success rate per cycle. By their early 40s, the success rates drop to approximately 5%. These are statistics for people with no known fertility issues, who are using high-quality sperm. If you are impacted by fertility complications, your statistical chances of success will be lowered.

Can you prescribe fertility medications?

Medication management is outside of my scope as a Licensed Midwife. Some clients choose to get fertility medications prescribed through an MD, while still pursuing at-home IUI with Emunah Midwifery. We can discuss the risks and benefits of medications during a preconception consultation, so you have the information to make the best choice for your individual circumstances.

Home IUI: Start to Finish | IUI in Berkley, CA

I’m here to demystify the process of intrauterine insemination (IUI). Midwifery care is all about placing you at the center of your own healthcare experience, and this holds true when you are seeking care to become pregnant. IUI is a safe and simple procedure, and having a midwife come to your home to perform the IUI makes all the sense in the world: you are more relaxed and comfortable in your own space, the environment is less clinical, your partner (if applicable) can be involved in the process, and your physical and emotional comfort is prioritized. OK, but how does it all work?

IUI First Steps Begin with Selection and Obtaining the Sperm

Long before the IUI takes place, you’ll have laid the groundwork by selecting a donor and obtaining the sperm. You might be using either fresh or frozen sperm. Prior to an IUI in Berkley, CA, the sperm needs to be “washed,” which involves using a centrifuge to separate out the sperm from the other components of seminal fluid. This is important because semen contains prostaglandins, which can cause cramping or an inflammatory response in the uterus. Washing the semen also removes any bacteria that may be present, reducing the risk of infection.

Pregnancy photo surrounded by lights and bedding. If you are looking for help with a birthing plan, IUI in Berkley, CA with a midwife may be just what you need. Check out at home IUI with us.

If the sperm you are using comes from the bank, it will arrive to you already washed (select IUI-ready vials). The vial(s) of sperm will arrive to you in a nitrogen tank, where they will remain until we are ready to do the IUI. It takes about 15-20 minutes for the vial(s) to thaw.

IUI and Use of Fresh Sperm

If you are using fresh sperm (from a known donor or from your partner), it will need to be washed by your midwife immediately prior to the IUI. This process takes about an hour and is done in your home. Your donor (or partner) will supply the sample via masturbation, and the washing process needs to begin within 30-60 minutes after ejaculation. I bring all the supplies needed for washing: a portable centrifuge, sperm washing medium, vials, pipettes, and gloves. I typically set up on your kitchen table or a countertop, and you are welcome to watch the process or do your own thing while I work. After the sperm has been washed, we are ready for the IUI!

The IUI Process and the Sample

The sperm sample is drawn up into a syringe, with a long, thin catheter (tube) attached. We will get you set up on your bed or couch, with a pillow and towel under your bottom and a chair at the edge of the bed for me to sit on. First, a speculum is inserted into your vagina (just like with a pap smear). If you like, you are welcome to insert the speculum yourself or use a hand mirror to watch. Once your cervix is in view, I will insert the catheter through your cervix and into your uterus. This may cause some cramping, similar to menstrual cramps. Once the catheter is in place, I will slowly depress the syringe to release the sperm directly into your uterus. If you have a partner and they want to be the one to depress the catheter, they are more than welcome to participate.

IUI tools on sanitary surface. If you are seeking support with IUI and are seeking out a birthing plan for the next phase, our midwives can help. Learn about at home IUI in Berkley, CA

After the IUI Process Here is What to Expect

After the sperm has been placed in the uterus, I will remove the catheter and speculum, and you can stay resting in bed. All in all, the IUI typically takes 1-3 minutes from start to finish. Some people experience some cramping in the 24 hours after an IUI, sometimes immediately after and sometimes not until a few hours later. Some people don’t experience any cramping. If you do, it’s typically mild and manageable. There can also be light spotting in the 24 hours after an IUI. You are free to resume normal activity the next day.

Now you begin the “two-week wait,” those challenging two weeks between inseminating and waiting to find out if you are pregnant. It’s recommended to wait 14 days before taking a pregnancy test; if you test sooner you may get a false negative (a negative test even when you are pregnant).

Stats to Keep in Mind with IUI in Berkley, CA

Keep in mind, the success rate for one IUI cycle is about 20-25% per cycle for people under 30, 15-20% for people between 30-35, 10% for people between 35-40, and 5% for people between 40-45. This means that you are likely going to need more than one IUI before conceiving. Trying to conceive is often a wild ride with ups and downs, hopes and disappointments, excitement, and nervousness. It’s important to manage expectations realistically and to trust in the mystery of it all. Stay posted for an upcoming blog post on getting through the highs and lows of a conception journey.

Baby feet. If you are looking for support with IUI or a birthing plan, then you are in the right place. See how we can support you with At home IUI in Berkley, CA

Are You Ready To Get Support With Home IUI With Midwives In Berkley, CA?

Our holistic approach includes recommendations for nutrition, supplements, herbal medicine, and lifestyle changes to enhance your fertility. We may also conduct lab tests or order imaging to better understand your baseline health and fertility status. Our goal at the Emunah Midwifery in Berkley, CA is to help you optimize your chances of conception and have a healthy pregnancy. If you are ready to get started with out midwives, follow these steps:

Learn more about us here.
Reach out to us here.
Get started with informed and empathetic care

Home IUI with a midwife: Start to Finish

IUI First Steps Begin with Selection and Obtaining the Sperm

IUI and Use of Fresh Sperm

The IUI Process and the Sample

After the IUI Process Here is What to Expect

Stats to Keep in Mind with IUI in Berkley, CA

Are You Ready To Get Support With Home IUI With Midwives In Berkley, CA?

Other Services Offered By Emunah Midwifery:

Home IUI with a midwife: Start to Finish

IUI First Steps Begin with Selection and Obtaining the Sperm

IUI and Use of Fresh Sperm

The IUI Process and the Sample

After the IUI Process Here is What to Expect

Stats to Keep in Mind with IUI in Berkley, CA

Are You Ready To Get Support With Home IUI With Midwives In Berkley, CA?

Other Services Offered By Emunah Midwifery:

Home birth supplies and setup For a home birth in Berkeley, CA