Frequently Asked Questions

What insurances and forms of payments do you accept?
  • For private/commercial insurance plans, clients make payments to High Desert Midwifery throughout your pregnancy, once the baby is born I submit claims to your insurance company for both you and your baby on your behalf. I reimburse you the amount, if any, that  your insurance pays for the claims I submit minus the 5% billing fee.
  • Reimbursement is dependent on your specific policy, out of network benefits and deductibles. Click here for more detailed information on this process and what it means for Homebirth.
  • We recommend that you call your insurance company to check your specific policy for benefits, including out-of-network benefits, and deductibles. (specify home birth with a LM/CPM)
  • BCBS PPO (HMO does not pay for out of network or home birth)
  • Presbyterian PPO (HMO does not pay for out of network or home birth)
  • United Health care
  • Aetna
  • Christian Health Insurance/co-ops
  • NM Health Exchange does not cover Home Births
  • I no longer accept Medicaid as primary payment, due to no or VERY little reimbursement. Licensed Midwives were informed May 2025 that can no longer bill and receive reimbursement for all the newborn care past the delivery. We can, however, provide newborn care up to 6 weeks of age.
  • I do work on a sliding scale for families experiencing extreme financial hardship. Typically women qualify for Medicaid, if that is the case. There still are a couple other midwives that still accept Medicaid. Please call for more info.
  • Health savings accounts (3.7% credit card processing fee added)
  • Credit Card (3.7% credit card processing fee added)
  • Cash or Check
  • Apple Pay
  • Venmo

What hospitals do you use in case I have to transfer into hospital to have my baby?
  • My number one choice without question, and the only facility I transfer to is University of New Mexico Hospital- Homebirth midwives have a great working relationship with them and is my preferred hospital. Women receive excellent care there. UNMH staff and providers are known to be kind and supportive to families who chose to birth at home
  • Lovelace Women's Hospital (only by client preference. I do not transfer to LLWH)
  • Presbyterian-I DO NOT transfer, nor would I ever recommended transferring to Presbyterian.  Please note, if you have a Presbyterian health plan that you would want or need to utilize Presbyterian as the hospital of choice, I will not be able to take you as a client, as I cannot accompany you in.

I want to birth at home, but can you bring a "real" midwife?
  • I am a real midwife! This is highly unusual question and request, and a hospital birth would be the best choice for you. This has become a common question from women who have received care or birthed at a birth center.
  • My training and experience is specific to the out of hospital setting. For more in-depth information on licensing pathways check out:  Types of Midwives for more info.  

I've invited my friend who is a nurse/NICU nurse to be there to be my "Doula". My partner would feel the most comfortable
  • Again, this is highly unusual, and a homebirth is not right for you. A hospital birth would be the best choice for you to feel comfortable. This has become a common statement from women who have received care or birthed at a birth center. Licensed Midwives, Apprentice Midwives or birth assistants are all trained in, and require ongoing recertification in neonatal resuscitation, CPR, IV therapy, including training in common obstetric emergencies.

Do you stay with us if we transfer into hospital?                                                                                          
  • Yes, we stay with you and work with hospital staff, supporting you in advocating for your care. Typically in a transfer I will call ahead and coordinate with a provider at UNMH transfer into OB triage where you will be assessed and admitted accordingly.  I will help you get settled in and a plan of action will be set in motion. Transfers into hospital can look differently for each woman and need. At times I will go home and rest until you need me for support. I am always available by phone. Once discharged, we can resume your postpartum care at home.

Do you do water births?
  • Yes! Approx. 85% of births occur in water, second on the list is birthing on the toilet!

How long are appointment times?
  • Approx. 60 minutes per visit

What if two births occur at the same time?
  • In the rare instance we have two mothers in labour at the same time, I will send another Licensed and qualified Home Birth Midwife to attend the other birth. My apprentice(s) and I will split up, if at all possible, to maintain continuity of care.

What if I birth quickly and my baby arrives before the Midwife?
  • Babies are sometimes in a rush to be born! Throughout your pregnancy we talk about the normalcy of labour and birth, empowering women to trust your body along with educating families for such an occurrence. I am always in-route to your home, sometimes on the phone with you or your partner for guidance. I do not make you go into hospital for a precipitous birth, and we never miss the delivery of the placenta!

Can children come to my appointments?
  • Yes! Children are always welcome. They love to help out when it comes time to listen to baby, and there are lots of toys to keep them entertained. 

How many births do you take in a month?
  • Typically 5-6, but up to 7-9 clients a month.

I don't want to have an ultrasound, do you require one?
  • No, I do not require clients to have ultrasounds to birth at home. Occasionally, I'll recommend one if you live an hour or more from UNMH

We live in an RV, can we still have have a home birth?
  • Yes! In fact, I have attended quite a few RV births. Home sometimes is where you park it!
    • Go to High Desert Midwifery and Women's Health on facebook for our latest RV-home birth story aired by KOB-TV highlighting the RV home birth that occurred AT the 2017 Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta!