Frequently Asked Questions
Is homebirth safe?
For healthy, low-risk pregnancies, homebirth with a licensed midwife is a safe and evidence-based choice. At Aquarius Midwifery, we provide thorough prenatal care to ensure you remain a good candidate for homebirth. We bring the necessary equipment and skills to manage normal variations and respond quickly if complications arise. Safety is always our top priority, and we maintain a close relationship with local hospitals in case transfer becomes necessary.
Who's a good candidate for homebirth?
A good candidate for midwifery care is someone who wants to be actively involved in their pregnancy and birth and is eager to learn and prepare. They value making informed choices, and are ready to take responsibility for those choices.
In order to birth at home one must remain low-risk. That entails a pregnancy following a healthy course. For example they must have stable blood pressure, healthy blood sugar, reassuring lab results and ultrasounds, and a single baby in a head-down position, born between 37 and 42 weeks. Those are the legal parameters set by the Medical Board of California. Fortunately prenatal care helps us determine if you fall into this low-risk category and often, the preventive and holistic approach of midwifery care actually helps people stay in the low-risk category throughout their pregnancy.
What if there’s an emergency or I need to transfer to the hospital?
Emergencies during homebirth are rare, and are often able to be handled at home. If something arises that requires hospital care, we initiate a transfer to the nearest hospital. We accompany you to the hospital and continue to support you emotionally and as part of your care team.
How do you monitor the baby and me during labor?
Your midwife regularly observes your well-being and your baby’s. We monitor vital signs, check your baby’s heart tones, and pay attention to your energy, hydration, and emotional state. Our care blends skilled clinical assessment with deep trust in the natural birth process.
Can I move, eat, or use the tub during labor?
Absolutely! One of the joys of homebirth is the freedom to follow your body’s cues. You can move, rest, eat, shower, or soak in the tub, whatever feels best. We encourage you to create an atmosphere that helps you feel safe and supported: dim lights, music, your favorite scents, and the people you love.
What kind of postpartum care do you provide?
Aquarius Midwifery provides comprehensive postpartum care in the comfort of your home. We stay for several hours after birth to ensure you and your baby are stable and well. Follow-up visits happen at 24–48 hours, one week, two weeks, and six weeks. We check healing, newborn feeding, weight, and emotional adjustment and we’re always just a call or text away if you need us.
Do you offer newborn care and screenings?
Yes! We provide full newborn care during the first hours and days after birth. That includes the newborn exam, metabolic screening, critical congenital heart disease screening, and referrals for newborn hearing screening. We also support your transition to pediatric care and help with any feeding concerns.
Why do families choose homebirth?
Families choose homebirth for many reasons, to have a gentle, family-centered experience, to avoid unnecessary interventions, or to feel more in control and connected during labor. Most of all, they want to welcome their baby in a calm, loving environment surrounded by people they trust. At Aquarius Midwifery, we’re honored to help make that possible.
What's the difference in the care provided by an OB vs a licensed midwife?
OB care is based on a medical model, focusing on identifying and managing risks. It’s designed primarily for hospital-based births and often involves protocols and time limits that fit within a medical system.
Midwifery care, on the other hand, is rooted in the belief that pregnancy and birth are normal, healthy processes. As midwives we take time to understand your body, your history, and your vision for birth. Our approach is holistic, blending evidence-based practice with compassionate, individualized care.
Read more here.
Do you take insurance?
We don’t, but wait, that’s a good thing! Read why here.
Note: We can provide a Superbill for those with PPO insurance who wish to seek partial reimbursement.
Schedule a consultation to meet us!
Start by filling out our inquiry form. We will schedule a quick call to get a bit more information and then meet for a consultation at our office in Pleasant Hill, CA. We will send you a copy of our dates cookbook just for inquiring!
Our practice centers around the belief that every pregnant person deserves compassionate and empowering support tailored to their unique needs. We celebrate the beauty of diversity and welcome individuals and families of all backgrounds, orientations, and identities.
Midwife@AquariusMidwifery.com
Office: 200 Gregory Lane Ste B106. Pleasant Hill, Ca 94523
Serving clients in their homes in all of Contra Costa County, Alameda County (Tri-Valley) and surrounding areas.
P: 925-403-1475
F: 925-430-1556