What is a midwife?

A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in women's reproductive health, particularly focusing on pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They provide holistic care throughout these stages, often prioritizing natural approaches to birth and supporting the birthing person's choices. 

What is the cost of care?

The total cost of care for home birth services is $6000. This includes all of your prenatal care, 24/7 emergency availability from your midwives, attendance at your homebirth with either 2 midwives or a midwife and a birth assistant, and 6 weeks of postpartum care.  

All payments toward the total cost of services are made over the course of your pregnancy, with the balance due by 36 weeks.  

Many commercial insurance plans offer reimbursement for homebirth as an out-of-network benefit and will sometimes allow for an in-network exception.  We work with a professional billing company that specializes in helping families get reimbursements from their insurance company for homebirths.  If you have further questions about insurance coverage or payment plans, or if finances are prohibitive, please do not hesitate to give us a call and we can chat about the specifics of your situation. 

What is your service area?

Our office is located near the beltway in Silver Spring. We serve Washington, DC and surrounding Maryland counties including Prince George’s, Montgomery, and Howard counties. If you have questions regarding whether we serve your area, please contact us.

Can I have a water birth?

Absolutely! If you have a tub at home that is big enough, you can use your bathroom tub. If you prefer a birth tub, you may rent one and set up it up in your home.

Do you attend VBACs?

We do! We can discuss your previous birth and risk factors during a free consultation.

Where will my appointments be?

Peacock Midwifery Services offers both in office, home and virtual visits. Kathy will visit your home for 3-4 of your prenatal visits and you’ll come to the Silver Spring office for the remainder. The early postpartum visits will be in your home and the remainder in the office.

What is the schedule of care?

Peacock Midwifery Services follows the recommended schedule of:

• First appointment including initial blood work, genetic testing, and ultrasound referral, if desired.

• Monthly visits from early pregnancy until 28 weeks

• Biweekly visits from 28 weeks until 36 weeks

• Weekly visits from 36 weeks until birth

• Four visits in the postpartum period: 24hrs, on day 3-5, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks

Who will attend my birth?

In early labor, you’ll be in close contact with the midwife and can have anyone you like to be with you to support the birthing process. Once you’re in active labor, the midwife will join you at home. When we come to your home, we bring all the necessary equipment to provide for a safe home birth.  For many people, birth is a family affair and they choose to have their older children present for the birth or in the moments following the delivery.  We encourage you to invite whomever makes you feel comfortable and supported during your labor and birth. 

As labor progresses and the birth is closer, a second midwife or birth assistant is called to attend the birth to be a second set of hands.