Homebirth in Philadelphia: What You Can Expect
Planning a homebirth in Philadelphia means you actually have real options, which isn’t something every city can offer. If you’re looking for someone who moves with intuition and honors ancestral wisdom, or you’re drawn to a more clinical, evidence-based approach, you can find that here. Even though many of us run our own practices, we know each other. We collaborate. We consult. We’ve got each other’s backs. So when you’re stepping into homebirth, you’re also stepping into a connected web of care.
Thinking about giving birth at home? I’ll walk you through what to expect, what makes Philly different, and how to find a midwife who actually feels right to you.
A Strong Midwifery Community That Honors Choice
Philadelphia is home to one of the most diverse midwifery communities on the East Coast. From traditional homebirth midwives to nurse-midwives with hospital privileges, there’s a full range of ways to approach pregnancy and birth. You’re not picking from a couple of cookie-cutter choices—you’re finding someone whose philosophy and energy really align with yours.
Even though we work independently, most of us know each other. We respect each other’s work. We share the same core value: centering the birthing person’s voice. So if you need a consult, backup, or a transfer, chances are we’ve collaborated before—which means your care stays connected and respectful.
That kind of network matters. Birth doesn’t always go exactly as planned. But when your midwife is part of a trusted circle, it brings a sense of steadiness and safety to the whole experience.
How to Choose a Homebirth Midwife in Philadelphia
There’s no one-size-fits-all midwife—and honestly, that’s the beauty of it. One of the best ways to start? Set up a few intro calls with midwives who feel like a match. These early chats give you a real sense of their vibe, how they work, and how they respond to your questions.
A few things to think about while you search:
Location: A midwife who lives close by is more likely to get to you quickly once labor starts.
Client Load: Ask how many births they take each month. Someone with a smaller client load might be able to offer more spacious, personalized care.
Philosophy of Care: Some midwives lead with intuition and spirit. Others are more structured and clinical. It’s not about right or wrong—it’s about what feels aligned for you.
Experience + Credentials: Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), Licensed Midwives (LMs), and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) all attend homebirths in Philly. Ask how long they’ve been practicing and the kinds of births they’ve supported.
Budget + Payment Options: Rates vary. Some midwives offer sliding scale or payment plans.
At the end of the day, it comes down to trust. You need to trust your midwife, and they need to trust you, too.
Midwives and Hospitals: What Happens if You Need to Transfer?
One thing that makes homebirth in Philadelphia really special? Some of the hospitals here are actually open to working with community midwives. Not all of them, but a few stand out. Jefferson, for example, has earned trust from midwives and families because they make space for informed choice and invite midwives into the conversation. It’s still a hospital, but the vibe is different.
If a transfer ever becomes necessary, having a midwife who already has strong connections in those spaces can make the whole experience feel smoother and less overwhelming.
And here’s the thing—if your birth unfolds differently than planned, that doesn’t erase the clarity and groundedness you’ve built. The care, the trust, the vision? That all comes with you, wherever you give birth.
What to Expect When You Birth at Home
No two homebirths look exactly the same, but here’s a general sense of what it might feel like when you're working with a midwife:
Prenatal Care: Visits are longer, slower, and more personal than your average OB appointment. We’ll talk about your body, your baby, your life, and your vision for birth. In my practice, that might mean in-home or office visits, depending on the package you choose.
On-Call Support: As your due window nears, I’m on call 24/7. You’re not getting passed around. When labor begins, I come to you.
Birth Supplies + Set-Up: I bring the essentials: medical supplies, oxygen, herbs, and tools to monitor you and baby. Planning a water birth? I’ll help you get a birth pool and get it set up.
Labor + Birth: I’ll monitor vitals and how labor is unfolding, support you physically and emotionally, and document your care. I’m with you the whole way, knowing when to lean in and when to let the moment unfold.
Immediate Postpartum: After the birth, you stay cozy in your own bed while I support you with bonding, feeding, and recovery. I also check on the baby and complete any required documentation.
Ongoing Postpartum Visits: I come back in the first few days, again around 2 weeks, and again closer to 6 weeks. Your healing, your questions, your whole transition into parenthood—it’s all held with care.
Every practice is a little different. But when you work with me, we shape the rhythm together. No rigid schedules. No insurance red tape. Just care that actually fits your life.
Three Paths to Homebirth with The People’s Midwife
Every family is different, and so is every path to homebirth. That’s why I offer a few options, depending on what kind of care feels best for you:
1 The Premium Birth Concierge™ Package
This is the full-service experience. If you want midwifery care that meets you at home from start to finish, this is it. It includes in-home prenatal visits, all birth supplies, water birth support, 24/7 on-call availability, and thoughtful postpartum care. Learn more about the Premium Concierge™ experience.
2 Birth Mapping™ & Maternal Wellness Consultation
Not sure where to begin? This one-time session helps you create a personalized Birth Map™—whether you’re new to homebirth or need support navigating hospital options. It’s especially helpful if you’ve had a hard birth before and want a clearer, more empowered next step. Book a session →
3 Essential Midwifery Care
Looking for something more traditional? This option includes office-based prenatal visits and holistic support throughout your journey. It’s offered to returning clients and a small number of new families who feel aligned with this pace of care.
Not sure where to start?
Take the Birth Personality Quiz to find out what kind of support actually fits you. It only takes a few minutes, and it can help you name what matters most, so your care plan starts from a place of clarity.
Let’s Talk About Your Birth Plans
If you’re exploring your options and want someone to walk through them with you, I’m here. Book a 20-minute intro call and let’s talk about what homebirth could look like for you—on your terms, in your home, and with someone you trust by your side.
