Frequently Asked Questions

What does prenatal care with Tree of Life Midwifery look like? 

We usually start seeing clients between 10-12 weeks. Following a traditional prenatal schedule, we see clients monthly until 28 weeks and then increasing in frequency until birth. Forty-five minutes are allotted for each appointment, which allows our staff to get to know each client on a personal level, and for our clients to get to know their care providers. We always encourage clients to bring questions to their appointments. In-house lab work is offered through Labcorp, which is in-network with most insurance companies. We refer out for ultrasounds, most commonly to Medical Imaging of Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Perinatology.

What type of pain relief is offered at the birth center? 

As a natural birth center, we do not offer any type of pharmaceutical pain relief - i.e epidurals, IV pain medications, etc. If a client needs or requests pharmaceutical pain relief, a transfer of care will be made to the hospital. 

We have many other methods and resources for coping with unmedicated birth, starting with childbirth education. Knowledge is power. The more you understand about the birth process and how your body and baby are working together in labor, the more empowered you will feel. 

One exciting and unique resource that we offer at Tree of Life is a doula program, where Tree of Life covers 75% of our staff doulas’ contracted rate. Here, a doula’s role is to provide continuous physical and emotional support for the client and her partner during the birth. We encourage eating and drinking in labor. Labor and birth are like running the most strenuous marathon you’ll ever run - which in any other circumstance, you would absolutely not be expected to do with no fuel. Energy is required to keep labor progressing; the more efficient your labor, the more manageable the pain will be. 

Resting and sleeping is also highly encouraged, especially in early labor as pain perception increases with fatigue and exhaustion. 

Another amazing attribute we offer at the birth center - aqua therapy. Both of our birth suites have deep, luxurious soaking tubs that are available for use during labor and for waterbirth. 

How much does it cost? 

Our fee is $6,800. This includes all prenatal care, our midwives being on call 24/7 from 37 weeks until your birth, attending your birth, 6 weeks of normal postpartum care for mother and baby, 75% of our staff doula fee, all Integrated Care Model classes, a massage with our in-house massage therapist, and support from our perinatal/postpartum mental health counselor. Any labs and diagnostic ultrasounds will be billed to the client or their insurance. We offer an add-on package for $500, which includes admission to WILD OT's postpartum prep class, three 2-hour sessions with our contracted postpartum doula, and a feeding evaluation OR pelvic floor evaluation with our preferred occupational therapist.

Do you take insurance? 

As of 2024, we are no longer submitting claims in-house for our clients’ care.* Instead, we are able to produce a superbill for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We are considered out-of-network providers; thus our superbill will only be effective for plans with out-of-network benefits. 

*We are continuing to support our Medicaid clients and are certified with them for billing. If you are covered by state insurance and are interested in pursuing care with us, please contact our office for details.

Do you offer homebirth? Is there a different cost for homebirth?

We offer homebirth on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as birth history, location, and our capacity for that due window. 

We do not offer a price difference for homebirths. 

How are emergencies handled? 

Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) are extensively trained to handle emergencies in out of hospital settings, as our CPM credential is the only one specific to out of hospital birth. Our licensed midwives at Tree of Life have a combined 25 years of experience attending births and are trained and keep current in neonatal resuscitation, adult CPR, as well as advanced life support in obstetrics (also). Our birth center is located just across the road from the local EMS and is 1.3 miles away from the nearest hospital. 

Who can I have at my birth? 

We always say this is your birth and you may have whomever you wish as support. Conversely, this also means that you are entitled to decline the company of anyone you would not like at your birth. We encourage our clients to think about the intimate nature of birth and to be protective of their birth space. It’s important to be mindful and invite only people that are supportive and respectful of your birthing choices. Also, our facility cannot accommodate visitors in common spaces, so all visitors must remain in the birth room, or outside of the building. 

How do I get started with Tree of Life Midwifery and Birth Center? 

We require all prospective clients to come in for a free consultation. Currently, we are offering these consultations in a group model – where you and potentially 3-4 prospective clients will receive a tour of the birth center and engage in a Q&A with Lori, the practice owner. Feel free to call or email and we’d be happy to schedule you.