California has 866 certified midwives available for planned home births, including 866 Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) and 0 Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM). Browse California midwives directly and contact them by phone.
Home Birth Midwives in California
California has a community of 866 certified midwives who attend planned home births. The highest concentrations are in San Diego, Oakland, Los Angeles, though midwives typically serve families within a 60 to 90 minute radius of their home base.
Most home birth midwives in California offer a full package: prenatal appointments (typically 10 to 12 visits), attendance at the birth with a birth assistant, and postpartum visits in your home.
Licensing and Legal Status in California
California licenses both Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM). CPMs must be licensed through the Medical Board of California. Informed consent is required for all home births. California has one of the most established home birth midwifery frameworks in the country.
When hiring a midwife in California, always ask for their license number and verify it with the state licensing board. Ask what credentials they hold, how many births they have attended, and what their protocol is for hospital transfer.
How Much Does a Home Birth Cost in California?
Home birth midwife packages in California typically range from $5,000 to $9,000 for a full-service package. This is often comparable to, or less than, the out-of-pocket cost of a hospital birth for families with high-deductible insurance.
HSA and FSA funds can generally be used for certified midwife fees. Some insurance plans cover midwifery care in California. Ask your insurance company about out-of-hospital birth coverage.
Home Birth Midwives by City in California
Browse certified home birth midwives by city. Midwives typically serve families within 60 miles of their location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is home birth safe in California?
Research consistently shows that planned home birth with a certified midwife is a safe option for low-risk pregnancies. The key word is "planned" with a licensed provider who carries emergency equipment and has a transfer protocol. California has 866 licensed midwives equipped for this standard of care.
What makes a good candidate for home birth?
Good candidates are low-risk: singleton pregnancy, 37 to 42 weeks gestation, no significant health conditions (preeclampsia, gestational diabetes requiring insulin, placenta previa, etc.), and a home within reasonable distance of a hospital. Your midwife will review your full health history before confirming you are a candidate.
How far in advance should I hire a midwife in California?
Most midwives limit themselves to 3 to 5 births per month and book quickly. Reach out as early as possible, ideally before 20 weeks. Waiting until the third trimester significantly limits your options.