Families planning a home birth in Memphis can choose from 9 certified midwifes: 9 Certified Professional Midwifes. Tennessee Medicaid coverage for home birth is limited, so most families pay out of pocket or use commercial insurance. Tennessee licenses midwives through a formal credentialing process. 3 hospitals near Memphis provide backup if transfer becomes necessary. Most Memphis midwives book 3 to 5 months in advance, so early contact matters.
Midwife Availability in Memphis
Memphis has 9 certified midwifes in our NPI registry: 0 Certified Nurse-Midwifes (CNM) and 9 Certified Professional Midwifes (CPM). Most accept clients from 8 to 20 weeks and book out 3 to 5 months in advance. Contact them directly using the phone numbers below.
Home Birth Cost in Memphis
| Birth Setting | Typical Out-of-Pocket Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Home birth with midwife | $2,500 – $6,000 | Prenatal, labor support, postpartum |
| Hospital vaginal birth (Tennessee) | $2,494 avg. OOP | Delivery only; prenatal billed separately |
Hospital out-of-pocket estimates from Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, 2023. Home birth cost range based on regional cost-of-living data.
HSA and FSA funds can be used for certified midwife fees. Ask your insurance company about out-of-hospital birth coverage. Some Tennessee insurance plans cover CPM and CNM care.
Insurance Coverage for Home Birth in Tennessee
Always verify coverage before signing a midwife contract. Ask your insurance company specifically about CPM and CNM billing codes for out-of-hospital birth. Many midwives can provide a superbill for reimbursement even if they are not in-network.
Hospital Backup Options Near Memphis
A licensed Memphis midwife will have a written transfer protocol and a relationship with at least one of these hospitals. Most transfers are non-emergency: stalled labor, desire for pain medication, or exhaustion. Emergency transfers are uncommon with properly screened low-risk clients.
Midwife Licensing in Tennessee
Tennessee licenses Certified Professional Midwives through the Tennessee Department of Health. Tennessee has a unique home birth community, particularly in the Nashville area and rural communities. Summertown is home to The Farm Midwifery Center, one of the oldest home birth practices in the country.
Ask any Memphis midwife for their state license number before signing a contract. Verify the license is current and in good standing with the state licensing board. A licensed midwife will carry oxygen, IV fluids, medications for postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal resuscitation equipment to every birth.
Are You a Good Candidate for Home Birth?
Good candidates are low-risk: singleton pregnancy, 37 to 42 weeks gestation, no significant health conditions. Your midwife will review your full health history before confirming you are a candidate. Read our full guide to home birth candidacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a home birth midwife cost in Memphis?
Home birth midwife packages in Memphis typically range from $2,500 to $6,000, covering prenatal visits, labor attendance, and postpartum care. 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 be used for certified midwife fees.
Does Medicaid cover home birth in Tennessee?
Tennessee TennCare coverage for home birth is limited. CPMs are licensed in Tennessee but Medicaid enrollment is restricted. If you have Medicaid, ask your specific plan about out-of-hospital birth benefits and request a list of enrolled midwifery providers. Coverage can vary between managed care plans even within the same state.
When should I start looking for a midwife in Memphis?
Start reaching out as early as 8 to 12 weeks. Memphis midwives typically limit themselves to 3 to 5 births per month and fill up fast. Waiting past 28 weeks significantly narrows your options. Contact midwives directly using the phone numbers in our directory.
What is the difference between a CPM and a CNM in Tennessee?
A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is trained specifically for out-of-hospital births. A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) has nursing training and can practice in both hospital and home settings. Both are qualified for home birth. Memphis has 9 CPMs and 0 CNMs in our directory. Tennessee cpm licensed, so both types may be licensed in your state.
Other Cities in Tennessee
Browse certified home birth midwives in other Tennessee cities. Midwives typically serve families within 60 miles of their location.