Home Birth Midwives in San Francisco, California
Our directory lists 30 certified midwifes in San Francisco, including 17 CPM/Licensed Midwifes and 13 CNMs. We match families in San Francisco with available, licensed home birth midwives at no cost.
Certified Midwives in San Francisco
San Francisco has 30 certified midwifes in our NPI registry. Home birth midwives in San Francisco typically accept clients from 8 to 20 weeks and serve families within a 45 to 60 minute drive. Most are fully booked 3 to 5 months in advance, so reaching out early is important.
Directory data from NPI registry. Use the matching form to connect with midwives currently accepting clients.
How Much Does a Home Birth Cost in San Francisco?
Midwife fees in San Francisco reflect the cost of living in California. Most packages include 10 to 12 prenatal visits, attendance at the birth with a second attendant, and 2 to 4 postpartum home visits. Some midwives include newborn metabolic screening; others refer out.
HSA and FSA funds can be used for midwife fees. Ask your insurance company about out-of-hospital birth coverage. Some California insurance plans cover CPM and CNM care.
Midwife Licensing in California
California licenses both Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) and Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNM). CPMs in California 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.
Ask any San Francisco midwife for their state license number before signing a contract. Verify the license is current and in good standing. A licensed midwife will carry oxygen, IV fluids, medications for postpartum hemorrhage, and neonatal resuscitation equipment to every birth.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start looking for a midwife in San Francisco?
Start reaching out as early as 8 to 12 weeks. San Francisco midwives typically limit themselves to 3 to 5 births per month and fill up fast. Waiting past 28 weeks significantly narrows your options. Use our matching form and we will contact midwives on your behalf.
What is the difference between a CPM and a CNM?
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 licensed in California and qualified for home birth. San Francisco has 17 CPMs and 13 CNMs in our directory.
What if I need to transfer to a hospital during labor?
A good San Francisco midwife will have a written transfer protocol and a relationship with a nearby hospital. Most transfers are non-emergency: labor not progressing, exhaustion, or a desire for pain medication. Emergency transfers are uncommon with a properly screened low-risk client. Ask your midwife their transfer rate and reasons during your consultation.