Home Birth Midwives in Chattanooga, Tennessee
Our directory lists 14 certified midwifes in Chattanooga, including 11 CPM/Licensed Midwifes and 3 CNMs. We match families in Chattanooga with available, licensed home birth midwives at no cost.
Certified Midwives in Chattanooga
Chattanooga has 14 certified midwifes in our NPI registry. Home birth midwives in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?
Midwife fees in Chattanooga reflect the cost of living in Tennessee. 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 Tennessee insurance plans cover CPM and CNM care.
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, Tennessee is home to The Farm Midwifery Center, one of the oldest home birth practices in the country.
Ask any Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga?
Start reaching out as early as 8 to 12 weeks. Chattanooga 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 Tennessee and qualified for home birth. Chattanooga has 11 CPMs and 3 CNMs in our directory.
What if I need to transfer to a hospital during labor?
A good Chattanooga 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.