Home Birth Midwives in Seattle, Washington
Our directory lists 63 certified midwifes in Seattle, including 53 CPM/Licensed Midwifes and 10 CNMs. We match families in Seattle with available, licensed home birth midwives at no cost.
Certified Midwives in Seattle
Seattle has 63 certified midwifes in our NPI registry. Home birth midwives in Seattle 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 Seattle?
Midwife fees in Seattle reflect the cost of living in Washington. 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 Washington insurance plans cover CPM and CNM care.
Midwife Licensing in Washington
Washington State licenses both Licensed Midwives (LM/CPM) and CNMs for home birth. Washington has strong informed consent laws and requires midwives to carry emergency medications including oxygen and IV fluids. The state has one of the highest rates of planned home births in the country.
Ask any Seattle 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 Seattle?
Start reaching out as early as 8 to 12 weeks. Seattle 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 Washington and qualified for home birth. Seattle has 53 CPMs and 10 CNMs in our directory.
What if I need to transfer to a hospital during labor?
A good Seattle 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.