How Monarch Midwifery Works With a Hospital Birth
(Even on Molina, a Washington Apple Health Plan)
If you're planning a hospital birth, you can still have the care of a home birth midwife. Yes, really.
That includes coverage through Molina, a Washington Apple Health plan.
Wait, I thought Monarch Midwifery was a home birth practice?
I know, I know. The word "midwife" conjures up candles, a birth tub, maybe some essential oils. And sure, that's part of the job. But midwifery isn't really about where you give birth. It's about how you're cared for while you get there.
While Monarch does not have hospital privileges, we can help support you through your pregnancy and postpartum, and attend your birth as a doula.
In practice, that means hour-long prenatal visits instead of the ten-minute speed-round a lot of OB offices are stuck offering (not their fault, the system is just built that way). It means we actually explain the evidence behind a test or screening instead of just handing you a clipboard. It means someone remembers your name, your history, and probably your dog's name too, by the time you're in labor.
None of that requires a home birth. If a hospital is where you want to be, whether that's because of a higher-risk pregnancy, past experience, or just a gut feeling that feels right, you can still have that same relationship with Monarch midwives the whole way through.
What This Actually Looks Like
Here's what our hospital-birth clients get, same as our home birth clients:
Hour-long prenatal visits, on the same schedule as home birth care: monthly, then every two weeks, then weekly as you get closer.
Straight answers about your options, so you're deciding things based on evidence, not fear or guesswork.
Coordination with your hospital or OB. When you get close to your due date, we'll make sure the hospital gets your records so they know to expect you when you're in labor.
Optional doula care. A midwife acting as your doula during labor, already knowing your birth plan and your preferences (and, honestly, probably your sense of humor by that point too). Most insurance companies do not cover the doula portion of the fee, but we offer packages and can discuss those options with you at your free consultation.
Postpartum home visits after you're discharged, because the hardest part often starts the moment you leave the hospital, and you shouldn't have to figure it out solo.
Okay, But Does Molina/Apple Health Actually Cover This?
Yes. Monarch Midwifery accepts Molina under the Washington Apple Health plan for clients planning a hospital birth. You don't have to choose between having coverage and having a midwife.
Is This Right for You?
If you're planning a hospital birth and wondering whether midwifery care is even on the table with Apple Health, it very likely is. The best way to know for sure is to just ask us.
Ready to talk it through? Schedule a free consultation with Monarch Midwifery and let's figure out together if this is a good fit for your family.
Monarch Midwifery provides prenatal care, home birth, water birth, hospital-birth support, and postpartum midwifery care for families in Portland, OR and SW Washington. We accept Molina under the Washington Apple Health Care plan for eligible clients.
