Bornbir Blog

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

Doula Insurance

Why Don't Insurance Companies Cover Doulas? (2024 Updates)

Insurance companies often don’t cover doulas due to a few key reasons, primarily tied to traditional definitions of medical necessity, standardized billing, and provider credentialing:Medical Necessity and Licensing: Many insurance providers consider doulas a non-medical support service, as they don’t provide clinical or medical care. Since doulas focus on emotional, physical, and educational support, their services often fall outside the traditional scope of "medically necessary" services that insurers cover. Doulas aren’t licensed healthcare providers, which also influences insurers' decision to exclude them from standard coverage.Lack of Standardized Billing and Credentialing: Doulas are not widely recognized within the standardized billing systems...

Doula Insurance

Does Maven Clinic Cover Doulas? How to Find One?

Yes, Maven Clinic offers access to doulas as part of its comprehensive maternity and newborn care program. Members receive personalized, 24/7 support from a diverse care team, including OB-GYNs, doulas, lactation consultants, and more. Through Maven's virtual platform, members can connect with certified doulas who offer guidance and support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period.Maven's virtual platform connects members with doulas who provide guidance throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. This support aims to improve outcomes for both parent and child by easing stress, encouraging healthy behaviors, and offering continuous assistance. With BornBir, finding a doula who accepts Maven Clinic...

Lactation Consultant

Can Lactation Consultants Write Prescriptions?

No, lactation consultants generally cannot write prescriptions. Most lactation consultants, including those certified as International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), are not licensed medical providers and do not have the authority to prescribe medications. Their role focuses on providing support, education, and guidance for breastfeeding and lactation-related challenges.However, there are some exceptions:Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) who are also lactation consultants have prescribing authority due to their medical licensing. If they are additionally certified as lactation consultants, they can integrate that expertise when providing care.In cases where a prescription is necessary (e.g., for conditions like mastitis, pain...

Lactation Consultant

Cigna No Longer Covers The Lactation Network (November 2024)

As of November 2024, Cigna covers lactation consultant services under many of its insurance plans, including assistance from lactation consultants who can help with various breastfeeding issues such as proper latching, managing pain, and increasing milk supply.In a recent development, Cigna has announced that it will no longer cover lactation support services provided through The Lactation Network (TLN). This change is expected to impact many families who rely on accessible, professional lactation support to navigate the challenges of breastfeeding. See original Reddit posts. Here’s what Cigna members can do in light of this change:Verify Coverage for Lactation ServicesCheck with Cigna...

Midwife

How much is a home birth in North Carolina? (2024 Updates)

The cost of a home birth in North Carolina varies based on factors such as the midwife's fees, location, and additional services like doulas or birth pools. On average, families can expect to spend between $4,000 and $8,000 for a home birth. This range aligns with national averages, where home birth costs typically fall between $3,000 and $9,000.It's important to note that while home births are generally less expensive than hospital births, insurance coverage for home births can vary. Some insurance providers may cover part or all of the costs, while others may not. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with...

Midwife

Midwife 101: A Beginner's Guide to BornBir

As a trusted platform for perinatal care, BornBir connects parents with the support they need, including midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and OBGYNs. Our mission is to empower families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care by linking them with compassionate professionals dedicated to personalized care. With a network of over 7,000 providers across all 50 states, we are proud to serve as a reliable resource for parents nationwide. Start by creating your free midwife profile today—it takes less than 5 minutes!How BornBir Supports Midwives:Your FREE dedicated provider profile is a powerful tool for attracting new families. Most families find their midwives...

Midwife

How to Find Medicaid Midwives in Ohio?

To find midwives in Ohio who accept Medicaid, consider the following steps:Medicaid Provider Directory: Start by checking the Ohio Medicaid website’s provider directory, where you can specifically search for midwives who accept Medicaid.Match with Medicaid-Approved Midwives: Similar to an "Airbnb" for Midwifery Care, you can answer a few questions to quickly connect with local, Medicaid-approved midwives. This service is often free and provides responses within seconds.Local Hospitals and Clinics: Contact hospitals and clinics in your area. Many have midwives on staff or can refer you to nearby providers who accept Medicaid. For instance, hospitals like OhioHealth or Cleveland Clinic offer...

Midwife

How to Find Medicaid Midwives in Pennsylvania?

To find midwives in Pennsylvania who accept Medicaid, consider the following steps:Medicaid Provider Directory: Start by checking the Pennsylvania Medicaid website’s provider directory, where you can specifically search for midwives who accept Medicaid.Match with Medicaid-Approved Midwives: Similar to an "Airbnb" for Midwifery Care, you can answer a few questions to quickly connect with local, Medicaid-approved midwives or lactation consultants. This service is often free and provides responses within seconds.Local Hospitals and Clinics: Contact hospitals and clinics in your area. Many have midwives on staff or can refer you to nearby providers who accept Medicaid. For instance, hospitals like UPMC or...

Midwife

Does Indiana Medicaid Cover Home Birth in 2024?

As of November 2024, Indiana Medicaid does not provide coverage for home births. Legislation proposed in early 2024 aimed to expand Medicaid coverage to include home births attended by physicians or certified nurse midwives; however, this bill did not pass.Currently, Indiana Medicaid covers deliveries in licensed birthing centers and hospitals. If you're considering a home birth, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your options and any potential out-of-pocket costs.Match with top-rated Home Birth Midwives: Home Birth Midwives Near Me

Midwife

How to Find Medicaid Midwives in Indiana? (2024 Updates)

To find midwives in Indiana who accept Medicaid, consider the following steps:Medicaid Provider Directory: Start by checking the Indiana Medicaid website’s provider directory, where you can specifically search for midwives who accept Medicaid.Match with Medicaid-Approved Midwives: Similar to an "Airbnb" for Midwifery Care, you can answer a few questions to quickly connect with local, Medicaid-approved midwives or lactation consultants. This service is often free and provides responses within seconds.Local Hospitals and Clinics: Contact hospitals and clinics in your area. Many have midwives on staff or can refer you to nearby providers who accept Medicaid. For instance, IU Health offers midwifery...