A new baby is a gift from God. Preparing for birth can be a hopeful, joyful part of welcoming that life into your family. At Exodus, Jenna brings her Christian faith and personal midwifery care to the work of preparing with you.
Begin with a conversation
You should feel comfortable with the woman who will be beside you at birth. Tell Jenna what you are hoping for, ask about the way she works, and talk about what matters to your family. Her Christian convictions are an open part of her care. The first call helps you both decide whether working together feels right.
Home birth is for low-risk pregnancies. Jenna will review your health history and current pregnancy, check where you live, and discuss her availability around your due date. As your pregnancy unfolds, she keeps watching over you and your baby and explains anything that needs attention.
Give yourself time to prepare
Calling early gives you time to get to know one another and make arrangements at a comfortable pace. If you are further along, you are still welcome to ask about care. Jenna will let you know what records she needs and whether she has room in her calendar.
Prenatal visits take place in your home: every 4 weeks until 28 weeks, every 2 weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and weekly from 36 weeks until birth. Additional visits depend on your needs. These visits are a place for questions about nourishment, rest, labor, and life with your new baby.
Know what care will cost
The self-pay fee is $7,000. A $500 nonrefundable retainer is due at the first prenatal visit and counts toward the total. Payments are then $400 per prenatal visit, with the remaining balance due at 36 weeks 0 days.
Jenna will explain what is included and which costs are separate. Depending on your needs, those can include imaging, non-routine labs, specialist visits, hearing screening, a birth-pool rental, education, supplements, Rh immune globulin, or travel. Your written financial agreement explains payment terms, refunds, and charges if care moves to another provider.
Read about care and pricing, and bring your budget questions to Jenna.
Make your home comfortable and ready
Your home does not need to look like a photograph in a magazine. Think about comfort, privacy, and the practical things that help everyone settle in.
- Make your address visible, including at night.
- Let Jenna know about gates, pets, livestock, stairs, and parking.
- Keep access clear for the birth team and emergency services if needed.
- Have water, power, comfortable room temperature, food, and linens ready.
- Choose someone to care for children.
- Talk about rest, meals, and household help after the baby arrives.
In rural areas, mention low-water crossings, road conditions, and phone reception. In a neighborhood, share gate codes and parking details. Jenna can help you think through your actual home during visits.
Make room for your husband and family
Tell the people close to you what support looks like for you. Your husband or another trusted person can help with practical preparations and protect your privacy during labor. Children who will be present need their own attentive adult and a place to rest or step away.
You choose who is with you, and you can change your mind. The goal is for you to feel supported as you do the work of birth.
Know you can ask direct questions
Preparing for birth at home includes understanding the care available there. No birth setting is free of risk. If you or your baby need hospital services, Jenna will explain the concern and help with the next steps; emergency services are called when needed.
You can look forward to meeting your baby and still ask how those situations are handled. Jenna will talk through safety with you one on one, tailored to your pregnancy and your needs. Bring your questions to Jenna.
Bring what is on your mind
Your first conversation does not need to sound like an interview. These questions can help you get started:
- What will visits with you be like?
- How does your Christian faith shape your care?
- Does home birth fit my pregnancy?
- Who will be with us at the birth?
- What is included in the fee?
- What should we have ready at home?
- What happens if my baby or I need another kind of care?
- What support will help most after birth?
Call Jenna for a free first conversation. Tell her about the baby you are waiting to meet.