Question 1

How far into pregnancy can I transfer into your care?

Accepted Answer

Out-of-hospital birth requires thorough preparation for both you and your birth team.
 • If you've had consistent prenatal care, we welcome transfers until 34 weeks.
 • If you haven't received care yet, we’re unable to begin care beyond 24 weeks to ensure a safe and well-prepared experience.

Question 2

If I transfer, where do I go?

Accepted Answer

During a transfer of care, our team will take the time to address all your questions and concerns with compassion and support.
 • During prenatal care, we’ll discuss your preferred facility for transfer if needed.
 • During labor and birth, transfers will go to the nearest hospital, Baylor Scott & White Health.

Question 3

What circumstances would require a transfer of care?

Accepted Answer

The most common reason for transfer during prenatal care is maternal hypertension, while the most frequent labor transfer is due to slow progress or exhaustion.

We closely monitor your health at every prenatal visit and will discuss any concerns as they arise. If a transfer becomes necessary, our midwives will guide you through the process with care and transparency.

Possible reasons for hospital transfer during labor or postpartum include:
 • Breech presentation (transferred before labor)
 • Maternal exhaustion or stalled labor despite all available measures
 • Prolonged rupture of membranes without active labor
 • Maternal vital signs outside the normal range
 • Fetal heart rate concerns
 • Retained placenta
 • Severe perineal tear (3rd or 4th degree)
 • Newborn requiring a higher level of care

Our midwives support physiologic birth while carefully monitoring both mother and baby. If a transfer is needed, we will discuss it with you and your family and ensure a smooth transition.

Question 4

Do you provide home birth services?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We will conduct a home assessment with you during your care to ensure you and our team have everything needed for your birth.

Question 5

Do you offer prenatal classes?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We offer Group Prenatal Classes and a curated list of evidence-based prenatal classes from trusted midwives and resources.

Question 6

If I transfer to the hospital, can I return to you for postpartum care?

Accepted Answer

This is a case by case basis. We seek the highest quality of care for every client. In most cases, yes we would love to have you back in our care for your postpartum care, if it is clinically safe for you.

Question 7

Who can be at my birth at The Starting Place?

Accepted Answer

We do not put a limit on the number, however, we always advise that you introspectively think about who and how many people you will want in one of the most vulnerable moments of your life.

Question 8

Do you provide TOLAC/VBAC care?

Accepted Answer

This is discussed on a case by case basis with you and our medical team. We will conduct a risk assessment with you and gather more information about your health history to make a safe and informed decision for you and your family.

Question 9

Do you offer pain medication during labor?

Accepted Answer

We do not currently offer IV pain medications during labor or Nitrous Oxide. We have found that with prenatal education, birth classes, doula partnership, and hydrotherapy, our clients do very well without pharmacological interventions.

Question 10

What is the cost of your care?

Accepted Answer

We strive to keep costs low, with our full package under $6,000, paid in monthly installments throughout your care. We believe everyone deserves access to midwifery care, so don’t let finances be a barrier—talk to our team about your options.

Question 11

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We do not currently accept insurance, but our care is priced well below hospital costs and within most insurance deductibles.
We can provide a Superbill at the end of your care, which you may submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement.

FAQ