Midwife Services

At UC San Diego Health, we understand that you want pregnancy and childbirth care to fit your own needs. That's why we offer midwife services.  

Midwives provide personal, one-on-one attention to guide you through the birth experience. Our certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are advanced nurse practitioners who specialize in pregnancy, birth and postpartum care for healthy, low-risk patients and their infants.

They practice at clinics throughout San Diego, with an emphasis on education and involving patients in their own care.

Nurse-midwives attend births in our holistic Birth Center rooms or in a traditional Labor & Delivery environment — the choice is up to you.

• Nurse Midwifery and Birth Center FAQs
  
• Delivery Options for Childbirth
  

Meet Erica Vu Hill, certified nurse-midwife, who talks about personalized midwife services at UC San Diego Health.

Accredited, Certified Midwives

All of our CNMs are registered nurses and have graduated from a master's-level, specialized nurse-midwifery program. They are accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), have passed a national certification exam, and have met strict requirements set by state health agencies.

• See a list of certified nurse-midwives and read their profiles

Personalized Care

Our midwives work in collaboration with physicians and perinatal specialists to ensure a high level of safety during pregnancy, labor and delivery. Most importantly, they encourage family involvement and fully respect your privacy and your decisions.

Learn about our Centering Pregnancy Program, an option that combines individual midwife appointments with group education and support.

Respecting Your Birth Choices

If you choose to receive prenatal care from a midwife, you can deliver your baby at:

• Our La Jolla or Hillcrest hospital in a traditional Labor & Delivery environment with an epidural, if desired
• Our hospital Birth Center at Jacobs Medical Center, which offers a childbirth experience with minimal medical intervention

Support for VBAC

Insurance Coverage for Midwife Services

UC San Diego Health accepts most insurance, which usually covers midwife services. See Accepted Health Plans.

If you are switching your care to UC San Diego Health, you may need to select a primary care provider at UC San Diego Health. Then you can self-refer for obstetrical and gynecological services. You do not need to see your PCP first, as this can delay your prenatal care. Your midwife's name does not need to be listed on the insurance plan's list of covered providers. Our midwives bill under the department's name. We can help you get an internal authorization for insurance purposes.

There is no difference in charge or reimbursement if you deliver in our Birth Center or in Labor & Delivery. Our Birth Center is physically located in our hospital, and is not a free-standing birthing center. Your insurance company will be billed for a "hospital admission."

For more information, see How to Switch Your Care to UC San Diego Health.

Locations

Prenatal appointments with a certified nurse-midwife are available at these locations: