FAQs

Is homebirth legal in north carolina?

It is perfectly legal for families to have their babies at home in North Carolina. At this time only Certified Nurse-Midwives are licensed and legally practice as primary midwives in any setting in North Carolina.

Direct-Entry Midwives, usually Certified Professional Midwives (CPM),  make up the majority of homebirth attendants nationwide. However, NC has refused to recognize the CPM credential since the state's systematic and intentional eradication of community midwives instituted by the medical and political system of the early 20th century.

Get involved in the fight to increase access to midwives and homebirth in NC at https://ncforcpms.org/ . Nicole is the current President of the North Carolina chapter of the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NCACPM), the organization leading the effort to advocate for legislation to license and integrate CPMs into the perinatal healthcare system here in NC.  We need more midwives, and CPM licensure is a clear path to moving the needle on workforce expansion.

CAN ANYONE HAVE A HOMEBIRTH?

Only healthy, low risk women are appropriate candidates for homebirth. At this time, Bear Root does not attend breech, VBAC, or twin births at home. Other conditions may also make homebirth too risky, including pre-existing hypertension, diabetes, Crohns, and others. If you are unsure of your candidacy, we can discuss it further at a free consultation.

Do you accept insurance?

We operate on a fee-for-service model, allowing us to provide personalized care without the restrictions of insurance. This ensures that your care is focused entirely on your needs.

What is the Midwifery Model of Care?

The Midwifery Model of Care is centered on respect, informed choice, and a partnership between the client and provider. It emphasizes the natural processes of life, offering personalized support through every stage.

How do you incorporate herbal medicine into care?

As a clinical herbalist, Belinda blends traditional herbal practices with modern medicine to support physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Whether it’s fertility, postpartum recovery, or managing chronic conditions, herbal remedies are tailored to your unique needs.

Why do you say “Community Birth”?

The term “Community Birth” includes planned home and birth center births. Traditionally these births have been attended by a community midwife or midwifery practice. This terminology is favorable over “Out of Hospital” which implies that hospital birth is the default and that these options are “outside of” that. When in fact, homebirth has been the norm alot longer than hospital birth!

Do you have an online store for herbs?

It’s coming! One of my major goals is to open an online store for quality herbal, midwifery, and homebirth related products. Finger’s crossed we’ll be up and running by the end of the year! In the meantime, you can email for herbal orders.

Do you offer waterbirths?

Of course! Hydrotherapy is a normal part of homebirth. Whether you birth in the tub, or simply use it for pain relief and relaxation, water and homebirth go hand in hand! Our birth Assistant, Kenna handles birth pool rentals for our practice.

Do you offer Placenta Encapsulation?

Yes! Our Birth Assistant, Candace, offers encapsulation services.