Home Birth Questions Families Ask First

Jenna believes birth is part of God’s design and every baby is a gift. Her Christian faith shapes how she approaches motherhood, the work of birth, and her responsibility to care for you. Exodus is for families who are comfortable with those convictions being expressed openly. The first call is a chance to talk about what matters to you and see whether her care feels right.

You get to know Jenna through prenatal visits in your home, with time for questions and preparation for birth. She checks on you and your baby, attends your planned home birth with a qualified team, and provides scheduled postpartum care through six weeks. If you need care beyond what she provides, she explains that and helps you take the next step.

LM means Licensed Midwife through the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. CPM means Certified Professional Midwife through the North American Registry of Midwives. Jenna holds both credentials; her Texas license is 099630. A CNM is a Certified Nurse-Midwife with a different nursing and advanced-practice credential. Jenna is not a nurse or physician.

Start by talking with Jenna about your health, this pregnancy, and what you hope for in birth. Home birth is for low-risk pregnancies, and first-time mothers are welcome. Jenna checks your health and your baby’s wellbeing throughout care. If something calls for a different kind of care, she will explain it to you.

You are welcome to call as soon as you know you are expecting—or while you are still exploring your options. Getting in touch early gives you time to get to know Jenna and prepare together. If you are further along, ask about availability and what records she needs to review.

The self-pay fee is $7,000. A $500 nonrefundable retainer is due at your first prenatal visit and counts toward the total. Payments are then $400 per prenatal visit, with the balance due at 36 weeks 0 days. The fee includes routine prenatal care, birth attendance within the practice’s care limits, the birth team, immediate mother-and-baby care, and scheduled postpartum visits. Jenna will explain separate costs and the written financial agreement before you begin.

Exodus is an out-of-network, self-pay practice. Itemized receipts and invoices are available. Exodus does not issue superbills or promise insurance reimbursement. Check with your insurer or health-share organization before counting on reimbursement.

The goal is to welcome your baby at home. If you or your baby need hospital care, Jenna will explain why and help with the next steps. Emergency services are called when needed. She shares relevant records and supports the handoff as circumstances and hospital policy allow. Exodus has no established backup physician, hospital privileges, or formal hospital partnership.

Yes, if you want them there. Your husband or another support person is welcome at the first call and during preparation. If your children will be at the birth, choose an adult to look after them and give them a place to rest or step away. You can change your mind about who is in the room.

Talk with Jenna about using water for comfort or birth. It depends on your pregnancy and how you and your baby are doing during labor. She will explain setup, practical considerations, and when she would recommend getting out of the tub. Ask about tub rental and any separate cost.

Jenna checks your baby after birth, watches how your baby is adjusting, and helps you get started with breastfeeding. She talks through newborn care choices and screening arrangements, and completes required birth-registration work. If your baby needs additional care, she explains the concern and helps arrange the next steps.

Yes. Scheduled postpartum care continues through six weeks, with attention to your recovery, your baby’s wellbeing, and breastfeeding. Your service agreement gives the visit schedule and locations. You and your baby may need additional visits or another provider’s care.

If you have had a Cesarean, Jenna reviews your situation individually and needs the prior operative records. For a planned known-breech birth, she hires a breech-experienced provider to be the primary birth attendant. Jenna does not attend planned home births for twins or at or after 42 weeks 0 days. She will talk through what these limits mean for you.

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. Extra visits depend on what you need. Outside tests and consultations take place with the provider offering them.

Exodus is based in Decatur and generally serves homes within about 45 minutes. Ask about Wise County, Haslet, Justin, Azle, Springtown, and western Denton County. Jenna will check your exact address, travel conditions, and availability around your due date with you.