The majority of my clients are without health insurance. The $7,000-$10,000 average doctor/hospital expense in our area for an uncomplicated pregnancy and birth is prohibitive. My insured clients are billed on an à la carte basis so that the total fee varies depending on when care begins, etc. The average is $3,000. I receive any deductible and copay money from the client before the birth and the balance comes from the insurance company after the birth. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to deal with and the result is a long delay for the majority of payment.

All clients have the option of taking advantage of my cash discount for prepayment. A $200 payment at the first checkup, with the balance of $1,800 paid in equal monthly installments, ending at one month before the baby's due date, constitutes a significant savings.

The $2,000 cash total covers the following:

• All prenatal visits (including one at your home if planning a home birth)
• Standard prenatal lab work up
• Childbirth preparation class, including breast feeding education
• Labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum care at birth center or your home (including one or more qualified assistants)
• Required blood tests at birth
• Newborn exam
• A home visit for all new mothers and babies two days postpartum, including newborn screen test for baby
• A two-week postpartum check up at the birth center, including second newborn screen test for baby
• A six-week postpartum check up at the birth center, including a maternal PAP smear, and family planning counseling if desired

The cash price does not include the following:

• Sonograms (available for $70 at the birth center as needed or wanted)
• Additional blood tests for Rh- clients and RhoGAM if needed
• Non-standard lab work
• A few extra supplies needed by home birth clients
• Circumcision if desired (available through an excellent local Rabbi)
• Doctor or hospital fees if the need for consulation or transport arises