Birth Cost Guide
Understand typical birth costs, compare doula vs midwife, and see how insurance and setting affect what you pay. For live estimates by state, use our birth cost calculator.
How Much Does Birth Cost in the U.S.?
The average cost of labor and delivery varies widely by where you give birth, who supports you, and whether you have insurance. Use our labor and delivery cost calculator and guides on doula cost and midwife cost by state to see what to expect.
What Is the Total Cost of Having a Baby?
The total cost usually includes prenatal care, delivery, postpartum support, and newborn care.
- Prenatal care — Office visits, labs, ultrasounds. With insurance, often copays or deductible; without, can be $2,000–$5,000+ for an uncomplicated pregnancy.
- Delivery — Depends on setting (hospital, birth center, or home birth). See our cost of labor and delivery guide.
- Postpartum support — Doula cost for postpartum is often $25–$65/hr; lactation consultants $75–$300 per session.
- Newborn care — Well-baby visits, screenings; often bundled with maternity coverage.
How Much Does a Doula Cost?
Doula cost depends on experience, location, and what’s included. Many families pay a flat fee for a full birth doula package; postpartum and lactation support are often priced hourly. Our calculator shows doula cost nationally and by state. Some doulas offer sliding scales; coverage is expanding (see insurance below).
How Much Does a Midwife Cost?
Midwife cost varies by credential (CNM, CPM, CM), setting (hospital, birth center, home), and region. Home birth cost with a midwife is often a fraction of an uncomplicated hospital birth. Use the calculator for midwife cost averages by state.
Home Birth vs Hospital Birth Cost
Hospital birth cost is usually highest out-of-pocket without coverage. Home birth cost often covers midwife fees and supplies in one lower package for low-risk pregnancies. Birth center costs typically fall in between. Comparing home birth cost and hospital birth cost in your state helps you decide.
Is a Doula Covered by Insurance or Medicaid?
Doula coverage is growing. Many private plans and state Medicaid programs now cover or partially cover doula services. Coverage varies by state and plan—check with your insurer or state Medicaid agency. Use our birth cost calculator to see average costs, then reach out to local professionals and your insurance.
Doula vs Midwife Cost Comparison
| Factor | Doula | Midwife |
|---|---|---|
| Typical cost range | $800 – $2,500 (full package) | $3,000 – $8,000+ (full care) |
| Pricing model | Often flat fee for birth package | Package (prenatal + birth + postpartum) |
| Hourly options | Postpartum: ~$25–$65/hr | Varies by provider |
| What’s included | Prenatal visits, labor support, sometimes postpartum | Prenatal care, labor & delivery, postpartum |
Hospital vs Birth Center vs Home Birth Cost
| Setting | Typical cost (without insurance) | With insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital | $15,000 – $50,000+ | Deductible + coinsurance |
| Birth center | $5,000 – $15,000 | Often covered in-network |
| Home birth | $3,000 – $8,000 | Varies by state and plan |
With Insurance vs Without Insurance
| Service | Without insurance | With insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital birth (vaginal) | $15,000 – $25,000+ | Deductible + coinsurance |
| Doula | $800 – $2,500 | Sometimes covered (Medicaid in some states) |
| Midwife (in-hospital) | $3,000 – $8,000+ | Often covered in-network |
| Home birth (midwife) | $3,000 – $8,000 | Varies by state and plan |
Find Birth Support Near You
After estimating costs, connect with local professionals: