About us
Birth, at home
We help families who long to give birth at home, and can’t pay for it on their own.
Our vision & values
A family’s bank balance shouldn’t decide where their baby is born. Insurance rarely covers a homebirth midwife, so we raise the money instead.
The mother decides
We fund the birth she has chosen with her midwife.
Safety first
We only pay licensed midwives who have a plan for getting to a hospital.
Open hands
No cash changes hands. Every dollar goes to care, and we can show you where.
Why Hildegard?
Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) was a Benedictine abbess, healer and writer.
She wrote about herbs, healing and the care of the body, women’s bodies included, at a time when few people did. We took her name because she treated care for mothers as something worth writing down and passing on.
History of homebirth
- Before 1900Most babies in America are born at home, welcomed by midwives, family and neighbours.
- 1900–1950Birth moves into hospitals, and many states restrict or stop licensing midwives.
- 1970sHomebirth returns as a choice, with new training and certification for midwives.
- TodayAround 1 to 2 percent of U.S. babies are born at home. Many more families would choose it if they could afford it.
The people behind it
Meet the team
Maria Akaawase
Founder
Partners
We work hand in hand with licensed midwives and the practices they belong to. If you are a midwife and would like to refer families, write to us.
Accountability
You should be able to see what happens to your gift.
- We pay midwives and suppliers directly, never families.
- Every family we support has been seen by a licensed midwife first.
- Each year we publish what we raised and what we spent.
Questions, answered
Is homebirth safe?
For a healthy, low-risk pregnancy, a planned homebirth with a qualified midwife and a clear plan for hospital transfer is a reasonable choice. Every family we fund is under a licensed midwife’s care, and that midwife decides whether a homebirth is right for them.
Who can apply for support?
Families planning a homebirth with a licensed midwife who can’t cover the cost. Most hear about us through their midwife, and you can also write to us directly.
Can I sponsor a particular family?
We match gifts to families ourselves to protect their privacy. If a family agrees, we’ll pass on their news after the birth.
What if the mother has to go to hospital?
The midwife’s care before and after the birth is still covered by your gift.