May - 17, 2023

The United Way of Nothern Utah

‍

Have you dreamed about giving birth with midwives outside of a hospital but are not sure if you can afford it? Don’t give up hope, there may still be a way to have the birth of your dreams. 

‍

The United Way of Northern Utah has a fund specifically for women who want to give birth at My Family Birth Center and would otherwise not be able to afford it. 

How it Began

The Natural Birth Fund started when a couple, originally from Michigan, decided to try an out-of-hospital birth after six previous hospital births. Their experience with My Family Birth Center was so life-changing that it inspired them to contribute a considerable donation to the birth center so that women can gain access to high-quality health care without financial sacrifices. 

‍

The Marrin family had recently begun leaning away from traditional doctors, and instead visiting naturopathic doctors. When Rachel Marrin became pregnant with their seventh child, she wanted a natural birth and started researching birth centers and that is when she found My Family Birth Center. From the start, the Marrin family felt much more comfortable with the birth center and liked that they had freedom in their medical care and decisions. 

‍

After their experience with the birth center, Larry and Rachel Marrin discussed making a donation to the birth center and brought it up to Loretta Shupe, the owner of My Family Birth Center. The Marrin’s know pregnancy can be a vulnerable time and how scary it can be without proper financial support. They wanted to give support to lower-income soon-to-be moms so that they too can experience birth in an environment where they will feel safe, comfortable, and unintrusive. 

‍

Their decision to make a donation to My Family Birth Center is part of a larger grand vision to support women financially throughout pregnancy and birth. They believe that everyone who wants high-quality care should have access to it regardless of their financial obstacles. 

How the Fund Works

Women who are low-income (poverty level) or who have had a major financial setback are welcome to apply. To apply, just come into the birth center and ask for an application for the Natural Birth Fund. The United Way of Northern Utah board will review the application and in about 10 days you should receive an answer. 

‍

Women who have Medicaid are welcome to apply, as well as women with no insurance. Other financial obstacles such as losing a job or having an insurance policy that does not support birth centers may also warrant assistance from the Natural Birth Fund.  

‍

The goal of this fund is to help as many women with low-risk pregnancies as we can who would like to have a natural birth in a calm environment. Thus far, the fund has already helped five families and we’re hoping to help many more for as long as possible. 

How You Can Help

If you would like to make a contribution, please click the link to donate through the United Way of Northern Utah’s website. You can also help spread the word by sharing the link on social media and explaining what the fund will go towards. 

‍

To learn more about the Natural Birth Fund, contact us today!

‍