Birth Center for JBLM Military Families

A Calm, Natural Birth Experience Minutes from Base

The Birthing Inn is proud to serve military families stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Located just 18 to 20 minutes from JBLM in Tacoma, our freestanding birth center offers a warm, home-like alternative to hospital birth for low-risk pregnancies.

We understand that military life brings unique challenges, especially during pregnancy. Deployments, PCS timelines, changing duty stations, and navigating Tricare coverage add layers of stress that civilian families rarely face. Our team has worked with military families for years, and we are here to make this part of your journey feel supported, straightforward, and personal.

The Birthing Inn - Events & Tours header image

Tricare Coverage at The Birthing Inn

The Birthing Inn is a Tricare-certified birth facility. Military families using Tricare Standard or Tricare Select can cover facility fees through their benefits, often with no out-of-pocket facility costs. Kay Jackson, CNM, ARNP, is a Tricare-authorized, in-network provider who serves families at our birth center.

Some services may require prior authorization from Health Net, the regional Tricare contractor. We recommend contacting your Tricare plan early in pregnancy to confirm your specific coverage details. Our team can help guide you through the verification process so there are no surprises.

For full details, visit our Tricare page or our Birth Center Cost, Insurance and Fees page.

How It Works for Military Families

Getting started is simple, even if you are new to the area or still settling in after a PCS move.

Step 1: Choose a midwife.
Your midwife provides your prenatal care throughout pregnancy. She will be your primary care provider and the person who knows your birth preferences, your health history, and your family’s needs. Visit our Meet Our Midwives page to learn about each provider.

Step 2: Verify your Tricare coverage.
Contact Tricare or Health Net to confirm your benefits for out-of-hospital birth center care. If you need help understanding what to ask, our office can walk you through the process.

Step 3: Tour The Birthing Inn.
We encourage every family to visit before making a decision. See our three private birth suites, the water birth tubs, and the home-like spaces where your family will be welcomed. Schedule a tour or attend one of our open house events.

Step 4: Register with the birth center.
Around 36 weeks, you will complete registration paperwork with The Birthing Inn. Your midwife and our team will coordinate your birth plan, review any final details, and make sure everything is ready for your baby’s arrival.

The Birthing Inn - Gallery - Inspire Room - Tacoma Natural Birth Facility

Serving JBLM and Surrounding Communities

The Birthing Inn welcomes families from across the South Puget Sound, including Lakewood, DuPont, Steilacoom, University Place, Tacoma, Federal Way, and all JBLM-area communities. Whether you have been stationed here for years or just arrived, we are here to help you have the birth experience you want.

Book a Tour of The Birthing Inn
Contact Us: (253) 761-8939

Frequently Asked Questions for Military Families

How far is The Birthing Inn from JBLM?

The drive from JBLM to The Birthing Inn is approximately 18 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic and which gate you use.

Does The Birthing Inn accept Tricare?

Yes. The Birthing Inn is a Tricare-certified facility, and Kay Jackson, CNM, ARNP, is a Tricare-authorized, in-network provider.

Do I need a referral from my PCM?

Tricare Select does not require a referral for certified nurse-midwife services. If you are on Tricare Prime, check with your primary care manager about referral requirements. Contact your Tricare plan directly to confirm.

Can my partner or support person be at the birth?

Absolutely. Partners and support persons are welcome throughout labor and delivery. Our suites accommodate one or two additional people, and there is a main room with kitchen access for anyone who needs to wait.

What if I need a hospital transfer?

The Birthing Inn has established relationships with local hospitals. If a transfer is needed during labor, our midwife team will coordinate with hospital staff to ensure a safe and smooth transition.

What if my spouse is deployed during the birth?

We understand this reality and will work with you and your support team. Many military families designate a doula, family member, or friend as their birth support person. We can connect you with local doula resources through DoulaMatch or our How Do I Get Started page.

What amenities are available?

Our facility includes three private birthing suites, each with a large water birth tub and private bathroom. Families have access to a kitchen with snacks and beverages, comfortable lounge areas, and a calm, quiet environment designed to support natural birth.

Start Your Birth Center Journey

We invite you to:

Tour our suites

Meet our midwives

and discover why families from JBLM choose The Birthing Inn

BOOK A TOUR

Personalized, family-centered birth care in person for 25+ years at our Tacoma, WA birth center, serving families from Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Federal Way, University Place, Puyallup, Auburn, Lacey, Olympia, Bonney Lake, Enumclaw, Fife, and Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM).

Contact

6002 Westgate Blvd Suite 120
Tacoma, WA, 98406

(253) 761-8939

(253) 761-7492

connect@thebirthinginn.com

Business Hours

Open for births on demand: 24 hours/7 days

In office: Mon–Thurs 9am–5pm

Limited phone hours on Friday

Appointments must be made for
in person business (classes independent of these).

ACCREDITED BY

The Birthing Inn Tacoma, WA Accredited since 2016 Verify Accreditation.

Learn about CABC Accreditation.

What Parents Are Saying

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 71 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly recommend this absolutely wonderful place for in-person birthing classes! We ended up having some private class sessions with Sarah, who not only thoroughly explained all the key aspects of childbirth and newborn care for two clueless first-time parents, but did so in such a supportive, realistic, and encouraging way. She took the time to address both my questions/concerns and my husband's, making us feel heard and prepared throughout the process for what we needed.

Between the diagrams, charts, demonstrations, hands-on practice, and the genuine interest she showed in us as people, she created such a welcoming and caring learning environment. We took the classes a few months ago, and now that our baby has arrived, we're still using and remembering many of the tips, tricks, and information she taught us. That speaks volumes about how practical and effective the classes were.

We are incredibly grateful for Sarah and everything she taught us. She helped us feel far more confident going into the birth of our first child.

As a side note, while I didn't deliver at the Birthing Inn, I was able to see the facility during our classes. The rooms and overall environment felt calm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed, and they looked like wonderful spaces to accommodate a variety of birthing preferences and needs.
     
   Katie Parrett 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A few months ago I gave birth to my baby girl at The Birthing Inn with Midwife Brandy. It was a phenomenal experience and I am forever grateful for her care. I switched to TBI from a larger practice because I wanted a more personal experience where i could talk and learn from my midwife, not get 5 minutes with a provider and then not know who would attend my birth.

The team at The Birthing Inn is compassionate, professional, and extremely knowledgeable.
     
   Sarah Parker 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such an amazing experience at the Birthing Inn for my first baby! All of my appointments leading up to birth were wonderful. I had Midwife Brandy for most of my care, and she was incredibly helpful and informative at every visit. She really prepared me for labor and also offered great birthing and newborn classes that made a huge difference.

My labor ended up being very long, but Brandy stayed by my side through it all and supported me every step of the way. The birth room experience they provide is truly special and made such a big impact on my first birth.

Ayla at the front desk was always so friendly and welcoming. She even offered a drink every time we came in, which made the whole experience feel extra comfortable and personal. I also had a few appointments with Midwife Kay, and she was great as well!

I will absolutely be coming back here for future children and always recommend this place to my friends. Overall, such a positive and empowering experience highly recommend!
     
   Chloe Harkey 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had both my babies here. Best decision I made. Honored to have Susan - feel safe with her knowledge and expertise. Positive relationship. Kid friendly office. The care I wish every mom would have!

I appreciate the long appointments and personalized care - specific to me and my needs. Real choice and consent, not forced. Educate benefits, risks, and alternatives. We discussed my birth plan... no extra decisions to make during labor. 😌  We also discussed and had Plan-B ready, in case. They have that all worked out in the system.
Highly recommend doing your care with a midwife you trust !
     
   Inessa 
 
 
 
 
 
    Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This place is so beautiful, I can’t even put into words at how stunning it is, it’s a dream to be able to give birth here. 🩷
     
   Taylor