How it works
Here is how it works behind the search box, in plain language. No hidden ranking, no pay-to-play reviews.
How search works
Role and place
First, results match the role you pick. Then they match the places a provider serves, including counties.
Your filters
Each filter group narrows results. Within a group, such as languages, any match counts.
Due month
Only providers who marked that month and updated in the last 30 days appear.
How availability works
Providers tick the due months they can take. However, schedules change. So availability expires after 30 days unless the provider confirms it again.
Stale or unknown availability appears only in a separate, labeled section. Also, availability is never a promise. Always confirm with the provider.
How labels work
“Unclaimed” means the page came from public business information. By contrast, “Ownership confirmed” means we checked that the account controls the business.
“License checked” and “Certification checked” mean a moderator looked at the official record and logged the date. Experience numbers are provider-reported. Therefore, they are not a measure of clinical quality.
How profiles are created
Profiles start in one of three ways. First, a provider can add their own profile. Second, anyone can suggest a provider, and a moderator checks a public source. Third, we may import business facts we have permission to use or have checked ourselves.
Suggested and imported pages stay “Unclaimed” until the provider claims them. After that, the provider manages the page, and we label ownership clearly.
How it works: quick answers
Is BirthCareMatch free for families?
Yes. Searching, comparing and messaging providers is free.
Can a provider pay to rank higher?
No. Organic order never changes with payment. Paid placement only appears in a labeled sponsored row.
Who decides what a label says?
Our moderators do, based on records they check themselves. Providers cannot buy or edit a label.
How sponsored spots work
Featured providers can rotate into a row marked “Sponsored”. They only appear when they match your filters. Meanwhile, organic results keep their own order.
This follows the spirit of the FTC guidance on endorsements and reviews. Read the full sponsored placement policy.