Birthing Centers

Birthing Centers are the modern day alternative to giving birth in a hospital. In the past, women had the choice of delivering at home or at a hospital, but today there are several places for a family to choose from to give birth. Ultrasound 3D images, fetal dopplers, and even fertility tests have seemingly changed the face of pregnancy, enabling expecting parents more control over the birthing process and their baby to be. Despite technological advances, however, delivering mothers can still escape the gadgets and gizmos by opting for a more natural and intimate experience at a birthing center.

What is a Birthing Center?

Birthing centers can be free-standing or located within the confines of a hospital and a collaborative effort among a certified-midwife (CNM), obstetricians, and sometimes other specialists as needed. Birthing centers often ignite feelings of welcome as they are reminiscent of home while focusing on family-centered care, enabling more input from expecting parents than hospitals might grant. For women having a low risk pregnancy, birthing centers pride themselves in having mothers as a participant and not just a patient during this unique experience.

Birth Center Benefits

Birthing centers offer expecting parents a comfortable and organic experience. Upon entering a birthing center, you can expect private rooms equipped with carpeting, pictures, a rocking chair, and even a bed large enough for you and your spouse to share. Birthing centers also permit you to decide who will attend you during the delivery: children, friends, and other family are allowed to be participants in the birthing process. You may also choose the clothing and position for delivery, ensuring maximum comfort.

As an effort to promote a holistic approach, birthing centers generally have IVs, oxygen, infant resuscitators, and analgesics; drugs, medical intervention, or fetal monitoring are not routine or expected. Many women, however, often experience shorter stays, allowing them to go home and spend more time with their newborn. If you are considering this route, birth centers are covered by most insurance companies and roughly one-third the cost of delivering at a hospital.

Birth centers will also vary significantly from each other so carefully review each center's philosophy, mission statement, and interview the staff to guarantee the center is a good fit for you.

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