How Do I Know if a Birth Center is Right For Me?
When choosing your birthplace, select a place that feels right for you. Every pregnancy is different, but here is a general approach to know if the birth center is a good fit.
Understanding What a Birth Center Is
A birth center is a care facility focused on minimal intervention and aiming to facilitate the natural process of birth. Unlike a hospital setting, a birth center promotes patient-centered care instead of just following standard medical protocols. It uses natural methods of care and healing while ensuring patient comfort and autonomy.
That said, birth centers still need to uphold certain care standards to be safe. The care providers are licensed midwives and nurses who are trained to care for you and your baby. Some providers are also qualified to prescribe tests and certain medications.
Because of the holistic care foundation, birth centers have limited therapeutic and analgesic options compared to a hospital. They are also not equipped to handle surgical emergencies if they arise. To help with this, a lot of birth centers work closely with hospitals to arrange a transfer of care whenever needed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Birth Center
While the birth center experience is undoubtedly transformative, it’s not for everyone. Here are some factors to consider before deciding on a birth center as your birthplace.
a) Your Pregnancy Health and Risk Factors
Unfortunately, not all mothers are ideal candidates for birth centers. Typically, women with low-risk, healthy pregnancies can safely opt for it, while those with risk factors need consideration before booking a birth center.
Our midwives do a thorough evaluation of all mothers before booking them. We take a detailed history regarding previous pregnancies and health conditions. We also assess any information we have regarding your current pregnancy to ensure you’re eligible for our care. This helps us ensure that we can take care of you and safely deliver your baby without any unforeseen surprises.
Some of the conditions that may signify high-risk, disqualifying mothers from birth center care include:
- History of previous high-risk pregnancies
- History of multiple C-sections
- You’re having twins or higher multiples
- You have placenta problems that prevent you from delivering naturally
- You have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Your baby has conditions that require urgent pediatric support
- You have bleeding disorders
However, every mother is assessed on a case-by-case basis, so it’s best to book an appointment for confirmation.
b) Comfort with Natural Birth
You should know that a natural birth means less medical intervention and a more holistic approach to childbirth. While many mothers find this comforting, it may not be for everyone. It limits your options for pain relief and surgery. You can’t get an epidural or a C-section if you later decide to have them.
The birth center offers other comfort measures such as water-tubs and birthing balls to help with labor pains. The healthcare providers are also trained to help with breathing exercises and relaxation techniques which can help ease discomfort.
c) Philosophy and Approach to Birth
A birth center’s values differ from a hospital’s. At birth centers, the parents are empowered to make their own choices and decide on their approach to birth. They are encouraged to create their birth plan and are provided the support they need to successfully implement it. The goal is to provide a home-like environment with minimal restrictions or impositions.
If that’s something you stand by, then a birth center is a great fit for you.
How to Determine If a Birth Center Is Right for You
It may be confusing to know if you’re making the right choice in choosing a birth center. Here are some things you can do:
Do a Self Assessment
Before deciding, ask yourself the following questions:
Do I want a natural birth with minimal intervention?
Am I comfortable with a more intimate and less medicalized setting?
Is my pregnancy considered low-risk, and am I comfortable with the possibility of transferring to a hospital if needed?
Speak with Your Healthcare Provider
Have a conversation with your OB/GYN or midwife to assess if a birth center is a safe option for you. As professionals, their opinions may be a better guide on how safe a birth center is for you.
Tour Multiple Birth Centers
Visiting different birth centers to compare their environments, staff, and philosophies can help you make a more informed decision. Make sure to compare the available services and staff’s qualifications while you’re at it.
You should explore different options by doing research, speaking to friends and family, and talking to your healthcare provider. Remember that every birth experience is unique, and the right choice is the one that makes you feel safe, supported, and empowered.