Birth Center
The biggest difference between a hospital and a birth center is in the woman-centered orientation. Women can have a birth according to their own wishes and their own birth plan. In the center, you are not hindered from eating, walking, moving, changing positions or having visitors. Birth attendannts in a birth center are usually trained in many different kinds of natural birth techniques.
Another difference is birth centers do not use routine laboring practices and the use of interventions as many hospitals do. Labor will not be induced with drugs, although the use of Pitocin is available, as are IV fluids and electronic fetal monitoring. These tools are used when necessary and not as routine practice.
A birth center takes away the medical feel of giving birth with giving you a “home-like” feel. They usually offer one-on-one continuous care. A woman can create her own birth according to her personal desires, religion, and cultural beliefs. The surroundings are designed to be much less stressful and provide mroe structure than you may have at home.
Valuable Questions to Answer Regarding a Birth Center:
- At what point do you recommend that I come to the birth center?
- How soon after I come to the birth center will my primary healthcare provider see me?
- How much time can I expect my healthcare provider to spend with me during labor?
- Will my birth plan be honored?
- How often are vaginal exams performed during labor?
- Are showering and bathing allowed during labor?
- Does this center allow water births?
- Can my family including my children be present during the birth?
- Are eating and drinking allowed during labor?
- How long will I be able to stay at the center after giving birth?
- Can my partner cut the cord?
- Will my baby stay in the room with me at all times?
- Are any labor positions not permitted?
*Excerpts from this page were taken from Creating Your Birth Plan: The Definitive Guide to a Safe and Empowering Birth. by: Mardsen Wagner, M.D., M.S.
