If you are pregnant, you are probably aware that you have three options when it comes to the location of your impending birth: a hospital, a birth center, or your home. Today we'll focus on the birth center option.
I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Cynthia Flynn, the newly elected President of the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC), for this segment about birth centers. In addition to her presidency, Flynn is a a certified nurse-midwife, a PhD, and a professor in the College of Nursing at Seattle University. She also previously owned and operated Columbia Birth Center in Kenniwick, WA. Needless to say, she is very well-qualified to speak on this topic.
ME: What are the benefits of giving birth at a birth center?
FLYNN:
ME: What happens if an emergency occurs during labor & delivery?
FLYNN: Because your midwife knows you, and you are much less likely to be left alone during labor, most problems can be identified well before they become an emergency. Sometimes, the problem can be solved at the birth center; sometimes everyone agrees that it would be better to move to the hospital. The AABC National Standards for Birth Centers require birth centers to have approved transport plans that describe how the transport happens in a safe way. Occasionally, emergencies do happen, no matter where the labor occurs. In that case, staff are trained and drilled on emergency procedures to keep you safe until additional resources become available. Proximity to the hospital varies by birth center.
ME: Are there any statistics about newborn/mother mortality rates at hospitals compared to birth centers?
FLYNN: Yes, several scientific studies have been done, which show that birth centers are at least as safe as hospitals for low risk women. The landmark "National Birth Center Study" (NEJM, 12/28/89) is one such study.
ME: I'm afraid that the birth center will be unsanitary since it's more "homey." Is the environment sterile and how can I be sure that it is clean?
FLYNN: The AABC National Standards for Birth Centers require that birth centers maintain a safe home-like environment including compliance with federal, state and local regulations. Birth centers follow strict procedures to maintain sanitary conditions. Moms and babies who deliver at birth centers acquire far fewer infections after the birth than moms who deliver in the hospital. Some of the more famous "bugs" commonly found in annual hospital infection reports are yet to be found in birth centers at all.
ME: I'm afraid that the birth center will be "weird" or "earthy." Will I have to mediate or do any strange rituals?
FLYNN: The beauty of the birth center is that you can do your birth however you like--loud or quiet, awake or asleep (yes, women do sleep through labor!), still or active, concentrating or distracting yourself--you are in charge. If you want to meditate or do strange rituals, go for it! But it is not required.
ME: Will I still have to be hooked up to IV's and monitors at a birth center?
FLYNN: Birth centers do zero "routine" interventions. Any interventions will be discussed with you in advance, unless it is a true emergency where time is of the essence. Electronic fetal monitors are not even allowed. However, should you require IV medication, it is available in most birth centers. Often, the IV can be disconnected between medication administrations so you can move around more easily.
ME: Are "drugs" available at birth centers and, if so, what are my options?
FLYNN: All birth centers offer pain management for labor. Pain can be managed through walking, different positions, water therapy, massage, aromatherapy, and/or hypnobirthing. Some centers also offer pain medication, although if you want an epidural the best place for you to be is in the hospital. Check with your local birth center for more information.
ME: Does the birth center provide "toiletry" items for recovery like the hospital does? If not, what should I pack in my "birth bag?"
FLYNN: Most birth centers supply you with what you will need until you go home. Each center will advise you about what might be helpful to bring.
You can find a birth center near you on the AABC website. You can also find answers to other questions you may have on the FAQ page. Hey, if you're really ambitious, you can even learn how to open a birth center of your own!
I would have loved to give birth at a birth center. Unfortunately the closest one is 2 hours away. Our city is not what you would call natural birth friendly (the epi rate is somewhere around 90%). This was really great to read though!
If I have another child, I'd like to tour a birth center and consider it.
Thanks for this post. I will be delivering my second child at a birth center in July, and I was quite nervous about this in the beginning. But, after meeting with the midwives and touring the center, (and reading up on birth centers!), I'm feeling much better about the whole issue. :)