FAQ

What if I registered for a birth center birth and change my mind and want a home birth? 
Our home birth schedule fills up rather quickly, we usually cannot accommodate changes to home birth unless they are made well in advance. 

What if I registered for a home birth and change my mind and want a birth center birth? 
In most circumstances we can accommodate this change. 

What if I change my mind and want a hospital birth? 
In that case, we will offer our doula services to you. You would still be welcome to attend our classes.

Who can I bring to my appointments with me? 
Anyone that you would like. 

This is my first baby and I feel like I don't even know where to start. Where do I start?!
Don't worry, we will guide you through the entire process.

How many people can I bring to the birth? 
Usually as many as you want. We can comfortably accommodate about 5 extra visitors, but... our porch is pretty big.

Can I bring my children to the birth? 
You would best know the answer to this! We do suggest that they have an adult to look after them. If you don't have one, with advanced notice, we can find a babysitter for you. 

How long can we stay at the center after the birth? 
Depending on your insurance, you can usually stay up to 12 hours after the birth of the baby. Most families leave somewhere between six and eight hours after the birth.

What if there are two births at the same time?

In that case, we close the dividing doors and one family can use the front two birth rooms and the other family can use the back bathroom.

In the bizarre event that there are three births, we can use the upstairs classroom with the blowup tub.

What if something happens during labor?

If something happens that cannot be handled outside of the hospital, or, more likely, if something is developing that COULD turn into a complication best handled in the hospital, then we all go to the hospital.

We have a very respectful and supportive relationship with the staff at Banner University and they are well equipped to handled emergencies.

Once mom has been admitted to a room, we will stay by her side to support her and her family for as long as she needs or as long as she would like. We do everything we can to make the process as smooth and respectful as is possible. 

What are the primary reasons for transport or transfer of care.

I have been practicing as a midwife for a very long time. My transport and transfer rates are very low and exactly where they need to be to keep moms and babies safe (around 8%).

The biggest reason for transfers of care during pregnancy are for pretty serious complications, complications that truly make the hospital the safest place to be.

The primary reason for transport during birth, and these numbers are very low, are for first time moms who are getting tired and need some therapeutic sleep. We have lots of protocols and guidelines to help moms to avoid this.

What is the biggest difference between home and birth center birth?

Birth Center:

  • We provide all of the supplies

  • We clean up all of the mess

  • We have a few more labor aids and devices to help the process

  • Nitrous Oxide available for pain management

  • Close proximity to the hospital

  • Slightly more controlled environment, aiding in management of emergency situations

Home:

  • Familiar surroundings can aid in mom’s relaxation

  • No need to drive to the center during labor or after birth

What if I would like to spend extra time with my midwife team?

We can make that happen! If you feel like you need more time with the midwife team, just let us know.

What about the birth certificate?

We will give the Department of Health the information that they need to register the birth and you can then purchase your copy from the Department of Vital Records.

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