FAQ

I have so many questions about being pregnant I don't know where to start!

A new pregnancy can be overwhelming; emotions run wild, joy and fear combine and add to that queasy tummy and it seems that no-one can give you a straight answer on anything. Please know that we developed our midwifery program to assuage and address all your concerns. Jennie created her JJ Way system after many years of practice. She knows that a relaxed and confident mother leads to a healthy pregnancy and a positive outcome everytime. Her staff are committed  to helping and supporting you every step of the way. Jennie and The Birth Place midwives recognize that you need information in order to understand what is happening to you. To that end you can always get hold of a "live" person to answer your questions. Below are some links that you may also find helpful but remember that your Birth Place team stand ready to help you anytime you need.      

 

What is a Birth Center? 

The Birth Center is a homelike facility, existing within a healthcare system with a program of care designed in the wellness model of pregnancy and birth. Birth centers are guided by principles of prevention, sensitivity, safety, appropriate medical intervention, and cost effectiveness. Birth centers provide family-centered care for healthy women before, during and after normal pregnancy, labor and birth.

 

Is a Birth Center Safe?

There are many studies comparing home and birth center births to hospital births.  A birth center is safe for low-risk, healthy pregnant women. An organization called the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services has done extensive research in an effort to find the best 'mother-friendly' maternity health care available to American women. A 2007 document that they produced reported the following about birth center birth:

Reviewers found:

• Lower rates of labor induction and augmentation, less use of amniotomy, IV fluids, continuous electronic fetal monitoring.

• Less need for analgesia or epidural or spinal anesthesia, more freedom of movement in labor (home birth).

• More effective pain management in labor; more freedom of movement and intake of food and liquid in labor (freestanding birth centers).

• Fewer cesarean surgeries, vacuum extractions, forceps deliveries and episiotomies.

• Similar outcomes compared with babies of low‐risk women planning hospital birth.

“Because of its inherently noninterventive and more intimate nature, out‐of‐hospital birth facilitates mother‐friendly care.”

 

Who Can Deliver At a Birth Center?

Any healthy woman experiencing a healthy pregnancy and expecting a normal delivery would be a good candidate for a Birth Center birth. A good midwife will continually screen her clients through out the prenatal course for any signs of change or danger. Jennie and The Birth Place team particularly pride themselves on a close relationship with theirr clients thereby insuring that everyone reaches term in the best possible health and ready for a beautiful birth experience. We have seen powerful pregnancies and amazing births - our families are confident, prepared and supported. Our number one priority is YOUR health. 

 

Can I Have Medications or An Epidural at The Birth Center?

No. The Birth Place, Birthing center strongly believes in natural birthing. Although many women feel they may not be able to finish the job without help, they do not realize the power of the female body to complete the awesome job of delivering a baby. When people ask about pain relief Jennie's reply is that we start taking care of that from your first visit. A sense of trust, a healthy body, good support and natural coping techniques are all discussed and encouraged through your prenatal care. When we reach term its interesting to see the level of confidence such work has accomplished and how prepared our families really are. Once labor begins, we work as a team to encourage, nurture and support you, providing one on one care until you have your baby. Robyn says, " Having someone there who has gotten to know you over the last few months is the key to being able to cope. No matter how often we hear 'I can't do it' we know you can". We are there with you every step of the way. Your reward is in holding a beautifully alert, drug free baby in your arms and enjoying the triumph that is all yours, knowing that you have given your baby the very best start.

 

Some other resources