The thought of giving birth is scary! Where will I feel most comfortable during labor?
I have always been curious about different places to have a baby. After the birth of my son, I was traumatized by my hospital experience. During my pregnancy, I was absolutely certain that a hospital birth be the best for me. I definitely had fears about complications and even death during child birth. I didn’t feel it was necessary to research any other options for labor and delivery. But now I know, it is better to consider alternative methods for child birth. Birthing centers have been on my mind lately, so this should be the perfect time to learn all about them.
THE DEFINITION OF A BIRTHING CENTER
So, I first started with a basic internet search. I needed to find out what a birthing center really is? According to the American Association of Birthing Centers, this is a place where healthy pregnant women can labor and give birth in a home-like setting. Normally, a provided such as a mid-wife will assist with providing family centered care, separated from a hospital. Without a doubt the center is a perfect compromise in between having a home birth and hospital birth. The main goal is to follow the “Wellness” model of birth. This is described as a method where, mid-wives will provided constant supportive care during labor and deliver.
ALL THE BENEFITS
Most hospitals have many restrictions during the labor process. Eating and drinking whatever you want is out of the question. I remember having to schedule my induction and the nurses made sure to tell you to eat a big meal before getting to the hospital. With in birthing centers, the child bearing woman’s right to make her own decision during the labor and delivery is fully respected. That means mothers will have the option to try different birthing positions, eat when they please, and utilize the tub for extra pain relief. While keeping this all in mind, the midwives and staff are with you along the way intervening when necessary. So in this case, when complications arise, centers will partner with hospitals to provide extended care.
Medical cost for most centers is going to be significantly less expensive than at the hospitals. In 2011 the average Medicare/Medicad cost for an uncomplicated vaginal birth in a hospital was $3,998. But when compared with birthing centers, the average cost is $1,907. I mean, there are a lot of important factors to consider.
FINDING A CENTER
Another important thing to do when making the decision to use a birthing center, is to plan a visit there. The American Association of Birthing Centers website is a great place to start with all your planning. With a current address, you will be able to find a center near you, that you’re able to explore. This is a great way to make sure this is something you and your family are comfortable with doing. The AABC also has set national standards to provide a consistent and specific tool for measuring the quality of services provided to the child bearing families in birth centers. So in other words, the centers are safe and regulated. The company’s website is a great resource for families who are curious about birthing centers.
FINAL THOUGHTS
After reviewing of information about the birthing centers, I do feel a little more comfortable about the process and what it entails. I am still going to continue my research to see what other options are out there. So, if you are undecided about where you might want to give birth, take some time to read through different websites and blogs to assist you with making your decision.
