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Why
would you want to give birth in a birth center instead of a hospital? The
birth center is: - small,
intimate, calm and home-like
- warm
and supportive, welcoming of your family and friends
- attended
by people you know (your midwife and doula)
- free
from routine or unnecessary procedures that carry some risks
for
healthy women -
free from infectious disease
- less
expensive - especially important for those whose insurance
requires
a co-pay - a
place where birth is celebrated as a major life transition rather
than
a medical event Why
a midwife? Midwives
are experts in normal birth and pregnancy, are trained to recognize variations
from the normal, and can treat such problems or refer the woman to other specialists
as needed.
Midwives offer:
- personalized
care
- longer
appointments
- care
that is up to date on the latest medical and midwifery research
- the
same midwife caring for mother and baby throughout pregnancy,
labor,
and post-partum - appropriate
use of technologies
What
is a Doula?
Doula is a Greek word meaning "woman who serves." Doulas are trained
assistants who provide physical and emotional support and advice to women and
their families during labor and birth. This includes help and advice on comfort
measures, medical procedures, and postpartum care. Is
it safe? Numerous
studies show that birth in a birth center is as safe
or
safer than at a hospital if: - the
woman has had a healthy pregnancy
- the
woman is cared for by a midwife or doctor who is skilled and
experienced
in out of hospital births - there
are hospital facilities close by which welcome women who
transfer
to a hospital because they need a medical procedure Columbia
Birth Center has strict safety policies and all the emergency equipment and medications
required by the State Department of Health. It is also nationally accredited by
the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers. These ensure the highest
standard of care for women and babies | 
