Is a Birth Center Right for Me?

Written By AS

Birth centers have received more attention lately due to the true benefits they provide the birthing person. Are you considering if you are the right candidate for a birth center birth? It can be an intimidating decision at first, but let us walk you through it.

 

Set Your Priorities

First, you must decide what is important to you. What are some things about your birth that you can’t compromise on or things that you’d like to change from a previous experience, etc?

 

Some things you should consider about a birth center birth include:

  • It’s an unmedicated birth so you will have limited analgesic options.

  • We cater to low-risk births that can be safely delivered with midwifery care.

  • There is no option for a cesarean birth and should a situation arise, there will be a transfer plan in place.

 

The benefits of birth center birth are:

  • You have the freedom to spend early labor at home.

  • You have a lot more say in your health-related decisions.

  • You can set up your birthing suite however you like.

  • You will have your birthing team in your suite during labor.

  • There won’t be any unnecessary interventions or examinations during your stay.

  • You will have freedom to move and change positions as you need.

  • You won’t be given any medication if you don’t want it.

  • You will receive breast/chestfeeding and skin-to-skin contact right after birth.

 

Do Your Research

It’s important to understand what makes someone’s health status suitable for a birth center birth and what risk factors fall outside our scope of care. 

 

Some risk factors include:

  • Previous Cesarean birth

  • High-risk pregnancy

  • Placental disorders

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure

  • Twin pregnancy

  • Breech presentation

  • Bleeding disorder

 

Safety is our top priority! Your first appointment will help us determine if you are appropriate for birth center birth.

 

Typically people who choose Sacred Roots are:

  • Committed to maintaining optimum health and well-being during their pregnancies and birthing naturally,

  • Seeking shared decision-making with their provider,

  • Understanding that in most cases, minimal medical intervention is safest for both the birthing person and baby. Oftentimes, support and patience are all that is needed as the birthing person births their baby.

 

If you desire a physiologic, unmedicated birth, Indiana Birth Center is a great place for you to be. If you’re not sure if a birth center birth is right for you, send us a message and we’ll be happy to walk you through it.

AS
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