The End of a Chapter

It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of the birth center on September 30, 2012. We have been blessed to have attended over 700 births since 2003. It has been a great pleasure to work with our families and help them give birth in a safe, comfortable and supportive environment. Our belief in and support of women seeking natural childbirth in a setting of their choosing is unwavering. We are so sorry that our community will no longer have a birth center to serve those that want that option. Thank you so much for inviting us into your lives.

                                                                                                                                                                  ~The Greenhouse Birth Center Staff  (midwivesforwomen@gmail.com)

Why choose a birth center?

Most parents choose birth center care because they feel more comfortable at a birth center than in a hospital. They do not want unnecessary interventions. They believe in their bodies’ ability to give birth and trust the process of birth. They want to be full participants in the birth of their babies. They believe that a birth center is the safest place for them to give birth, unless unexpected complications should arise. You should not feel pressured by anyone else to give birth at the birth center. It is important that both partners feel comfortable with the decision to give birth at the birth center.

Is a birth center a good choice for you?

You may be a good candidate for out of hospital birth if you: 

  • are in good health 
  • accept responsibility for your decisions regarding your healthcare 
  • believe you are the most qualified to make decisions regarding yourself and baby
  • eat well and maintain a healthy lifestyle

You may not be a good candidate if you:

  • are diabetic
  • have heart disease
  • high blood pressure
  • or had certain complications during previous pregnancies or births (prior cesarean birth does not necessarily place you at risk for future out of hospital birth)

Is it safe?

Yes. Free-standing birth centers have demonstrated superior safety for mothers and babies since 1980. Safe and satisfying outcomes include significantly lower cesarean rates than the nation-wide average of 32%. Care is provided by well-prepared and experienced midwives and birth assistants. We consult with local physicians when necessary and transport to Sparrow Hospital as needed in labor or postpartum.

Why do women birthing in free-standing birth centers have such good outcomes?

Birth is a normal function of the female body, and being born is a normal part of everyone’ s life. Birth is simple, powerful and vulnerable to disturbance. The focus of midwifery care is the education, support and protection of each woman (and family) as she makes her journey through pregnancy, labor, birth and mothering her newborn. When women are prepared, well-nurtured, calm, confident, well-supported and undisturbed; birth works better and is safer, breastfeeding gets off to a better start, recovery is quicker and adjusting to the new family constellation is easier.

But what if something goes wrong?

If a woman develops problems during her pregnancy, labor, birth or postpartum we help her get whatever care, in whatever setting, that will support her and her baby the most. Rarely does an emergency situation arise, but if it does, your birth team institutes the appropriate emergency measures and transports by ambulance to Sparrow Hospital, which is 12 minutes away. There, the physicians take over management of care while a member of the birth center staff remains with you to provide support. After your baby’s birth and your discharge home, the birth center resumes your follow-up support and care.

How is pain managed at the birth center?

Pain is a normal part of labor and birth for most women. Pain medication and epidurals are not available. Childbirth classes will help you prepare for the normal challenges of labor and birth. Most women experience less discomfort in labor when they are able to move about freely. Women also find they are able to relax effectively in our deep soaking tubs. How confident are you about giving birth naturally and how strong is your desire to do so?

What happens after the birth?

A typical birth center stay is 4-6 hours after birth. We will provide education to help you prepare for caring for yourself and baby. In addition, a midwife will come to your home 24-36 hours after the birth and then again 3-4 days postpartum. We encourage you to arrange for additional help if needed at home as part of your postpartum care.

How much does it cost and does my insurance cover it?

Our fee is $3800.00 and payment to the birth center is expected by your 34th week of pregnancy. After your baby is born and you have completed your postpartum care, you will be provided with a superbill with codes that your insurance company will recognize. It is up to you to submit this bill to your insurance company for reimbursement. There is no guarantee that your insurance company will reimburse you. It is your responsibility to make inquiries about what is covered.

What does birth center care include?

Prenatal care- Initial visit:(about 2 hours) includes history, risk assessment, record review when applicable, initial prenatal education/counseling, physical exam as needed (PAP and pelvic exam, if needed, are usually done on second visit). Subsequent visits (one hour scheduled): mother and baby assessment, continuing education and support, tea and empathy as needed.

Prenatal massage, childbirth education classes, access to our library of books and videos, on call services for any problems or questions that arise

Labor and Birth Care- with the midwives and birth assistants includes: use of birth center facilities for you and your family, including all supplies used for labor, birth and your postpartum stay, continuous care, support and monitoring as needed throughout labor, birth and the immediate postpartum period, complete newborn exam, photography of labor, birth and postpartum experience, processing of birth certificate, 24 hour on call service, accompaniment by midwife or doula if transport to the hospital

Postpartum care- home visits at 24-36 hours and 3-4 days after birth, newborn metabolic screen, breastfeeding assistance and support as needed, newborn exams, office visits at 2 weeks and 6 weeks, postpartum pap smear if needed at 12 weeks, postpartum massage

Our fee does not include: laboratory work, ultrasounds, rhogam, visits with consulting physicians or other care providers, hospital care if needed, food during birth center stay

Is it worth it?

"...let me tell you about the best 3,600 bucks I ever spent." ~Dan, father of Jennifer (2005) and Lucille (2007)

View more testimonies.

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