Preparing for a Birth Center Birth
Choosing to birth at an out-of-hospital birth center, also known as a freestanding birth center, offers expectant parents a unique and personalized approach to childbirth. With its focus on holistic care, personalized attention, and family-centered experiences, an out-of-hospital birth center can be an empowering option for families seeking a natural and supported birthing environment.
Don’t be fooled by hospitals claiming they have a birth center. It is NOT the same thing.
1. Researching and Selecting a Birth Center:
The first step in preparing for an out-of-hospital birth center experience is researching and selecting the right center for your needs. Consider factors such as location, available services, staff credentials, and the center's philosophy of care. Schedule visits or virtual tours to gain a firsthand understanding of the center's environment and ambiance.
The closest birth center to us here in Peoria is The Birth Center of Bloomington Normal. It’s about a 45 min drive but 100% worth it. The rooms are beautiful and the midwives are awesome (one of the midwives who was supposed to attend my second baby’s birth is there now! She missed my birth by like 3 min).
2. Tour the Birth Center:
Many birth centers offer orientation sessions and/or tours of the center for expectant parents to learn more about their services and approach to care. Attend it, ask questions, familiarize yourself with the facility, and get to know the midwives and staff who will support you during your birthing journey.
3. Creating Your Birth Team:
Building a supportive birth team is essential for a positive birth experience. ESSENTIAL. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and support your decision to birth the way you want to. Include your partner, family members/friends (as long they’re supportive), or a doula who can provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout labor and delivery.
But like, 100% get a doula.
4. Creating a Birth Plan:
Collaborate with your midwives and birth team to create a birth plan that reflects your preferences, values, and desires for the birthing experience. Discuss your pain management preferences, comfort measures, and any cultural or spiritual rituals you want or feel you need to incorporate. Remember, that the birth plan isn’t all about what you put on the paper, it’s the education behind researching all your options.
5. Attend an Out of Hospital Birth Class:
Specifically an out of hospital birth education class. Sometimes your birth center will offer or even include it in their offered services. These classes provide invaluable information on childbirth education, coping techniques, and even newborn care. It can also offer an opportunity to connect with other expectant parents and share experiences and insights, maybe even have play dates/get togethers after baby’s are born!
6. Trust Your Body, Your Baby, and The Process:
An out-of-hospital birth center experience places emphasis on the innate wisdom of the birthing body. Trust your body's ability to birth your baby and embrace the intuitive power within you. Utilize relaxation techniques, meditation, and affirmations. Make cards, draw, play your favorite music, just let go of the control.
7. Addressing Any Fears or Concerns:
And it's 100% normal to have fears or concerns about birth a baby. Address these anxieties openly with your midwives and doula. Engage in discussions that address your fears and seek reassurance and information to make informed decisions. Do as many fear releases as you need to process whatever it is your mind is focusing on.
Preparing for an out-of-hospital birth center experience can be one of the most empowering journeys ever. It celebrates the beauty of childbirth AND family-centered care. You definitely do not get that in a hospital setting at all. Embrace the innate wisdom of your body, the loving care of your birth team, and the spirit of empowerment that awaits you. It’s fucking magical.