What are the advantages of using a midwife and/or birth center?
Hospitals, midwives and birthing centers all have the same goal in mind, to assist women have healthy satisfying
pregnancy outcomes. However a hospital is geared toward illness. The midwifery model of care in which the birth center
practices has a philosophy geared towards wellness.
- Supportive staff who you are familiar with
- No shift changes every 12 hours
- You can move about, and not be tethered down to machines
- You are not separated from your baby after the delivery
- You participate in decision making for you and your baby
- A reduced chance of c-section by 60%,which many times is caused by unnecessary intervention
- No unnecessary exams or episiotomies
- No routine IV, admission labs ,shaving or enemas
- Eating and drinking is allowed during labor
- No limit on how many family members can attend, fathers and children are welcome at birth
- The cost is much more affordable than a hospital delivery
What if I don't have insurance?
The birth center staff helps women to apply for Medicaid whether or not they are citizens. We also offer an "Affordable Birth care program" sponsored in part by the non profit organization "Spirit Health and Empowerment Inc.". The donations allow us to accept flexible payment plans as well as reduce our fees in certain situations.
Our base fees include prenatal care, delivery, postpartum care and newborn initial exam. These fees also include laboratory and ultrasound services. To find out more info you may schedule a consultation by simply calling the birth center.
What happens in the event of an emergency?
Midwives, nurse practitioners, and consulting physicians work as a team to meet the needs of women under our care. Our staff is highly experienced and trained to monitor the course of a normal pregnancy as well as handle any emergency and unexpected out come. We monitor the laboring progress closely and frequently to detect any abnormalities which allows us to make transfers before there is an emergency situation. Staff members are trained in neonatal resuscitation and the birth center contains most of the necessary equipment needed to handle such a situation if it should arise. The birth center is located less than 10 driving minutes away from the hospital.
How long do I stay at the birth center?
Florida licensed birthing centers have rules and regulations that allow women of stay
at the birth center for up to 24 hours. Many women choose to go home soon after delivery and relax in their own environment with their family and new baby in hand.