A birth center is a licensed childbirth facility where care is provided by midwives using the midwives model of care. The model is person-centered, holistic and wellness oriented. Birth centers are freestanding and not in a hospital. They are integrated into the healthcare system but autonomously managed. Birth Centers are guided by the following principles:

• prevention

• sensitivity

• safety,

• appropriate medical intervention and

• cost effectiveness.

https://www.birthcenters.org/what-is-a-bc

Birth centers are homelike places. Their relaxed physical environment and supportive care faciltate maternal autonomy and informed consent. Women feel heard and their careproviders respond to their needs and wishes. Birth centers are equipped to provide routine care for both mother and newborn and to initiate emergency care when needed. They are located so that there is reasonable cesarean section capability at a nearby hospital.

Midwives in birth centers focus on physiologic childbirth for low risk women. They prepare them through preventive wellness care, self-sufficiency and education. When labor and birth occur, women are ready. With the aid of their midwives they give birth in the position of their choice, and with the people who they choose to have present. During labor they are free to move around and to eat and drink as needed. Their midwife is with them throughout, monitoring them and their baby’s wellbeing. They support them whether they give birth in a warm tub of water, squatting on the floor or on their hands and knees on the bed. Mother and baby are a unit and are not separated from one another.

Birth centers offer a range of serivces from childbirth classes through breastfeeding support and close postpartum follow-up. Laboratory services are also provided. Protocols are in place for consultation, collaboration and referral to obstetric and hospital care if necessary. Birth Center midwives do not hesitate to refer to acute care services when needed.

The evidence for the safety of birth centers is extensive. They are a vital part of the solution to Texas’ maternal health crisis.

https://www.birthcenters.org/news/evidence-shows-birth-centers-a-safe-option-for-birth

https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/Files/reports/strongstart-prenatal-fg-finalevalrpt.pdf

Internal link to research page.