About
Safety
For a low-risk pregnancy, birth centers are safe and are proven to have better outcomes and increased patient satisfaction when compared to hospital births. A study of birth center patients, performed in 2013, found that 93% had spontaneous vaginal birth, 84% were successful delivering in the birth center, 4% transferred care before being admitted, 12% transferred after being admitted (only 2% for emergencies) and overall only 6% had a cesarean birth. The local rate of cesarean birth in the Permian Basin is over 30%. The four-year Strong Start study, funded by the U.S. government, found that women who delivered in a birth center had lower rates of preterm birth, low birthweight babies, cesarean births, and a markedly lower cost of care.
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During birth, we ensure limited interventions, and hold space as your birth unfolds. We believe birth is normal. Every birth is unique and requires a confident and supportive care team. The Certified Nurse Midwives and Registered Nurses at The Birth Center are experts in supporting physiological birth and are trained to identify deviations from normal. Regular prenatal visits and standard testing, ensures you and your baby are healthy, and are experiencing a low-risk pregnancy. Every member of our care team is a licensed professional, and certified in adult CPR and neonatal resuscitation. Most emergencies do not require hospital transport and can be safely and effectively managed in our facility. We have life-saving hemorrhage medications, IV capabilities, and oxygen. And, in the rare event of a transfer to the hospital, we will accompany you to Midland Memorial to ensure you are in the safest place for your birth.
Our Evidence-Based Beliefs…
Water immersion in all stages of labor and birth is safe and appropriate for low-risk women and is proven to reduce pain, shorten labor time, decrease likelihood of tearing, and improve satisfaction with your experience.
Delayed cord clamping should be a routine practice. It can increase baby’s blood volume by up to a thirty percent and increase baby’s iron stores which is essential for healthy development, and provide additional stem cells to baby.
Pain control alternatives to an epidural should be available to every woman in labor. We have options available to use in labor to help with anxiety and pain.
Women in labor should have freedom of movement and be allowed to birth in any position that is comfortable for them. Women should be encouraged to eat and drink in labor
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Skin to skin contact immediately following birth, for as long as desired, should be routine practice. It encourages breastfeeding and bonding, regulates baby’s temperature, and stabilizes blood sugar. We encourage dads to participate.
Intermittent fetal monitoring should be the standard of care for a low-risk pregnancy. Continuous fetal monitoring does not improve outcomes, but does increase rates of c-sections.