Sunday is the day I’ve been anxiously awaiting ever since my hubby and I decided that we wanted to pursue a birth at the Birth and Women’s Center in
1) Who attends the births? (The birth center is run by an MD and a CNM with the assistance of a couple RNs.)
2) Who will see me at my prenatal visits?
3) What prenatal tests do you consider important?
4) What is the maximum number of clients you take in the same time frame?
5) How is the facility split if multiple moms go into labor simultaneously? (The description of the birthing center reads as follows on their website: (“Located on the first floor is the Birth Center with two private bedroom-like birth rooms each with double bed, stereo, infant warmer, birth equipment and a full complement of emergency equipment such as oxygen, intravenous fluids, resuscitation equipment and emergency medication. If a mother or baby needs hospital care our location, only a few blocks from our back-up hospitals, insures a rapid transfer. Adjoining the birth rooms is a lounging area, children's play area and a bathroom with a tub and shower. An equipped kitchen is easily accessible for snack and meal preparation.”)
6) Do you allow water births? (I am very interested in checking out their tub. If it isn’t very big my next question will be…)
7) Can I rent a birth tub and set it up in the Birthing Center?
8) Can my husband and I do the catching?
9) How long does the average mother stay postpartum? What are the minimum and maximum allowed stays?
10) Do you do infant screening on site?
11) If vitamin K is necessary do you give it in a shot or orally?
12) How long are you willing to wait for the placenta to be born?
13) What conditions would necessitate a hospital transfer?
14) It is our goal to achieve a homebirth like birth here. Is that possible?
15) How do you feel you can best help us facilitate that goal?
I don’t actually have any experience with birth center births. Does anyone out there have any advice as to what I might also want to ask? Is there anything I should look out for? I’d love some input on this!
What I do not want.
This is more what I have in mind!(Our bed room back in CA)
3 comments:
Congrats on your pregnancy and your smart decision to have a birth center birth when your heart gave you grave doubts about hospital birth. I'm so glad you were persistent to look for what you wanted- lots of women give up too soon and resign themselves to hospital births. That said, you've made a fine choice. The Topeka facility is in my neck of the woods (as us midwesterners say) and enjoys a terrific reputation. If you happen to meet Kelly F., I think she's terrific.
Laborpayne
From what I understand, birthing centers offer you what YOU want. It may not be the homebirth you were hoping for but I think this is the closest you can get without actually doing at home. I have heard they take every step to ensure your comfort and happiness. In other words, to ensure you have the birth you want.
I'm happy you have decided on a place and didn't give in easily. I'm sure it will be tough but well worth it in the end.
Good luck Sunday! and let us know how it turns out!!
I think you are going to be happy with your decision. I know that nothing will compare to a homebirth, but it will be good to see the other side of things. Ultimately, the most important thing is a healthy baby and none of it will matter the moment you see that precious little life. I'm so happy for you guys!
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