What is a Birth Center?

According to the National Association of Childbearing Centers, a Birth Center is a homelike facility within a healthcare system that features a program of care designed in the “wellness model” of pregnancy and birth. Mothers and their newborns are typically not ill, and therefore have a different set of needs than other hospital patients. Birth Centers abide by principles of prevention, sensitivity, safety, appropriate medical intervention, and cost effectiveness. Family-centered care before, during and after pregnancy, labor and birth is key in the woman’s experience during her stay at a Birth Center.

Birth Centers offer the best possible care from healthcare professionals working together to respond to the needs of women seeking more personal care, as well as families looking to be involved. Professionals who comprise the team at Birth Centers include those trained in nursing, midwifery, obstetrics, family medicine, pediatrics, nutrition, social work, physical fitness, childbirth and parenting education than in traditional facilities for labor and delivery.

Birth Centers aim to make the family and patient feel at home, all the while providing a place to make choices and participate in the patient’s care. A Birth Center strives to be a place of care that offers access, information, and concern for every member of the family. Birth Centers offer more time, support, choices, and education.

Birth Centers provide educational resources and available staff to answer all questions regarding pregnancy, birth, and ongoing baby care. Birth Centers offer private rooms to enhance comfort and a sense of security.

As part of the system of community healthcare, Birth Centers provide a complete network of maternity and women's health services.