Birth Centers

In keeping with the increase in patient-centered care within all types of Environments for Healing, there has been a current trend to expand “Birth Centers” to provide a more soothing atmosphere for mothers and their families as they bring new life into the world.   

Birth Centers offer combined labor-delivery-recovery rooms-post-partum bedrooms and intensive care nurseries for premature babies. The main appeal of Birth Centers is the decreased need to move the mother as she transitions between phases of the birthing process. Birth Centers strive to make the mother as comfortable as possible, providing pleasant views and carefully selected tranquil artwork. One example of this is RBSD’s design of the Birthing Center at The Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, which uses wooden panels and residential style wall coverings to help to make the patients and visiting families feel at home.

Birth Centers strive to provide comprehensive care that is not limited to the pregnancy and delivery alone. Maternity care often ranges from early pregnancy to birth to the postpartum period and is provided by certified nurse/midwives, along with obstetrical care provided by midwives and an obstetrics/gynecological nurse practitioner. Many facilities offer extensive services such as childhood preparation, yoga classes, and sibling preparation.

As women learn more about the option to give birth in these intimate facilities, the demand for Birth Centers has grown. These centers are seen by many as a window to improved access, proven quality, and comprehensive care during this important life event.