Traditional Care In A Modern Setting
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Frequently Asked Questions:
WHy choose a birth center
A: Many people, when envisioning their child’s birth, prefer to birth in a setting that mimics a home-like setting. The Birth Haven provides this, while also having the safety of a reputable hospital nearby, in case of an emergency.
In a birth center, the mother is free to eat, drink, move, shower, use the birth tub or ball as she pleases. The mother doesn’t have to be placed on monitors with wires that sometimes make movement in labor cumbersome.
The baby’s heartbeat is monitored with a doppler using intermittent auscultation. This tool has been shown in studies to be as effective at picking up true distress in the baby, without making movement difficult for the mother.
In a birth center, the mother is free to eat, drink, move, shower, use the birth tub or ball as she pleases. The mother doesn’t have to be placed on monitors with wires that sometimes make movement in labor cumbersome.
The baby’s heartbeat is monitored with a doppler using intermittent auscultation. This tool has been shown in studies to be as effective at picking up true distress in the baby, without making movement difficult for the mother.
Do you take insurance?
The facility along with its staff are out-of-network providers. This means the provider and the facility are not contracted with any insurance policies. That being said, Gilbert Family Birth Center does accept all insurances with out-of-network benefits. Because we are a non-contracted provider, we require all clients to pay our minimal acceptance fees regardless of your insurance out-of-network benefits. Charges will be billed to your insurance at the time of delivery. Any amount paid by your insurance company will be applied accordingly as Gilbert Family Birth Center is an out-of-network provider and has the right to collect up to the billed charges amount. Any monies paid over the listed amounts will be refunded to the client.
For more questions see: https://www.midwivesadvantage.com
For more questions see: https://www.midwivesadvantage.com
Is a birth center safe?
A: In a low risk pregnancy, birth centers have been shown to be at least as safe as hospitals. It has been associated with outcomes that are similar to hospitals, but with fewer c-sections and instrument deliveries.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447883/
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12003/full
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1447883/
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12003/full
What if i need to go to the hospital during labor?
A: Our birth center is located about 5 miles from Banner Gateway Hospital. Our goal is to not wait until a situation is emergent, if a transfer is going to become necessary. Most issues can be recognized and a change in plans put into place before it becomes emergent.
In that scenario, there is time to move from one location to the other in a smooth, relaxed manner. If, in the rare situation that something truly emergent were to happen, the hospital would be alerted to the issue and transport arranged. Care can be smoothly transitioned and the emergent care received within minutes.
In that scenario, there is time to move from one location to the other in a smooth, relaxed manner. If, in the rare situation that something truly emergent were to happen, the hospital would be alerted to the issue and transport arranged. Care can be smoothly transitioned and the emergent care received within minutes.
A: For the 2015 year, our c-section rate was 5%. For our birth center mamas, we had a 13% transfer rate.
Who Can Birth at Our Birth Center?
A: Women experiencing a normal, low-risk pregnancy, may be eligible for birth in the birth center.
All birthing women must meet the criteria set within the rules determined by the Arizona Department of Health.
All birthing women must meet the criteria set within the rules determined by the Arizona Department of Health.
A: The Arizona Department of Health has set out a list of requirements about who may be eligible for birth with licensed midwives. Issues that may cause a woman to be risked out include, but are not limited to:
-Health issues that make out-of-hospital birth unsafe for either the woman or her child
-Not meeting the requirements for VBAC
-Multiple gestation
-The mental health stability in the mother
-Health issues that make out-of-hospital birth unsafe for either the woman or her child
-Not meeting the requirements for VBAC
-Multiple gestation
-The mental health stability in the mother
Can I Use Pain Meds During Labor?
A: Due to the safety concerns with the use of medication for pain control, we do not use them in the birth center. Pain meds introduce a level of risk that is not present in a natural labor. When they are used, they need to be in an environment that allows for medical intervention to reverse their effects if an unforeseen side effect occurs.
A: On staff at the center is Karin Braun, CNM. She has the ability to treat both naturally and pharmaceutically. Also, we can refer to doctors with whom we have a good working rapport, if it should become necessary.
How painful is natural childbirth? Will i be able to handle it?
A: Our experience is that most women, when properly prepared, handle labor much better than they think they will. Our culture has ingrained in women that labor is an unbearably painful event. Many women find that this is not necessarily the case. This is especially true when women are are able to move, eat, drink, sleep, use the tub or shower, and follow the direction that their bodies urge them to go.
When a woman is not confined to bed, often she finds that she has the resources necessary to cope with labor. We also offer childbirth preparation classes and a lending library to mentally and emotionally prepare for the event of labor and beyond. We are a part of the journey to prepare you for your birth from the very beginning of your care with us!
If, in the end, a woman decides that she wants pain medication, she is generally able to transfer her care to the hospital and get medication for her labor. This is an exceedingly rare situation. If this were to happen, a member of the staff would stay with her to act as a support person.
When a woman is not confined to bed, often she finds that she has the resources necessary to cope with labor. We also offer childbirth preparation classes and a lending library to mentally and emotionally prepare for the event of labor and beyond. We are a part of the journey to prepare you for your birth from the very beginning of your care with us!
If, in the end, a woman decides that she wants pain medication, she is generally able to transfer her care to the hospital and get medication for her labor. This is an exceedingly rare situation. If this were to happen, a member of the staff would stay with her to act as a support person.
How many birthing rooms are available at the birth center?
A: There are three dedicated birth rooms available, with one other room that can be converted to a birth room if necessary. We strive to have adequate, comfortable space for each birthing family, while keeping our client volume low enough that each family has individual attention and privacy for birth.
Can I Have a water birth?
A: Yes, for most women water birth is available. In rare circumstances, it may be wise to leave the birth pool,either for safety or because of interference in the pattern of labor. For the majority of women desiring water birth, it is possible.
How many birth tubs are available?
A: There is a tub in each of the three birth rooms. They are each 5 feet in diameter and are approximately 21 inches deep. Each tub is inflatable and soft for the comfort of the birthing woman.
The tub is generally large enough that if a woman’s partner wished to enter the pool with her, there is adequate space. The midwifery staff is responsible for the set up and clean up of the pool.
The tub is generally large enough that if a woman’s partner wished to enter the pool with her, there is adequate space. The midwifery staff is responsible for the set up and clean up of the pool.
What items should i bring from home?
A: You will need to bring any comfort items that are important to your labor progress and anything you may wish to have or use postpartum. You are also welcome to bring any items for religious ceremonies and food/drinks for yourself and your partner.
Additionally, you may want to bring a change of clothing for yourself to wear home. Remember to pack things that will accommodate your newly postpartum belly, which is likely to be approximately the size of a 7 month belly, any special clothing for labor, clothes and diapers for baby, and a car seat for baby. We cannot discharge any baby without the baby being properly restrained in a car seat.
Additionally, you may want to bring a change of clothing for yourself to wear home. Remember to pack things that will accommodate your newly postpartum belly, which is likely to be approximately the size of a 7 month belly, any special clothing for labor, clothes and diapers for baby, and a car seat for baby. We cannot discharge any baby without the baby being properly restrained in a car seat.
Are siblings allowed at the birth?
A: Immediate family members are welcome. We ask that you have a support person available to keep your children safely entertained and supervised while in the center.
We also recommend that the children receive sibling preparation before attending the birth. A child who is well prepared for the sights, sounds, etc. of birth generally take the experience in stride.
You as the parent, will need to exercise judgement in the appropriateness of your child being present for the birth of the new baby.
It is highly suggested that children not be at the center for the entire labor. We recommend that children stay at a secondary location until birth becomes imminent, and then have them brought over.
We also recommend that the children receive sibling preparation before attending the birth. A child who is well prepared for the sights, sounds, etc. of birth generally take the experience in stride.
You as the parent, will need to exercise judgement in the appropriateness of your child being present for the birth of the new baby.
It is highly suggested that children not be at the center for the entire labor. We recommend that children stay at a secondary location until birth becomes imminent, and then have them brought over.
How Many people are able to accompany me at my birth?
A: Due to privacy concerns, we ask that you limit your party to your partner and one doula or other support person. As mentioned before, children may be allowed if the support person is able to properly supervise the children throughout the time they are in the center.
Do you work with doulas?
A: Yes! The midwife staff will do our best to provide the emotional support for a birthing woman and her partner, but doulas are always welcome at Gilbert Family Birth Center ! Doulas provide a unique and special type of support.
When it comes time for the birth itself, we may not be able to provide the same touch due to the fact that we have to remain focused on the birth itself. Ask for a listing of recommended doulas.
When it comes time for the birth itself, we may not be able to provide the same touch due to the fact that we have to remain focused on the birth itself. Ask for a listing of recommended doulas.
How are dads & partners supported at the birth center?
A: Our goal is to help each family birth in a way that helps each person participate as much or as little as is comfortable for themselves. We do our best to answer questions, offer reassurance, and give suggestions to the dad/partner throughout the labor.
Where possible, we try to provide information and education so that fears and concerns can be put to rest. We recognize that this is often an emotionally charged time and a situation that some men may feel unprepared to experience. You are free to work out whatever level of involvement that you prefer as a family.
If mutually agreed upon, dads/partners may be the first person to touch their baby, “catching” at the time of birth and placing baby on the mother’s chest. Of course, this is not required. There are no expectations of how involved you must be.
Where possible, we try to provide information and education so that fears and concerns can be put to rest. We recognize that this is often an emotionally charged time and a situation that some men may feel unprepared to experience. You are free to work out whatever level of involvement that you prefer as a family.
If mutually agreed upon, dads/partners may be the first person to touch their baby, “catching” at the time of birth and placing baby on the mother’s chest. Of course, this is not required. There are no expectations of how involved you must be.
Is wifi available?
A: Yes, there is wifi available. Ask a staff member to enter the password for you to connect to the internet.
A: After the birth, you are expected to stay a minimum of 2 hours for observation. During this time, the staff members will monitor mother and baby to insure than both are transitioning well. The family may go home as soon as two hours after birth. If time and space permits, they may stay a couple of hours longer.
Once discharged from the center, the family can expect a phone call 8+ hours later to touch base and make sure all is going well at home. It is recommended that the mother have a visit with the midwife 24-48 hours after birth. Another visit on the third day is scheduled. She then is given the option of a 2, 4 , and 6 week visit.
If visits other than this schedule are needed for postpartum, newborn, or breastfeeding issues, these needs are also met. This post-care also includes the baby’s newborn metabolic screening (“PKU”), birth certificate and social security number application submission to vital records, maternal RhoGam shot (if applicable), and postpartum pap smear/well-woman exam at 6 weeks.
Once discharged from the center, the family can expect a phone call 8+ hours later to touch base and make sure all is going well at home. It is recommended that the mother have a visit with the midwife 24-48 hours after birth. Another visit on the third day is scheduled. She then is given the option of a 2, 4 , and 6 week visit.
If visits other than this schedule are needed for postpartum, newborn, or breastfeeding issues, these needs are also met. This post-care also includes the baby’s newborn metabolic screening (“PKU”), birth certificate and social security number application submission to vital records, maternal RhoGam shot (if applicable), and postpartum pap smear/well-woman exam at 6 weeks.
WHAT OTHER SERVICES ARE PROVIDED AT THE BIRTH CENTER?
A: Well-woman care, preconception counseling, breastfeeding education and support, classes about pregnancy, health and parenting education classes, and on a limited basis, alternative modalities of care may be offered.
