Birthing Center vs the Hospital
When it comes to developing a birth plan, one of the most important details is location. Whether you're considering a home birth, water birth, or the more common, labor and delivery room, there are several very important factors that you'll want to consider when deciding which is the best option for you.
To meet the demand for a more natural birth experience, hospitals here in Michigan and across the nation have begun to incorporate more holistic techniques that include allowing the mother to labor in a pool, tub, or Jacuzzi - which a client of mine absolutely loved - and the use of birth & peanut balls to help maintain a more comfortable position during labor. All hospitals and birthing centers have their own set of qualifications when it comes to determining eligibility for a 100% natural birth. Please don't get hung up on the word "eligibility".
We'll go over the basics here, providing you with enough information to begin discussing your options with your spouse/partner and your Mid-wife or OB-Gyn. I also feel as though it's important to know ahead of time, the established protocol for where you've chosen to give birth. How to find that information is also included in this post.
As previously mentioned, many women today are opting for a more natural experience. And although we doulas love the natural method, not all women fit the criteria for an all natural birth. For example, mothers who have been diagnosed with a high risk pregnancy are generally under close observation during the majority of their pregnancy. While in labor, high risk moms are often attached to a fetal monitor to ensure swift intervention if needed. No need to worry, this is simply a preventative measure. Being placed on a fetal monitor does not necessarily indicate that there is a problem. In my experience, I've noticed that most moms would rather be able to move about freely and being connected to a fetal monitor tends to be inhibiting in that regard. When it comes to most hospitals here in Michigan, a high risk pregnancy removes the option of utilizing the birthing center, due to the medical provider needing quick access to any equipment needed to ensure a safe birth, in case of an emergency.
But aside from all of that, the primary difference between the two in my book is simply the environment. In a hospital setting, there tends to be a lot of visual distractions that seem to takeaway from the experience. The constant beeping of equipment and the inability to get a nice stretch of rest due to the frequency of rounds made by the nursing staff (we understand that they're just doing their job) makes it hard for moms to get in the relaxed mindset that is needed while approaching active labor. Birthing centers are designed to create an atmosphere that allows the mom to feel safe and relaxed which makes a huge difference when it comes to making progress naturally. I've seen situations where progress was stalled, simply due to mom not being able to relax, that is until guests were directed to the waiting area. Birthing centers operate in such a way that allows the mother to feel empowered and in charge. Autonomy also plays a huge role in whether or not a woman is satisfied with her birthing experience. Being surrounded with medical staff who tend to be more focused on "procedure" rather than the mother having a positively memorable experience puts a huge damper on an event that is supposed to feel special and even sacred, although we understand that they are just doing their job.
Now there are some instances where a hospital birth is preferred. Many new parents want the sense of security that a hospital setting offers. These parents actually don't mind consistent fetal monitoring simply because hearing their baby's heartbeat reassures them that their baby is healthy and safe. It also serves as a comfort measure for families who've previously suffered a loss. It's amazing how that little squishy sound immediately puts a smile on the mom's face. It should also be noted that simply because a birth is taking place in a hospital setting doesn't mean the mother can't have a natural birth experience. Natural births are performed in hospital settings every day! At the end of the day it's all about what's most important to the family along with which setting meets the family's preferences.
Below are some links that should be helpful while doing your research:
William Beaumont Hospital's, Karmanos Center for Natural Birth - Royal Oak, MI
Safe Labor Expectations by William Beaumont Hospital
Hutzel Women's Hospital, Detroit, MI
Special Care for High Risk Pregnancies, Henry Ford Health System
Henry Ford Hospital, Birthing Centers, Metro Detroit
U-M Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI
I hope you find this bit of information useful in your search for the perfect place to welcome your baby. Know that you have my support where ever you chose to welcome your baby into the world!
