A Look Into Your Columbia Birth Center Experience
Typically, when you tell people you’re pregnant, you are immediately met with countless opinions, thoughts, and advice. It may even feel overwhelming to sort through all the information and make the decisions that are right for you.
So many mothers-to-be feel nervous about this journey, and that is completely normal. That’s where our team can help. We’ll guide you every step of the way and make sure you have the pregnancy, labor, and birth you deserve. After all, this is your birth story.
Maternity Care in a Home-Like Setting
While you may see the many benefits of natural birthing for both mom and baby, you may still feel uncertain about having a birth center birth. From the moment you walk through our door, we want you to breathe a sigh of relief. We want you to feel at home, as our whole purpose is to create an environment that is:
Small, intimate, and calm
Warm and supportive, welcoming of family and friends
Free from routine or unnecessary procedures
Columbia Birth Center is a place where birth is celebrated as an important life transition, rather than a medical event.
Prenatal Appointments
Your time with us will begin by being cradled in love as you meet our compassionate staff and tour our three private birth suites, each creating an inviting atmosphere for your desired birth experience. We welcome those you love to participate every step of the way. Having our midwives and staff get to know the important people in your life only enhances our relationship with you.
During prenatal appointments, you will have the undivided attention of a midwife. She will assess your progress and discuss any questions. Most labs will be drawn in-house, and the midwife will measure your baby’s growth. You will never feel rushed, as these appointments are designed to be informative, empowering, and supportive. From start to finish, you will have the personalized care and attention you deserve.
Childbirth Education Classes
To fully prepare you and your partner for your natural birth experience at Columbia Birth Center, we require you to complete our customized birth class before the 36th week of pregnancy.
Our classes offer the chance to meet other parents due around the same time, learn what you can expect with your birth center delivery, and gain valuable breastfeeding knowledge. We will be offering optional classes to provide additional support in the near future.
Your Labor and Birth
You will control each detail leading to your baby’s first breath. Our role is to guide you through the many options available as you actively participate in every decision regarding your labor and delivery.
Some options during labor include:
Massage
Counter-pressure
Soothing, deep whirlpool tub
Squat bars
Birthing ball
Rebozo
Queen-sized bed
Hot and cold therapy
Movement and position options
Nitrous Oxide (additional cost)
Welcoming your baby into this world will be the most rewarding thing you ever do! That is what draws women to Columbia Birth Center.
Postpartum Care
Once your baby is born, your care does not stop. After being discharged, typically four to six hours after birth, our midwives perform a home visit in 24-36 hours. This check-in is a designated time to address any concerns you may have and ensure that the transition to being “not pregnant” is going well – both physically and mentally.
The Choice That’s Right for You
We recognize this is a deeply personal journey and consider it a privilege to walk alongside you. We cherish our time with you as your family becomes part of our “heart.” That’s why we invite every family to paint a heart once their baby is born. This keepsake will remain in our birth center as a daily reminder of every birth we get to participate in.
This entire experience belongs to you! Our goal is to empower you to labor and birth however you want.
We invite you to browse our website for more information, and come see our new office for yourself! Let us show you exactly what care at Columbia Birth Center is all about!