Switching Your Care to a Birth Center
Pregnancy comes with numerous decisions, and choosing the best care for you and your baby is one that you should weigh carefully. Many expectant parents don’t realize they have a choice other than a traditional hospital birth. While a hospital is a safe and common experience, a birth center provides a sensitive, supportive, and homelike approach to childbirth.
A lot of comfort comes with a smaller, more intimate setting, like a birth center. Your experience from start to finish is tailored to the specific needs of you and your baby through empowering, personalized care with nurse-midwives who follow the Midwives Model of Care. It’s okay to question if a hospital birth is really your ideal birth plan.
So, what if you started your prenatal care with a doctor who attends deliveries at a hospital, and now you’re considering switching to a birth center? You absolutely can do that.
Let’s debunk three common myths women have that often keep them from making a transition midway through their care and why you should feel empowered (not afraid) to have the birth experience you want.
Three Myths About Switching Your Pregnancy Care
Myth #1: "It’s too late to make a completely new plan for my birth."
FALSE.
“CBC was amazing! I had my first baby at a hospital after needing to be transferred from a birthing center. I was hoping to have my second baby at a birthing center, and CBC helped me do just that! My midwife was fantastic; she helped me feel validated at my prenatal appointments and talked with me through all of my concerns. She helped me have the birth I wanted. It was truly an amazing experience! I would definitely go back for any more babies!.” K.Y.
Now is the perfect time to change your plans. You don’t have to feel constrained by rigid protocols or discouraged from voicing your preferences. In fact, most folks who switch to the birth center find that they do not even need a birth plan–we already do all the things they care about as a normal part of what we do. In addition, you can play an active role in shaping your birth experience. We’ll guide you through evidence-based discussions that balance our recommendations with your values and desires.
Whether you switch your care at 4 or 32 weeks, our birth center embraces your individuality and supports your unique birthing preferences. It’s not too late, but of course, we would like to give you the benefits of the education included in our prenatal care as soon as possible.
Myth #2: "It will be too expensive."
FALSE.
Financial concerns often loom large when contemplating a switch in healthcare providers, but our birth center operates under a model of transparent billing practices. We also accept insurance coverage, making high-quality, personalized care accessible to a broader range of families.
We will also contact your insurance for benefits information to create a financial agreement based on your current specific plan benefits. While individual financial situations may vary, the peace of mind that comes from knowing the cost of care up front is invaluable, allowing you to focus on the joyous anticipation of welcoming your little one into the world. We will work with you so that the financial plan is one that works for your family. We do not want finances to be a barrier to choosing the type of care we offer.
Myth #3: "I won’t have time to get to know my midwives."
FALSE.
“I had an amazing experience with my delivery at Columbia Birth Center. I had personalized care from the beginning with prenatal appointments that were in-depth and dealt with all of my questions. My firstborn was a hospital delivery, and it was a night and day difference from the birth center experience. I arrived at 12:30 pm, had the baby at around 1 am, and was in the comfort of my home by 4:45 am to settle in and get some rest. The next day, my midwife came to my house to check on me and baby.” K.R.
From comprehensive discussions about your health history to heartfelt conversations about your birth preferences and concerns, each appointment you have will be meaningful and personal. We allow time to build a deep trust and connection between you and the midwives, fostering a supportive environment where I’ll feel heard and valued. This is one of the reasons the cut-off is 32 weeks.
Unlike the fragmented care often experienced in a hospital setting, where patients may interact with multiple providers during labor and delivery, the midwifery model prioritizes continuity of care, resulting in better outcomes for you and your baby.
It’s Your Prerogative To Switch Care
Transitioning from a hospital and OB/GYN to a birth center with midwives mid-pregnancy can be one of the best decisions you make for yourself and your baby. You don’t have to remain hindered by concerns or limitations. You don’t have to worry about whether your birth plan will be followed. You don’t have to be concerned about whether your partner will be included and respected—we care for the family, not just the birthing person. Be embraced by a community of dedicated midwives who prioritize your well-being and honor your autonomy. If you're contemplating a switch, we encourage you to challenge the myths you may believe and explore the possibilities that await you at a birth center. Your journey to parenthood deserves the utmost care and support, and a birth center is the perfect place to begin.
Contact us to find out if you’re eligible for care by the midwives at Columbia Birth Center. We’re happy to discuss your questions about switching your care and offer you a no-obligation tour so you can decide what is best for you and your family. We’re happy to walk you through your next steps.
We’re Here For You
Our highly-trained and professional staff is here for you. Your health and safety throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth are our priority. Reach out to Columbia Birth Center with any questions, and let us guide you every step of the way.