What If I Need A Transfer?
Bringing a new little life into this world is a remarkable journey filled with excitement, anticipation, and some apprehension. Every birth experience is unique, and sometimes unexpected situations arise. You may be wondering what happens when a medical condition develops which would require you to be transferred to another care provider for a hospital birth.
First and foremost, please rest easy knowing that most births at Columbia Birth Center proceed smoothly and without complications. If the need for a transfer happens, we promise to make that transition of care as easy as possible for you.
At Columbia Birth Center, we’re committed to providing comprehensive care that prioritizes safety, comfort, and informed decision-making for both you and your baby. We want you to experience a safe, personal, and empowering birth where you are equipped and educated on all your concerns. We’re here to offer you reassurance and guidance should a transfer be necessary during your care.
Why You Might Need A Transfer
The vast majority of transfers occur while you are still pregnant–before labor even begins. Things like high blood pressure, pre-term labor (we don’t attend premature births), the baby’s growth, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia are examples of medical problems that are best treated in the hospital setting. In these cases, you may transfer to the provider of your choice, and we will send your records, lab results, and ultrasounds to your new provider. If you don’t have someone in mind, we can recommend the midwives at Kadlec Regional Medical Center, so there is a “midwife-to-midwife” transfer wherever possible.
Our birth center is a perfect choice for labor for anyone who is healthy and low-risk, but occasionally, a mother or baby requires a transfer from the birth center to the hospital to access specialized procedures or care. A transfer could be due to factors such as prolonged labor, fetal distress, or concerns about maternal or infant well-being.
In most cases, the transfer occurs before there is a true “time of the essence” emergency. Our team is highly trained to recognize warning signs early and will always prioritize your and your baby's safety and well-being above all else. If our care does not resolve the problem, and a transfer is indicated, we strive to make the transfer while you still have options. If it is safe, you will be given the option to drive across the street to the hospital or we will call an ambulance.
In rare cases, an ambulance is needed. We are fortunate to have EMS services only 5 minutes away so the transfer occurs very quickly.
Open Communication Informs Decision-Making
We believe in the power of open communication and informed decision-making. If a transfer becomes necessary, you can rest assured that you will be fully informed and supported. Our experienced midwives will explain the reasons for the transfer and, whenever possible, discuss your available options to work collaboratively with you about decisions that align with your preferences and values.
We’re also sensitive to the emotional challenges that often come when you plan to have your baby here and then have to shift directions. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. If your situation calls for a transfer, or if you should request a transfer, we’re here to recommend the best midwives and obstetricians who will continue to support a natural birth if that is possible, while also giving you and your baby the medical treatment you require.
From assisting with transportation to the hospital to advocating for your needs during your transition to a hospital setting, we'll be there for you every step of the way.
Collaboration with Hospital Partners
You’ll breathe easier knowing we have established strong relationships with nearby hospitals to ensure a seamless transition during a transfer. Many of our clients transfer to the Kadlec Hospital midwives during labor to continue their best chance for a vaginal delivery with the fewest interventions. If you prefer Trios or other local hospitals, or if Kadlec is full, we have experience making transfers to other hospitals, and our clients have done well in those cases as well.
Because of our proximity to Kadlec Hospital, we have developed strong relationships with their midwives and have confidence in the continued care they offer our clients. Should an unlikely emergency arise, where time is of the essence, we can transfer a client quickly to the operating room and into the excellent care of the hospital’s medical providers.
Our team will communicate directly with the hospital staff to provide them with essential information about your care and preferences, ensuring continuity of care and a smooth transition for you and your baby.
Preparing for the Unexpected
While no one can predict their birth story, being prepared for the unexpected can help ease anxieties. Columbia Birth Center is committed to following the best practices in maternity care, and we have the proper safety training, equipment, and supplies should the unexpected occur. In most cases, emergencies are handled right at the birth center. When a transfer to a hospital occurs, our clients usually go on to have a vaginal birth.
You deserve personalized, high-quality care that honors your unique journey to parenthood. While the possibility of a transfer during birth may seem daunting, we want to reassure you that you are in capable hands every step of the way. Our experienced team is committed to supporting you with compassion, respect, and expertise, ensuring the best possible outcomes for you and your baby.
Reach out to us to find out if you’re eligible for care by the midwives at Columbia Birth Center. We’re happy to discuss your questions and schedule a free tour and consultation with you. Let’s discuss all of your concerns and walk you through your next steps.
At Columbia Birth Center, your safety and the safety of your baby are our top priorities. If we discover you’re having a high-risk pregnancy or birth, we will refer you to high-risk providers and specialists to ensure you receive the proper care. This commitment to safety ensures the highest rates of positive maternal outcomes and gives you peace of mind.