Birth center vs homebirth

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wanted to address nuchal cords, since the general perception is that a cord around the neck equals C-section:

1 in 4 babies are born with the umbilical cord around the neck. It is a common obstetric condition and is not harmful in the majority of cases.

Am J of Obstetrics & Gynecology: "Antenatal nuchal cords usually occur randomly with increased frequency in late gestation and appear to be a normal part of intrauterine life that is rarely associated with perinatal morbidity and mortality."

Kudos to you for speaking the truth. Thank you so much.
If I had my baby in the hospital, he would have been sectioned.
We were at home with amazing midwives!
We had MD back-up, if needed.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP -

I chose a birth center because
-- I lived in a condo and my neighbors would have been able to hear me (or see me if I walked around outside), and I thought that would inhibit me.
-- although I know homebirth midwives and their assistants do a fabulous job of cleaning up, and every homebirth mom I've talked to has not had to do a bit of cleaning up, I thought I might feel inhibited about "messing up" my own property. I wanted to go somewhere I could make a mess on someone else's stuff and not worry about it.
-- the birth center somehow felt safer, although I had researched it thoroughly and rationally I know homebirth is as safe.
-- for some reason, I wanted to GO somewhere to have the baby, and then come home. I have no idea why... maybe the cultural expectations of going to a hospital? Dunno.
-- insurance covered my birth center birth 100% and did not offer any homebirth coverage.

Having had a wonderful experience with my birth center birth, I would happily have a home birth next time, but I will probably have another birth center birth because (1) of the insurance issue and (2) my husband is still nervous about homebirth.

Good luck to you! Hope it's a wonderful experience, whatever you choose.

[Anonymous]

For those who delivered at a birth center, did anyone go to Birth Care in Alexandria?

I am considering them for my second birth. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

I am a PP who did a birth center birth with Birth Care. I loved it, and would (will) go back for any additional children we may have. Great midwives, very supportive and empowering environment, made me feel safe mentally, physically and with their level of skill and plans for normal birth at the birthcenter, back-up plans, in case of emergencies, etc.

If you are seriously interested in BC, I would suggest getting on their list as soon as you can. They had a 25 birth maximum when I gave birth a year ago, and I know that they waitlist can get long. There's a yahoo group of current and former BC clients if you are interested that may aid you in making a decision.

[Anonymous]

Another PP who had a Birthcare birth and has another one planned for June...can't say enough about how FABULOUS my experience was. I'm sure they'd be happy to have you come tour the center and ask questions...in fact I believe they might have a monthy introductory class. Give them a call!

[Anonymous]

Just a note to those whose insurance won't cover homebirths... my insurance technically wouldn't cover a homebirth, either. But as long as you don't call it a homebirth, how will they ever know? My midwives billed the same way an OB/GYN would bill (i.e., they billed in a lump sum for "delivery and birth") and since they are certified in Washington, DC, the insurance paid up, no problem. Nobody ever inquired as to which hospital we were at. The only clue it was a home birth and not a hospital birth was the cost: $3,900 as opposed to $27,000.

Birthing at home was absolutely wonderful, btw, and I was so, so grateful to be able to do so. I was cooking, talking on the phone with my friends, eating and drinking whatever what I wanted, joking with my husband. I wouldn't do it any other way.

If you do choose a birth center, though, I've heard excellent things about the DC Birth Center, as well as Birth Care.

[Anonymous]

I am the poster who inquired about Birth Care--thanks for the responses! I am not yet pregnant with number two, but hope to be in the near future. I had a natural birth at Alexandria Hospital but am really considering the birth center option if we are blessed enough to have a second. How do I join the listserv that was mentioned? I do think I will look into a tour.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am the poster who inquired about Birth Care--thanks for the responses! I am not yet pregnant with number two, but hope to be in the near future. I had a natural birth at Alexandria Hospital but am really considering the birth center option if we are blessed enough to have a second. How do I join the listserv that was mentioned? I do think I will look into a tour.

Here's the link for the yahoo group:

http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/Birth-Care/?v=1&t=search&ch=web&pub=groups&sec=group&slk=1

I think you have to request to be in the group (it's not an open group) but those who are looking into BC are welcome to join as well as those who are current/past clients!