Frequently Asked Questions

• Why choose a midwife?
• What’s the difference between hospital and out-of-hospital birth?
• How long is the stay at the birth center after giving birth?
• Is out-of-hospital delivery safe?
• What if I have an emergency?
• What pain relief methods are available?
• When do I begin my care at Gentle Choices?
• What about prenatal education, breastfeeding and the like?
• What is water birth?
• Will I have to see a doctor during my pregnancy?
• Do you have a doctor on staff?
• Who will do the newborn exam?
• Does insurance cover your services?
• How much does it cost to have a baby at the birth center?
• Who can I have present when I give birth?
• Am I allowed to have anything to eat or drink during labor?
• Do you provide meals?

Why choose a midwife?

The facts show that infant/maternal mortality rates are lower in the developed countries where midwives normally deliver most of the low-risk population than the infant/maternal mortality rates in the United States. Apparently, the lower cost and thorough care provided by midwives – without the unnecessary intervention – works. Back to top.

What’s the difference between hospital and out-of-hospital birth?

As this website explains, there is a marked difference. Traditionally, hospitals create policies to care for those who are sick, while birth centers design programs for healthy pregnant women. At birth centers, women are encouraged to move around freely during labor; they can eat and drink, wear their own clothing, bring family and friends if they want and record their birth if they wish. Babies are never separated from parents, and the postpartum stay is usually shorter than one in a hospital. Also, women and their families are free to design their own birth experience, which is why the rate of satisfaction is usually much higher at a birth center. Back to top.

How long is the stay at the birth center after giving birth?

The birth center is an outpatient facility, and mothers usually stay six to eight hours after the birth. During this time, the postpartal caregiver looks after the mother and baby and provides detailed instruction and support. (Our mothers usually feel great after the birth of the baby because they are not medicated and are fully alert, and many times they are ready to go home within a couple of hours of giving birth.) Postpartal check-ups at Gentle Choices are more frequent than in a hospital. Within a day of your delivery, you will be contacted by phone. Follow-up visits at three weeks and six weeks will also be scheduled. Back to top.

Is out-of-hospital delivery safe?

Studies show that having your baby out of hospital will not increase the risk to you and your baby. Midwives are trained professionals. Birth centers are well equipped to handle unexpected situations. Oxygen, IVs, resuscitation equipment, medications and other emergency equipment are available at Gentle Choices. And should an emergency arise, efficient and effective policies for transfer to a hospital are in place. Safety is always our first concern at Gentle Choices. Back to top.

What if I have an emergency?

Our staff is skilled in emergency situations. Our midwives maintain CPR certification for adults as well as infants. We have complete emergency equipment here in the facility; we have oxygen and resuscitation equipment; we keep anti-hemorrhage medications; and we have IV fluids in case someone becomes dehydrated or medications need to be administered. We are also within 5 minutes from Lafayette General Hospital if a patient needs to be transported. Back to top.

What pain relief methods are available?

All freestanding birth centers promote natural child birth; anesthesia such as an epidural is not safe to use out of hospital. With education and support, a natural child birth is very attainable – and empowering. Being able to move and change positions and use water (hydrotherapy) during labor are some of the most effective means of pain management for natural labor. At Gentle Choices, we feel this is the safest way to labor for you and your baby. You never need to worry about drug interactions or effects on the baby. Back to top.

When do I begin my care at Gentle Choices?

Usually at about 8 weeks into your pregnancy. Once you have had your initial exam with a physician, you begin coming in to the birth center for your appointments. We follow the same schedule a physician follows. You come in once a month until you are about 28 weeks pregnant, then at 28 weeks you come every two weeks until about 36 weeks, then you come in once a week until the baby is delivered. Of course you can come in more often is needed, or if a problem arises. Back to top.

What about prenatal education, breastfeeding and the like?

We provide ongoing prenatal education, breastfeeding information and well baby instruction at Gentle Choices. We will also provide a list of child birth educators for those women desiring a Bradley or Lamaze childbirth education series. Back to top.

What is water birth?

Water birth takes place when the mother births her baby while immersed in water. The thinking is that the transition for the baby, coming from a warm water environment, is easier while being born into water. The baby is immediately brought onto the mother’s chest. There are no known risks to mother or baby having water birth, and most mothers will say it is easier to labor/birth in the water. Also, in place of an epidural, mothers can enjoy an “aquadural” in the birthing tub in the comfort of their own suite if they wish. Back to top.

Will I have to see a doctor during my pregnancy?

Yes, our Louisiana Licensure requires that you see a physician twice during the pregnancy, initially to determine that you are considered “low risk” and a good candidate for an out-of-hospital birth. And then once again at about 36 weeks to ensure that you are still “low risk” and that no problems have surfaced that might cause you to no longer be a candidate for natural childbirth. Back to top.

Do you have a doctor on staff?

No. However, we do have an obstetrician back-up and a pediatric physician with whom to consult at all times. Back to top.

Who will do the newborn exam?

Our midwives are trained and skilled to do the initial newborn exams. The baby will be examined, APGAR scores will be done, and a cord blood will be drawn once the cord is clamped and cut. The blood will then be sent to the lab. We do require that the infant be taken to see a physician within 72 hours after birth. We will forward a pediatric referral form as well as the cord blood results to a physician of your choice. Back to top.

Does insurance cover your services?

Most insurance plans do cover the birth center. The only company that absolutely will not cover the birth center is Blue Cross Blue Shield. We are not “in network” with any insurance companies; however, we try to work with you so that your out-of-pocket costs are very close to what they would be if we were in network. Back to top.

How much does it cost to have a baby at the birth center?

You will find our fees to be very reasonable, and much lower than that of a hospital and a physician. Please call, or come in and sit down with us to go over the fees and any discounts offered. Back to top.

Who can I have present when I give birth?

You can have any one at your birthing who will be supportive of your choice to have your baby at a birth center. However, we have found that sometimes too many people in the birth center during the labor causes “performance anxiety” for our mothers. We find it is better to have only your partner and maybe one other person, perhaps your mother or sister, or possibly a doula to help you along in labor. Once the baby is here, by all means be sure to call the loved ones! Back to top.

Am I allowed to have anything to eat or drink during labor?

Yes! We want you to stay hydrated in labor, and we want you to eat to maintain your strength during labor. Back to top.

Do you provide meals?

No. We do have soups, teas, juice, bottled water and Gatorade available for our patients. However, you are allowed to bring anything you want to eat or drink during labor, and we have a refrigerator to keep things cold. There are also many great restaurants in the neighborhood, and you can pick up food or have someone bring food in if you like. Many of our patients pack a small ice chest with their favorite things – or things mom feels she may want to have in labor Back to top.