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?
• Will insurance cover birth center/home birth?
• What pain relief methods are available?
• What about prenatal education, breastfeeding and the like?
• What is water birth?

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. 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.

Will insurance cover birth center/home birth?

Most insurance companies cover services provided by licensed midwives and birth centers. We accept payment from most hospital plans. 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.

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.