If you’re reading this, congratulations on your upcoming arrival! I’m so excited for you as you embark on this incredible journey. As a mom of three who has delivered two babies at birthing centers and explored home birth options.
I can tell you firsthand that the right questions can make all the difference when planning a birthing experience that’s just right for you.
Currently, I’m in the fourth trimester with my newest little one, and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way about the things I wish I had known to ask.
So, here’s a list of helpful questions for you to consider when choosing a birthing center, along with a bit of my own experience to help guide you. You should decide when to have or ask cheese questions, perhaps when you do a tour.
Asking these questions not only helped me feel more informed but also gave me the confidence to prepare for my birthing experiences.
Let’s dive in!
1) Is this birth center in my insurance network?
In one instance, the birth center I chose was in-network, and in another case, it wasn’t. But even when it was out-of-network, I found the costs to be reasonable.
I made sure to check with the billing department for pre-authorization and got a full breakdown in advance.
Knowing what to expect up front made it easier to plan financially and gave me one less thing to worry about as I prepared for my new baby.
So, if insurance coverage is a concern, definitely ask and explore all your options. It’s good to ask if they also have a flat cost or discount for self pay option.
2. Do you perform ultrasounds and required lab work on-site?
When I went to one birth center, they offered lab work on-site, while the other did not.
Neither center performed ultrasounds, which meant I had to go elsewhere for those. It wasn’t a big deal, but it was helpful to know this ahead of time so I could research local providers who were in-network. Having this information early on allows you to line up your appointments and manage your schedule more efficiently.
3. What is the estimated cost for birth at the center?
I’m big on planning, so I worked with the billing team at both centers to get an idea of the total cost, including prenatal visits, classes, and any extras. At one center, we even discussed the option of a home birth, which was offered at a different price point.
Understanding all the potential costs early on gives you a better picture of what you’re committing to. It’s also helpful to know if payment plans are available, just in case.
4. What’s the transfer process if I need to go to a hospital?
While we all hope for smooth, uncomplicated deliveries, it’s good to have a “just-in-case” plan. Both centers had clear transfer processes in place for when a hospital birth became necessary, either due to a medical need or the family’s preference.
We discussed this plan during our initial consultation, which gave us peace of mind. If this is your first time exploring a birthing center, I definitely recommend having these conversations early on, so you know what to expect if circumstances change.
5. Can multiple people be in the room during the birth?
I’ve experienced different policies depending on the timing of my births. One of our babies arrived during the height of COVID, which
meant visitor restrictions were in place. Another birth was right after the pandemic, so we could have multiple people in the room to support us, which made a huge difference.
Knowing the center’s policy on support persons ahead of time will help you plan your birth experience to be as inclusive and comforting as possible.
6. What are the health outcomes for mothers and babies who deliver here?
Asking about the birth center’s success rates and common outcomes can give you more reassurance.
As a Black woman, maternal and infant health disparities were a concern for me, so I wanted to be sure I was delivering somewhere with positive health outcomes and a solid track record. These conversations also gave me a chance to bring up any specific worries I had.
7. Who will I see on a routine basis? Do the midwives rotate?
It’s good to know the practice’s structure and how appointments are scheduled. At one of the birth centers, I had a primary midwife, but I also met with others in the practice just in case they needed to step in during delivery.
Ask how often you’ll see your midwife, if there will be any rotating staff, and what their intake process looks like. It’s nice to feel like you’re getting consistent care from someone who’s familiar with your pregnancy.
8. Is there ethnic representation among the midwives?
Representation mattered to me as a Black mother, and I wanted to feel seen and supported by the team caring for me.
Both of the birth centers I used had midwives of color, which was very reassuring. I felt that they understood my cultural background and the specific health concerns that can come with it. Ask about the diversity of the staff if that’s important to you.
9. Do you offer other services or have a referral list for complementary care?
The birth centers I chose had extra services like prenatal yoga classes, lactation consulting, and access to a network of complementary providers, such as acupuncturists.
It was so helpful to have all of that information in one place rather than searching on my own. Whether you’re interested in holistic services or specific classes, it’s great to know what’s available.
10. Are there classes included in the prenatal package?
At one birth center, a few classes were required and included in the prenatal care package, such as childbirth preparation and newborn care.
It helped me feel more prepared and confident. You may find that some centers offer these classes as part of their service while others charge separately.
We also did Kopa Birth in person (insurance covered and we used our HAA) and it was great because it also helped prepare for both natural birth and discuss other scenarios. My husband used the handout for all the resources.
11. What type of ongoing support is available during the postpartum period?
Postpartum care is a major part of the journey. From breastfeeding support to postnatal checkups, ask what kind of follow-up care is included.
At both centers, I was given resources for lactation support, which proved to be essential in those first few weeks. Knowing you have a built-in support system makes navigating life with a newborn a little less overwhelming.
I hope these questions help you as you explore birth center options. If you’re feeling unsure or have more to ask, don’t hesitate to drop a comment below.
I’m more than happy to share more of my experiences and insights to help you along the way. You’ve got this, and remember, no question is too small when it comes to preparing for the birth of your little one!
Also check out for more birth center resources from birth centers.org! For great pregnancy books and Omega – 3 check out the post.
Love and happy pregnancy,🤎🙏🏾