Learn how birth centers handle emergencies from a mom who had 2 different both center experiences.
Drawing from personal experience and insights from my births at two different birth centers in metropolitan areas, this post outlines some things birth centers typically have in place to manage unforeseen situations.
Before I share, let me congratulate you momma on this new journey. I know you have many questions! Always make sure to have these conversations with healthcare providers you trust! 🤎🙏🏾You got this!
Now let’s talk about emergencies!
Birth centers offer a unique alternative to traditional hospital births, focusing on personalized care and a homelike environment. However, one of the most common concerns for new parents is how these facilities handle emergencies.
It’s worth mentioning, one of our requirements was that I had to be low risk (understanding this risk could change overtime is important).
Many birth centers whether they are accredited or not have a criteria for this and will discuss options. The point is they are there to support you and your family throughout the process.
Distance to Hospitals
One of the key factors in how birth centers handle emergencies is their location. Many birth centers are strategically situated close to hospitals, often within a 10 to 20-minute travel distance.
For instance, during my first birth center experience, one facility was directly across the street from a major hospital. This proximity ensures that if complications arise during labor or delivery, a quick transfer to a medical facility is feasible.
Before choosing a birth center, it’s key to inquire about their transfer process and the nearest hospitals. You can ask during your prenatal visits and or during a tour, allowing you to understand the what to do in case of an emergency.
Knowing that there is a well-defined plan in place can provide peace of mind as you prepare for your birthing experience.
Communication with Your Birth Team
Effective communication with your midwives, nurses team is vital when discussing emergency plans.
During my pregnancies, my partner and I had in-depth conversations with our midwives about various scenarios that might require a transfer to a hospital.
These discussions covered potential complications, including prolonged labor, fetal distress, and maternal health concerns.
Your birth center team will help you explore your options and prepare for potential emergencies.
Make sure to ask specific questions about what circumstances would require a transfer and what steps the midwives would take in such situations. The more informed you are, the more confident you’ll feel about your birthing choices.
Support During Transfers
In the event of a transfer to a hospital, the level of support you receive can vary depending on the policies of the birth center. In some cases, midwives may assist you to the hospital, providing continuous care during the transition.
However, at other centers, the staff may not have the capacity to be present during the transfer, which is something worth discussing early on.
At one center we delivered at they explained how they would not be able to join us, while at the other they offered to be present if needed. So double check.
If your midwife cannot be there with you, they will typically provide you with detailed information about your labor and delivery to share with the hospital staff.
This includes your medical history, labor progress, and any interventions that may have been attempted. It is good to know that your birth center team will ensure a smooth handover to the hospital’s medical professionals.
Emergency Preparedness and Education
Birth centers often prioritize emergency preparedness as part of their educational offerings. During prenatal classes, they discuss potential emergency scenarios and how they handle them.
We had prenatal classes included in our care, we also took Kopa Class locally (full day) with our first
This education helps empower parents. It gives them knowledge and tools to help them make informed decisions during labor.
Additionally, most birth centers have established relationships with local hospitals and their medical staff.
So if you had to transfer they would know what to expect. Thankfully this was not our reality but we did have a conversation.
This partnership is beneficial for ensuring that, should a transfer be necessary, the hospital team is familiar with your birth center’s protocols and can provide appropriate care based on your previous experience.
Personal Experience with COVID-19 Considerations
My experience with birth centers during the pandemic added another layer to emergency considerations.
With the evolving guidelines and restrictions, we maintained open lines of communication with our midwives to discuss how any potential transfers would be handled in the context of COVID-19.
Our birth center had specific agreements in place with nearby hospitals, which allowed us to feel supported throughout the process, even in uncertain times.
Final Thoughts and Well Wishes
While the idea of transferring from a birth center to a hospital can be daunting, understanding how these facilities handle emergencies can help alleviate concerns.
Birth centers are designed to provide a safe and supportive environment for childbirth, but they also have well-established protocols to ensure that emergencies are managed effectively.
Always ask questions and share your concerns! We did and got so much out of our experience. It’s normal to be concern but try not to focus on this because it’s all in God’s hands.
By having open discussions with your healthcare team, knowing how far a good hospital is, and understanding the support available during transfers, you can approach your birthing experience with confidence.
Ultimately, preparing for potential emergencies allows you to focus on what matters most: welcoming your new baby into the world.
For more information on midwifery care and the advantages of choosing a birth center, you can check out my Midwife Article and Other Birth Center Articles. Additionally, the Association of Accredited Birth Centers provides valuable resources and guidance for those considering this option.
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Love and blessings!
🤎🙏🏾
What other questions do you have about birth centers? Drop your question or contact us!