If you’re expecting, you have most likely thought about where you will deliver your baby. Are you considering a birth center in New Jersey? The majority of pregnant women will deliver at a hospital, but you have probably heard of some women choosing a home birth as well. Each of these locations have their pros and cons, but if neither seem like the best fit for you, you could also consider a birth center. This is a nice middle ground between the two.
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What is a birth center?
A birth center is a facility that is attended by medical professionals but is more comfortable and homelike than a hospital. They can be attached to a hospital sometimes, but often they are separate. Instead of an OB-GYN, your labor and delivery will be attended by a midwife. Birth centers are a good option for those who are looking for a more natural or unmedicated birth experience, but want more safety assurance than a home birth.
What are the pros and cons of delivering at a birth center?
Pros
- More comfy: A birth center delivery room, like I mentioned earlier, is much more comfortable than a hospital room and more closely resembles a bedroom. This atmosphere is desirable for those who are looking for a more relaxed labor.
- More natural: Birth centers follow the midwifery care model, which views labor and delivery as a natural physiological process that shouldn’t require a lot of the medical interventions that are often used in hospitals. They also rely on pain control options such as hydrotherapy, massage, or nitrous oxide rather than epidurals.
- Quicker recovery: Because birth centers use less medications and medical interventions than hospitals, women often recover from childbirth a bit faster.
- Higher satisfaction rates: Birth centers have been found to have better maternal outcomes than hospitals, and women report feeling much more empowered during labor and delivery because they have more control over the process.
Cons
- No epidural option: A lot of women choose a birth center because they want an unmedicated birth to begin with, and birth centers offer a lot of great alternatives to pain management besides an epidural. However, if you were to decide during labor that you want an epidural, it wouldn’t be an option unless you transfer to a hospital.
- Might not be covered by insurance: Your birth center in New Jersey might not be covered by your insurance. You would need to check your specific plan and verify with the center about your benefits.
- Only service low-risk, singleton pregnancies: If you have any pregnancy complications, are considered high-risk, or are expecting multiples, you unfortunately will not be able to deliver at a birth center.
How do I choose a birth center in New Jersey?
When choosing a birth center in New Jersey, here are some things you should consider. Set up a tour at the center and ask lots of questions before making your decision!
- Safety: Find out what their safety procedures are and if they are able to handle any medical emergencies, for both you and baby. If something goes wrong, ask about how hospital transfer would work.
- Providers: If your current OB doesn’t have privileges at the birth center you’re interested in, you’ll have to switch to someone who does. Make sure it’s someone that you trust and feel comfortable with.
- Accreditation: You can use the CABC website to find a birth center in New Jersey that is accredited. This ensures that the center follows certain standards of quality assurance.
- Insurance: As I mentioned above, not all insurance plans cover birth centers, so check with the center and your plan to verify expected cost.
- Location: The number of birth centers are limited, so keep in mind the distance from your home or come up with a plan for how you will be close by the center around your due date. You won’t want to be driving several hours while in labor!
I know the amount of decision-making during pregnancy can be overwhelming. If you’re considering a birth center in New Jersey, I hope this list helps you find the best option for a safe and smooth delivery. Good luck!
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