How to Choose a Hospital or Birth Center Delivery

Today many more women are choosing to give birth at birthing centers, rather than in a hospital. There are many reasons for this, including more involved care and a more relaxed setting than a hospital.

There are a few things you should consider to determine if a birth center or a hospital birth is right for you.

 

6 Steps to Choose a Hospital or Birth Center Delivery

 

1. Consult your doctor about whether or not a birth center is a viable option for you.

If you or the baby have certain medical conditions, she may recommend that you have a hospital birth.

 

2. Decide ahead of time whether or not you will need an epidural.

You cannot get one at a birth center and may have an unwanted natural birth if you can’t get to the hospital in time. If this is your first birth and you and don’t know what to expect from labor pains, you may want to skip the birth center.

 

3. Determine if you will feel safe at a birth center.

Some women feel more comfortable in a hospital, because they have physicians and nurses at the ready, if there are any complications. Though you can be transferred from the birth center, should complications arise, it will take longer to get the emergency care that you may require.

 

4. Educate yourself about common and unnecessary hospital procedures.

Many women feel “on the clock” during a hospital birth. At a birth center, things are generally more laid back and your body is allowed to set the time frame from the birth.

 

5. Find out if your hospital has a birthing tub.

This is important if you want to give birth underwater. More birth centers offer this option than hospitals.

 

6. Call your insurance company and see if they will cover the birth at a birth center.

 

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