Great question!
Birth centers have been shown to be safe, satisfying places for women to receive health care and to give birth. Both the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Medical Association agree that accredited, freestanding birth centers are safe places to give birth. Studies in many respected journals have shown the benefits to women and babies that birth centers have to offer.
A birth center is not just a mini-hospital. A free-standing, accredited birth center operates according to the midwifery model of care. This model focuses on education, hands-on care, minimal intervention in normal birth, and appropriate referral to specialized care if needed. Birth centers are designed to feel like home, and to recognize the woman as the expert in her own health and birth.
Birth centers save money. Whether clients pay out of pocket or through insurance or government assistance, birth center care is more cost-effective than standard hospital birth. There is currently a bill in congress to insure that birth centers get paid for services they provide to medicaid recipients. The congressional budget office says that if the bill is passed, birth centers will save the government over $47 million dollars! And that is only for medicaid.
Last but certainly not least, Saint Louis families want a birth center! A large community survey performed in 2008 revealed overwhelming support for and interest in a birth center in our area. Families are just waiting for the opportunity to experience the care that can only be found in a birth center.
Check out our research and articles or contact us for more information. We'd be happy to answer any questions you have.