Digital Book Discontinued Birth Choices v1.1 | Page 16

Birth Location Options
Your birth location can have a significant impact on your birth experience. Choose a place that makes
you feel comfortable, supports your goals, and has the options available that you prefer. For steps and
questions to help you choose, see page 19.
Hospital
• Just as care providers can have different
philosophies, many hospitals vary in their
common practices, policies, and amenities.
• Hospitals have advanced medical equipment,
medications, and expertise nearby in the event
of an emergency; however, interventions are
more common than in out-of-hospital settings.
Freestanding Birth Center
• A freestanding birth center may be an option
for low-risk mothers who are looking for
alternatives to giving birth at home or at a
hospital. Birth centers are typically staffed by
midwives, nurse-midwives, and registered
nurses. Some also have doctors on staff.
Birth centers have all the necessary medical
equipment and supplies for low-risk births.
• Birth centers are most appropriate for those
committed to unmedicated birth, as there may
be no pain medications available.
A birth center inside a hospital differs from a
freestanding birth center. Hospital birth centers are
typically room suites within a hospital that offer a
more comfortable environment, including birthing
or jetted tubs and other amenities, but may still
include the usual hospital practices and policies.
Home
• Home birth may be an option for low-risk
women who want to be in their own space.
• The primary advantage to home birth is
being in a familiar environment without any
restrictions or intrusions.
• Access to medical interventions or emergency
care may be delayed. In some areas, finding a
qualified care provider for a home birth may
be difficult.
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Step 2: Know Your Options and Preferences