- Free-standing birth centers (not part of a hospital) offer a safe and acceptable alternative place for healthy pregnant women to labor and have births.
- ØBirth centers have a proven track record of safety with midwife care in a comfortable home like environment.
- Results from National Birth Center Study, demonstrated that birth centers have a reduced C-section rate of 4.4% (note: c-sections not performed at birth center, this rate considers transfers to a hospital requiring a c-section).
- Reduced intrapartum and neonatal mortality rate of 1.3 per 1000 births.
- Low neonatal mortality rate of 0.8/1000 births and 2.3 per 1000 if after 42 weeks pregnancy.
ØClients overall satisfaction rate of care in all birth centers rated at 98.8%
- ØBirth centers are cost effective and affordable for patients.
- ØBirth centers provide a full range of family care services from well woman care, pregnancy, postpartum, and newborn care.
sources: AABC, 2010; Rooks, et al. 1989
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| Juneau Family Health and Birth Center |
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| South Coast Midwifery and Women's Health |
