Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What if I'm at the birth center, and something goes wrong?

A: The vast majority of transfers to the hospital from the birth center are for non-emergency reasons such as stalled labor or thick meconium-stained fluid.  In fact fewer than 5 percent of transfers are considered emergency.  The majority of the time, the client is transported to the hospital in her own private automobile.  The midwives at MWHC have hospital privileges and are able to accompany you to the hospital and deliver your baby there. We are 1.5 miles from Providence and approximately 6 minutes from door to door.

Q: Are drugs available for pain relief?

A:  The birth center is for low risk women who plan on not having pharmaceutical relief for labor.  Epidurals and IV pain medications are only given at the hospital.  The techniques for pain relief utilized at the birth center are hydrotherapy (shower and tub), massage, verbal encouragement, frequent position changes, freedom of movement, ice and heat, and sterile water papules for back labor.

Q: How do you monitor the baby during labor?

A:  We only use a Doppler to listen to your baby's heartbeat during labor, similar to the Doppler used in the office during visits.  All the research has concluded that monitoring with a Doppler intermittently produces at least as good an outcome as monitoring the fetus continuously-and with far fewer cesarean sections!  The frequency with which we listen is according to nationally accepted guidelines. 

Q: How many people can come to my birth, and am I free to videotape?

A:  You may invite whomever you feel will be of help to you during your labor and birth.  Children are welcome and encouraged.  You may videotape and take whatever photos you desire.

Q: How do you decide if I'm low risk during pregnancy and labor?

A:  Our birth center has been nationally accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers since we opened our doors in 2002.  This means we have been thoroughly inspected and have written policies that guide us in providing only the safest care for families.  We screen carefully throughout pregnancy and labor and take anyone who is not low risk to the hospital for the safest experience.  Our reputation in the community is outstanding because we don't take unnecessary risks with you and your baby's health. 

Q: Does my pediatrician come to the birth center to examine the baby?

A:  Your midwife will usually perform the baby's first physical exam.  If she detects any problems she will contact your pediatrician and will arrange for you to be seen as soon as possible. Generally things are completely normal and the midwife will be the one to examine the baby again the second day at your home visit.  You are encouraged to take the baby to the pediatrician or other pre-arranged care provider on the third or fourth day.  The midwives send your care provider all pertinent information including a copy of the exam, apgar scores, blood type if indicated and newborn screening results.

Q: Are water births safe? Do babies breathe underwater?

A: Women have had water births for many years in Europe and more recently in large hospitals in the United States. Based on the current research, looking at thousands of water births, there doesn't appear to be any increased risk for the baby. Babies are stimulated to breathe when exposed to temperature changes and room air. At Geneva Woods Birth Center we lift the baby out of the water and place him/her on mom's tummy immediately after the birth. In addition to bringing the baby up quickly which stimulates the first breath, the cord is still pulsing and providing oxygen to the baby for approximately 5-10 minutes after birth until the placenta separates from the uterine wall. The only problem reported in the literature are births in which the baby was left underwater for a prolonged period of time after the birth. We also monitor your baby's heart rate with the underwater doppler to make sure the baby is not stressed throughout the pushing stage.