Why choose to give birth at a Birth center?

There are many reasons families choose to deliver in a Birth Center. Some wish to have the option to labor and potentially give birth in water. Others appreciate a home-like setting that is private and safe. In addition, they are typically healthy and wish to avoid routine hospital interventions or non-evidenced based practices such as being confined to a bed, not being allowed to eat or drink in labor, continuous electronic fetal monitoring, routine IV fluids, non-medically indicated (pitocin) induction, episiotomy and other common birth interventions. There may be more personal reasons that are sometimes given. For example, one of our midwives, Caroline, chose to give birth with a Midwife because she desired a natural or “physiologic” birth and wanted to avoid an unnecessary caesarean section. Families that choose to birth in the Birth Center tend to view pregnancy and birth as a natural process, not an illness, and therefore feel that the hospital or the “medical” model may not be the appropriate approach to childbirth. Others wish for a more family-oriented experience. What are your reasons? For more information email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

Is delivering at birth center really a safe option?

This is a question that can only be answered by the birthing parents.  We can tell you that we believe it is safe for a low risk, healthy pregnancy and that research supports this belief. One study can be found here: National Birth Center Study II. However no birth is without some risk, regardless of location. Most people that choose to birth at the Birth Center have chosen this option after extensive research and feel that the small risk of a serious complication is preferable to the high rate of unnecessary interventions in a hospital setting (including the 33% national caesarean section rate, 45% at some local hospitals). 

What happens if something goes wrong?

We do not take complications lightly and safety is always the priority for birthing parent and baby. We are licensed by the California Medical Board and are well trained to deal with complications, as well as to transfer to a physician or hospital as needed. Our midwives are trained to continuously assess for risk status and quickly address any changes from low risk. We will not hesitate to transfer care to a hospital or physician appropriately in the event that a high-risk situation occurs. Let’s discuss what these circumstances might be. Email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

What emergency procedures can you perform?

Our birth center is equipped with anti-hemorrhage medications and equipment to provide full resuscitation with CPAP for infants with more serious respiratory complications. Midwives are qualified to attend the birth of a normal, low risk pregnancy and manage complications if they arise. If complications arise that necessitate hospital care, we stabilize and initiate transport to the hospital. Let’s discuss what these circumstances might be and more detail about these questions. Reach out to us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

What happens in the event of hospital transport?

In the case of an emergent hospital transport, a midwife will likely accompany you during the transfer in the ambulance or via private car for safety reasons. Even though most of our clients do not need to go to the hospital, we recommend all of our clients have a transport birth plan. If a transfer of care is necessary (as in high blood pressure or other high-risk health concerns develop), this will allow a smooth transition. In addition, our midwives will facilitate the transfer of care to the hospital by sending your medical records and giving a verbal report to the receiving care providers. For more information email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

When is birth center delivery not a good option?

Birth Center delivery is not a good option for a person with preexisting disease or condition making pregnancy and birth high-risk.  Some examples are people with pre-existing diabetes, certain types of heart conditions, uncontrolled thyroid problems or hypertension. Being over 35 years of age is NOT a risk factor for pregnancy and birth if that person is in good health overall.

We spend a great deal of time with our clients working preventatively using nutrition, supplements, and non-allopathic remedies, to keep a pregnancy healthy and low-risk. However, occasionally, a pregnancy may begin as low-risk and develop a complication that becomes high-risk (such as preeclampsia). In those instances, the care of the pregnancy must be transferred to an physician and Birth Center birth is no longer a good option.  We will continue to provide concurrent care and support, however the primary medical care is taken over by the physician and the birth will take place in the hospital. Let’s discuss what these circumstances might be and any questions you may have. Reach out at info@montereybirthcenter.com.

How does prenatal and postpartum care differ from care with a Physician?

Our midwives spend between 45-60 minutes with you at each prenatal appointment with very little waiting time. We take your blood pressure, listen to the baby’s heart, screen for abnormal symptoms, and measure the fundal height. Later in the pregnancy, we also feel your uterus to determine the position of the baby and we can verify this with an ultrasound if needed. Most of the hour is spent discussing general health, diet, exercise, pregnancy, including psycho-social issues, and answering any questions. Upcoming testing or screenings are discussed prior to your appointment and with every decision, we offer full informed consent. We trust that you will make the best decision for your family and your baby. Postpartum care is usually 4 visits spanning the 6 week pospartum period.  Additional visits are available upon request, including visits just for lactation support. For more information email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

How much does it cost to deliver at the Birth Center? Do you accept insurance?

Yes, we accept insurance and are in-network for most major insurance companies, visit our Connect Page and click “Get an Insurance Quote”. The cost of delivery at the birth center depends on many factors including if we are in or out of network for your insurance and what your individual policies mandate. You can also call the office for an estimate based on your situation. Email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

What is nitrous oxide? Is it safe to use during my labor?

Nitrous oxide is a tasteless, odorless gas which can be used to provide some degree of pain relief during labor, delivery, or postpartum procedures (such as suturing). Those who use nitrous oxide in labor are fully awake, aware of their surroundings and able to respond rationally to questions and directions. Nitrous oxide typically causes a state of relaxation and a reduction of anxiety. It can offer some degree of pain relief, though absolute relief cannot be guaranteed. Nitrous oxide is self-administered by inhalation through a mask. It has been shown to be safe in labor (it has been used in the UK for decades), has not been shown to affect labor patterns, impact the strength of contractions, or caused depressed respirations (breathing problems) in babies after birth. It is available for use in our Birth Center. For more information email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

Who attends the birth?

Our midwives work as a team providing care throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. There will always be 2-3 qualified birth attendants on call at any given time. Email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com or book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

When can I arrive and how long can I stay at The Birth Center?

Typically, we are in communication prior to active labor for check-ins, encouragement and assessment. You will arrive at the birth center in or near active labor. There are no arbitrary time limits on active labor as long as everyone is healthy and labor progress is normal. After the birth, the new family will bond, feed and rest in our comfortable full sized bed. We will perform a full newborn examination and any other newborn procedures a few hours after birth to preserve the “Golden Hour”. Most will typically stay between 4 to 6 hours util they are stable, walking, and lactation has been established. 

What is the schedule for prenatal and postpartum visits?

Our appointments are 45-60 minutes in length and done at our office. We see families once a month through 28 weeks gestation, every two weeks from 28 to 36 weeks, and every week from 36 weeks till you give birth. Postpartum visits are generally done at 24-48 hours, 5-10 days, 2-4 weeks and 6 week check in the office.

What happens if I want pain medication?

Many first-time parents are concerned about their ability to "handle the pain". Normal physiological labor also comes with a natural hormone cocktail that allows the pain of labor to be manageable for most birthing people. We also find that childbirth education allows the couple to develop supportive coping techniques to assist in the management of labor. We will offer natural, non-drug alternatives (such as a birth tub, and movement in labor) along with love and encouragement. If you are choosing to give birth in our Birth Center, you have the use of our nitrous oxide as well. Nitrous oxide is a tasteless, odorless gas which can be used to provide some degree of pain relief during labor, delivery or postpartum (such as suturing). It is safe and has not been shown to affect labor patterns, impact the strength of contractions, or cause depressed respirations in babies after birth. In the rare case, that these tools are not effective and the birthing person wishes to have pain medication, we will transport to the hospital. Email us with questions at info@montereybirthcenter.com.

Can I still have a doula attend my birth?

Yes, a doula is a wonderful addition to a Birth Center birth.  Some families hire a doula for support in early labor and for the consistent physical and emotional support throughout the entire labor. While we will offer emotional support in labor, we are also listening to the baby, charting, monitoring your vital signs, or preparing for the birth. There are doulas in the area that sometimes offer discounts to out-of-hospital birth parents. Please email us at info@montereybirthcenter.com if you would like a doula and need more information. 

What happens if two clients are in labor at the same time?

It is rare that two clients are in labor at the same time. However, with a practice of 3-4 midwives, we are able to care for both families concurrently. We can also call another midwife in the area to assist us if need be. You will spend time prenatally with all of our midwives and we strive to ensure each birthing family is attended by at least one midwife they knows. Most clients will have two midwives from our practice at their birth. In addition, we limit the number of clients we care for each month (typically 8-12 families per month).

Do I still need to see an OB/GYN at all during my pregnancy?

It is not necessary to see an OB during your pregnancy, as we are the primary care provider for your low-risk pregnancy. If a complication arises during prenatal care, we will consult and/or refer you to an OB.  Most clients do not continue or seek care with an OB once they have hired a midwife.

What medical supplies does the Birth Center have?

We have medical and emergency equipment such as a Doppler to monitor the baby’s heart rate, Non Stress Test Machine, ultrasound, oxygen, neonatal resuscitation equipment, medication, anti-hemorrhage drugs, antibiotics, sutures and anesthetic to repair a tear, newborn supplies,  IV supplies, nitrous oxide, urinary catheters,  and much more. We also have birth stools, a rebozo, essential oils, and other ways to support the birthing person. We specialize in water birth and provide you with a full-size, two person professional birthing pool. Check out our amazing Birth Center for yourself. Book at free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.

There are multiple midwives in the area. How do I go about choosing which one to use?

The Wifeys currently own and operate the only Birth Center in Monterey and the immediate surrounding area. If you wish to birth here, we are happy to be able to support you. However, we do believe that birth is a very intimate event and you will be spending many hours with your healthcare providers during prenatal visits, the birth, and postpartum visits. Many midwives offer similar services and have similar philosophies, but we do differ from one another. Ask lots of questions and choose midwives you think you can work well with as a team. Ultimately, you should really like your midwives, as it is it’s a very different relationship than you may be used to having with other healthcare providers. We end up spending a lot of time together (30-40 hours total) during some of your most intense moments! Come meet us and see if we are the team for you. Book a free tour of our Birth Center 24/7.