One thing I get a lot of comments on is the diversity of my birth locations. After this birth I will have delivered all 4 of my children at 4 completely different kinds of facilities.
1. A very naturalistic birth center that was pretty much just an old house staffed exclusively with midwives.
2. My house in my bath tub
3. A hospital with a midwife
4. A birth center within a hospital
So they are the same in that they all include midwives, but they are all also very different.
I never set out to be all over the map on this decision, but we have literally lived all over the map, and different states have different laws/options. If I lived in Dallas I would be having midwife Amy Allred every time hands down, because she is incredible. That was an intentional name drop for anyone looking for a midwife in the DFW area.
Amy and I at my baby shower for SJ
However, since I can’t have Amy fly out to Ohio for this birth I am still extremely happy with the place I have found. It’s called Family Beginnings Birthing Center.
Excuse the photo quality. I just took a quick snapshot of a brochure with my iPhone.
There is nothing else like it in the states of Ohio and I have to drive nearly an hour to get there, but it’s going to be totally worth it!*
It’s inside of a hospital so they are equipped to do anything that you would have at a hospital birth (including newborn hearing screenings and you guys know why that is important for us). But they are also 100% geared toward natural birth. Here is a little excerpt from their website so that I can brag about just how amazing this place is!
- “We encourage you to share the experience of birth with any family and friends you choose.
- Our nurses are dedicated to the natural childbirth process and are experienced in natural childbirth labor support. They assist, support and guide the family using natural childbirth tools. You may choose movement, aromatherapy, music, positioning, labor tools, and water therapy to cope with labor and birth. Nurses encourage you to use positions for delivery that feel right to you. Each room is equipped with a large Jacuzzi® tub.
- We encourage your family to make choices about nursing support during labor and birth. For postpartum care, Family Beginnings has 24-hour rooming-in with no separation of the family unit unless complications arise.
- We believe childbirth is a natural process and a spiritual journey for you and your family. We empower your family to make choices and support you in bringing your baby into the world.”
For the record I do not push my birth philosophies on anyone! For me though, this is EXACTLY what I want for my final labor and delivery. The only thing I don’t like is that I won’t know which midwife I will have at the birth. There are 5 and so far I have met 2 (and been very happy with both). I will eventually meet all of them and when the time comes to have the baby it just lands on whoever is on call. I can deal with that knowing that each of these midwives are there to support me and my birth plan.
I am so excited about this birth center. Did you read the part about large Jacuzzi tub in each room? And there is a crib too!
I won’t actually tour the birth center until after my next appointment which is in 3 weeks. This is also the appointment where we find out the gender!!! I am getting butterflies already.
So that’s the scoop.
I’m 17 weeks with baby #4, due November 24th, and will be delivering at Family Beginnings Birth Center in Dayton Ohio.
A glimpse of my baby bump and two little goof balls (Z is visiting family in Texas)
*I drove the same distance to get to my midwife in Lexington for Ezie’s birth. I am going to have to be really in tune with my body because I can have quick labors, but since this isn’t my first rodeo I feel comfortable with this location.
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This experience you’re about to have sounds so much better and nicer than both of my hospital experiences! You’re pretty brave for thinking out of the box so to speak. And you were right, this was a fun and happy post to read! Thanks!!
Aww, cute photos. I don’t have kids but this was a very informative read! Thanks for posting
Natalie, such a cute baby bump. I know not every one feels comfortable with natural birth. But I will tell you a secret, I think it is so incredible. I used to love watching “A Baby Story” on TLC and I LOVED when they had natural and/or water births. Fun post to read!
Thanks for letting me in on your secret! I used to LOVE watching a baby story too and yes the natural/water births always intrigued me as well.
I had three kids – one in a US Air Force hospital, and two in the same hospital. IF I was having a baby today? I’d have to try the water delivery – that fascinates me!!! But my womb is closed so I’ll leave it to others to share their experience with me! Love your kiddos..xo
That is so exciting to know where you are going to deliver! I too I have had to deliver at a different place for each of my babies, although they’ve all been hospitals, just due to the fact that we’ve moved or had to change insurances. It’s kind of frustrating but it’s nice to be able to have so much experience with different places and be able to compare and contrast. I love the idea of a birth center in the hospital, which is very similar to what I had last time. I’m hoping my experience this time is just as good, if not better! And can’t wait for you to find out the gender! That’s always so exciting. 🙂
I’m keeping my eye on your pages Justine. I know one of these days you’ll have announcement and I can’t wait to see pictures and hear how it all goes. Here’s to hoping both of our births will be even better than all the others!
You’re too generous, Natalie! I’m flattered by your sweet words. I so loved being your midwife. I wish it was possible to be your midwife again, but I’m sure you’re in great hands there – just make it there in time! 😉 (You still have the record for fastest labor for my clients!)
I’m looking forward to seeing who this new little person is! Blessings!
Finding a place to give birth, especially how you’ve envisioned it, has got to be a big relief! We moved when I was pregnant with my second, and I was so bummed I’d have to find a different OB. I ended having an even better experience than I did my first, though! I love the picture of you and two of your kids! 🙂 They look so excited!
What an awesome place! I wish more areas had that option! My sister is in the hospital as we speak in labor with my niece. 🙂
So adorable!!! And #squee at finding out the gender! So much fun! Praying for you, friend!
I love the photo! Back in the olden days when I had my girls, birthing centers and midwives hadn’t made it to tiny towns in out of the way places. I probably would have chosen one of those, for sure!
I’m glad you have found a place that works for you! It sounds wonderful!!
I love that each of your children have been born at a different location and each has their own, unique beginning! That’s really special, almost like a gift.
Thanks for sharing – I would LOVE to find a place like this in Dallas, but it’s so important for me to be in a hospital. A natural birth center inside the hospital is such an amazing idea. I will have to check out that Midwife you mentioned – it’s so important to have great people surround you during your birth.
Dallas is really natural birth friendly. If you are looking for a doula you could definitely contact Amy and she could give you some great suggestions. I am sure wherever you are delivering you will be in great hands. I lived in Midlothian (just south of Dallas) for 15 years. I miss it so much. I am going to go check out your site right now 🙂