Essay On Birthing Centers

When a woman becomes pregnant it is essential for her to start thinking about where and how her baby will be delivered. The sterile and presumably safe location of a hospital is the most common option women choose for their delivery. Many women also choose to give birth in the comfortable and relaxing environment of their own home. However, a growing number of women choose to give birth in a birthing center which provides professional assistance while still providing many of the comforts of home. Pregnant women should give birth in a birthing center because they offer a relaxed home-like environment, a variety of birthing options, and a supportive medically trained staff. Birthing centers offer a home-like environment that helps make the pregnant woman and her family feel relaxed and comfortable. Most birthing centers offer the expecting mother private rooms decorated in a neutral supportive manner. In contrast to what is offered at a hospital women have the option to lie in bed, sit in a recliner or chair, or get up and move around. Also, while at a birthing center the expecting …show more content…
The midwives at birthing centers are certified to assist a woman and her family through the birthing process. In Jon Marshall’s article, “Midwives Are a Good Choice For Some Women,” he states that, “Most midwives are medical professionals with varying amounts of formal training.” (Marshall p. 2-3) Marshall, who is a lecturer at Northwestern University, then list some levels of training a midwife can achieve including, certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), certified midwife (CM), and certified professional midwives (CPMs). In addition to being highly trained in giving birth, midwives also provide emotional support for the mother during labor and offer breast feeding and other instruction when the new baby is ready to go