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Why Choose to Birth at a Birth Center?

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We know you have options of where you feel is best to have your baby, and we love that you do! You can choose to have your baby at any of our local hospitals with an Ob-Gyn group, at a hospital further away with a midwifery practice, or even at home with a CNM or CPM! The following are just a few reasons why we encourage you to consider having your baby at a birth center- our birth center in particular!

  1. Safety: Our birth center is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers as well as the state of Georgia. Both entities ensure we meet strict requirements ensuring the utmost safety and quality of care. Our midwives who attend your birth are all highly skilled Certified Nurse Midwives. They all hold at least a Master’s of Science Degree in Nursing, have passed a rigorous national exam, and hold  current State RN and CNM licenses. All of our birth assistants are nurses- either LPNs or RNs, and have also passed a national exam and hold a current state license. In addition to this, all of our CNMs and nurses are trained in Basic Life Support as well as Neonatal Resuscitation. Everyone that attends the births are highly trained in obstetric emergencies such as Shoulder Dystocia and Postpartum Hemorrhage. We perform drills every quarter to ensure all skills are up to date. We have emergency medications and equipment should the need arise. In addition to this, we have a wonderful physician group and Neonatal Transport Team that backs us up should the need arise. Last but not least, we have a stellar medical director- Dr. Baker- who is readily available for any support and assistance we may need, even if it’s to simply make a recommendation for plan of care.
  2. Pain Relief: While we do not offer epidurals at the birth center, we do have plenty of options for pain support! Many find getting in the shower or the birth tub to be very beneficial. We do have pain medications we can administer in your muscle or vein if desired when you’re early in labor. We also offer nitrous oxide, or laughing gas. Even simple measures such as massage with the oils we have on hand, heating packs, taking a walk around our garden trail, and position changes, can be extremely helpful. We ensure the environment is calm and supportive to help you cope through each wave. In addition to this, we use intermittent auscultation to ensure your baby is safe so you can move as you please throughout your labor.
  3. Home-Like Environment: We encourage you to make yourself at home when you come in for your birth. This may mean playing your own music, diffusing essential oils of your choice, lighting the flameless candles we have on hand (or more if you bring them), and bringing keepsakes from home to make it a more familiar environment. We want you as comfortable as possible and to feel like you’re within your own home- but no cleanup necessary!
  4. Individualized and Continuity of Care: When you’re here for birth, your midwife and birth assistant are here to provide one-on-one care for you throughout labor. While we may have another mama laboring, you still have our focused attention. No just showing up for the actual birth here (unless you come in ready to have your baby ;-P). One unique thing about our birth center is that our CNMs have privileges at Memorial University Medical Center. This means that should a need for a planned hospital birth or transport in labor arise- your midwife can go with you and continue to manage your labor as long as your situation is still within their scope of practice. Should the rare need for a Cesarean Section arise, your midwife will accompany you and your support person in the OR. You also have the option of having all of your postpartum care with The Midwife Group even if you have a belly birth.
  5. Choices: You’ll hear us say it again and again- we are all about choices at the birth center, within the confines of safety. Here you have to option to have a water birth, or to birth “on land”. You can birth in any position that feels best to you- hands and knees, side lying, on the birth stool, etc. You can feel free to eat and drink as you please (we encourage it!). In addition- you can choose who is at your birth. We want you to feel empowered and in control (as unpredictable as it may be) of your birth! That’s especially why we encourage you to start working on your birth plan early on in your pregnancy, and we review it with you at your 35 week appointment.
  6. Physiologic birth: At the birth center, we are all about undisturbed, physiologic birth. This means high touch, low intervention. That’s why our Cesarean Section Rate for 2016 was at 4% (much lower than the national average of 32%). With safety always always as a priority, we do everything we can to support your body and your baby to have a vaginal birth- and we have many tricks up our sleeve to help you achieve this.

We hope you’ll take these few points about what we offer at our birth center in mind when deciding where is best to have your sweet little one!

Contributor: Kristen Hall, CNM

June 2017

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It’s all snips and snail and puppy dog tails for these two.  Troy and Melinda are celebrating the arrival of yet another baby boy!  Matthew James was born on June 4, 2017 at 8:43am.  He weighed 9lb, 8oz and was 21 inches long.  His big brothers Benjamin and Isaac welcome him with open arms.

It’s a boy, oh boy!  Tim, Katherine, and big brother Wesley welcome their tiniest family member, Joseph Wilder, at 2:57am on June 6, 2017.  He was 20 1/2 inches long and weighed 8lb, 6oz.  Rejoicing in the little man’s arrival along with his parents and brother are grandparents John, Elaine, Wayne and June.

Acacia and Andre are please to announce the birth of their latest little one, Anor LaJuan, born at 6:42am on June 9, 2017.  He was 7lb, 9oz and 21 inches long.  Older siblings waiting at home to welcome him were: An’Tazia, An’Janae, Dre’An, and Dominic.  It’s a full house for Acacia and Andre!  Congrats!

Jackson and Jessi are excited to welcome their little brother Josiah Lleyton!  Ryan and Rhianon celebrated the arrival of their son at the birth center at 3:57pm on June 9, 2017.  He was 8lb, 12oz.  The whole family is waiting to meet him: grandparents Martha, AJ, Kevin, John and Nancy, as well as Aunt Libby, Uncle Tyler and cousins Kara and RJ.

Sawyer Amadeus made his world-side debut on Friday, June 9, 2017 at 10:06pm.  He was 6lb, 6oz and measured 19.5 inches long.  His parents Micah and Jennifer, and siblings Lilian and Raven are ready to shower this little man with lots of love and affection.

On June 19, 2017, Henry and Darlena welcomed their second child, Ava Josie.  She was 6lb, 7oz.  Joining in the celebration of her arrival are big brother Joshua, grandparents Lucia and Oliver, as well as Alivin and Darlene.

Kenosha and Antonio celebrated the arrival of their little lady, Giuliana Marie of June 21, 2017.  Her big brothers Antonio and Giovanni are sure to be her biggest fans and fiercest protectors through life.  Also rejoicing in her arrival are grandparents Lisa, Edna, and Antonio.

Congratulations are in order for these first-time parents!  Shakirah and Ariomar welcomed Jose Alejandro on June 22, 2017.  He weighed 6lb, 9oz and was 19 3/4 inches long.  Jose already has fantastic fashion sense, and left the birth center in quite the dapper ensemble.  Look out, world!

There’s cause for celebration in Alexus and Kenneth’s home!  At 9:30am on June 27, 2017 Ezekiel Milan joined older siblings Carlitos, Taina, and Kenneth on this side of the belly.  He was 8lb, 10oz and measured 21 1/4 inches long.

May 2017

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Mayday! Mayday!  Incoming baby for for Brenton and Amanda!  Brentley Edward was born on May 1, 2017 at 12:15am.  He was 8lb, 11oz and measured 21 inches long.  Celebrating in his arrival are proud grandparents Carl, Diane, Bobby, Mick, and Michelle.  Welcome to parenthood, you two!

It looks like a sweet May flower for Crystal and Joshua.  Joining big sister Serenity world-side on May 1, 2017 at 7:41pm, is Skylar!  Miss Skylar weighed 8lb, 5oz at birth and measured 19 1/2 inches long.  Overjoyed with the arrival of another granddaughter are Laura, Bernard, and Melody.

Announcing Southern Ann, first child to Kathleen and Patrick!  She was born at 9:53am on May 6, 2017.  Southern Ann was 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 6lb, 7oz.  Celebrating the arrival of their granddaughter are Amy, Tom, Ron, and Kristine.  Her many cousins can’t wait until she is old enough to play!

On May 11, 2017 at 6:50pm, Charles and Cheri welcomed their firstborn, Charles into the world.  He was 9lb, 12oz and measured 22 inches long.  Welcome to parenthood, you two.  It’s going to be one wild ride!

Born to parents Melanie and Travis on May 12, 2017 at 11:54am was little AnnabelleLee Beatrice.  She weighed 8lb, 8oz and was 20 inches long.  Joining in the celebration is big brother Grayson, who couldn’t be happier to have a new baby sister.

It’s raining babies at the birth center!  On May 14, 2017 at 11:26 Addeline Marie was born to proud parents Garrett and Andrea.  She weighed 8lb, 7oz and was 19 1/2 inches long.  Congratulations on the birth of your first child.  May you enjoy the many blessings of parenthood.

Macie Marilyn is here at last!  She was welcomed into this big world by her parents Meagan and Mike on May 17, 2017 at 7:58am, weighing 7lb, 13oz and measuring 20 inches long.  Congratulations, guys!  You will make fantastic parents.

Congratulations are in order for Keiuna and Trishshawn, as they welcomed their daughter Trinity Amari at 9:06pm on May 18, 2017.  She was 7lb, 4oz, and 20 inches long.  Older siblings waiting for her at home include: Albany, Taylor, and Tyler.  The proud grandparents are Joyce, Eddie, Antoinette and Timothy.

In the wee hours of May 24, 2017 (3:36am, to be exact!), Kendra and Seven welcomed their wee one, Quest!  He was 8lb, 4oz and 20 inches long.  He was welcomed home by older siblings Kaili and Caleb.

Here comes another early riser!  Jason Mark Jeffrey was born on May 28, 2017 at 4:39am to proud parents Jarquita and Jason.  He was 6lb, 7oz and measured 19.5 inches long.  Celebrating his arrival are older siblings Jonathan, Jalieol, Leilani, and Jamya, as well as grandparents Jeffrey, Andrea, and Cheryl.

Gabriel Di’shun joined Tony and Vanessa’s family on May 29, 2017 aty 11:07am.  He was 20 1/4 inches long and weighed 9lb, 2oz.  Little Tony and Jaslene look forward to years of fun with their new brother.  Grandparents Johanna, Gabriel, Tony, and Betty are overjoyed at the arrival of their newest grandchild.

Nick and Julie are pleased to announce the birth of their second daughter, Darcy Lee!  She was born on May 29, 2017 at 9:40pm.  She weighed 6lb, 10oz and was 20.5 inches long.  Her big sister Peyton can’t wait to teach her the ways of dress-up and tea parties!  Congratulations to proud grandparents KC, Curt, and Teresa and great grandparents Al and Gladys.

Another sweet girl for Kimberly and Dennis!  Joining big sister Sealym is Amberie Haze, born May 30, 2017 at 7:21am.  She was 7lb, 5oz and measured 19 1/2 inches long.  Welcoming this little lady home are Aunt Karen, and grandparents Dennis and Teresa.

April 2017

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Bring on the Spring babies!  Brett and Ashley welcomed Naomi Willa at 3:35am on April 04, 2017.  She was 6lb, 8oz and measured 18 3/4 inches long.  Older siblings Brayden and Scarlett, grandmother Stephanie, and Aunt Jessie all join in the celebration of the newest arrival!

On April 10, 2017 at 12:27am, Phil and Carmeisha welcomed their daughter, Esther.  They were happy to report that she was 7lb, 4oz and measured 13 inches long.  She is welcomed home by big brother, Booker,Grandparent Doreszell, as well as aunts and uncles.

Nahla was born to Shanga and Joy at 12:27am on April 12, 2017.  She weighed 8lb, 6oz and was 20 inches long.  Her arrival is celebrated by big brothers Terry and Lyndon, as well as grandparents Carol, Lula and Isaac.

Jaqueline and Oscar’s family has grown by two feet!  Older siblings Kassandra and Jeffrey were excited to hear the news that their little brother, Jonathan, was born on April 22, 2017 at 4:07pm.  Jonathan was 20 inches long and weighed 8lb, 8oz.

Darla’s got a new brother!  On April 23, 2017, Amy and Marcy welcomed their first son.  He (who is yet to be named!) weighed 8lb, 14oz and was 20 3/4 inches long.  Grandparents David, Kelly, Lynn and Roger can’t wait to meet him!

Gabriel Joseph was born to parents Cody and Shannon at 1:14pm on April 23, 2017.  He weighed 7lb, 6oz and was 20 1/4 inches long.  Welcoming him home are siblings Tucker (6), Sarah-Jade (4), Jacob (1), aunts – Morgan, Jordyn, and Kalie, uncles – Noah and Justin, and grandparents – Bruce, Lane, Rod, and Elaine.  There is no shortage of love for this little guy!

On April 26, 2017 at 7:18pm, Toni and Taylor welcomed their fourth child, Zelie Hase.  She was 8lb,4oz and measured 19 1/2 inches long.  Celebrating her arrival are older siblings Tristan, Ayrabella, and Ensley.  Talk about a full house!

Lori and Tad’s world is full of little girls! On April 28, 2017 at 3:38pm, daughters Allison and Katherine were joined by another little lady, Lily Angela.  Lily was 20 1/2 inches long and weighed 8lb, 12oz.  Also rejoicing with her arrival are grandparents Tony and Angel.

Rachel and Ryan are pleased to announce the birth of their first daughter, Miss Emilia Rose, born at 11:38pm on April 29, 2017.  She was 6lb, 12oz and was 19 inches long.  Overjoyed at the arrival of their granddaughter are Ellen, Glenn, Patti and Ray.  Congratulations!

March 2017

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Extra, extra, read all about it!  Big brother Aidyn is so excited he just wants to shout it!  Nathan and Shannon are proud to announce their son Cameron James‘ arrival on March 02, 2017 at 4:52am.  He was 9lb, 5oz, and measured 21 inches long.  Celebrating the arrival along with the happy couple are Nancy, Henry and Christine.

Kristen and Kerry’s household just got a little bigger.  Little Owen joined his big sister, Wren, world-side at 11:32pm on March 11, 2017.  He was 20 inches long and weighed 8lbs.  Loving grandparents Carol, Steve, Janice, Pat, Carol and Robert rejoice the arrival of their grandson.

Marquise and Kayla were blessed with their first child, Chantz, on March 13, 2017 at 9:48am.  This bundle of joy made his early appearance weighing 7lb, 13oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches.  Grandmothers Rhonda and Veronica can’t wait to shower their new grandson with kisses.

Please welcome Vivian Nicole, born to parents Megan and Joel at March 5, 2017 at 2:50am.  She weighed 8lbs and was 20 1/2 inches long.  Big sister Abigail Michelle, and grandparents Sandee,(the late) Steve, Carolyn, Michael, and Beverly all look forward to making many joyous memories with the new little lady.

Christian and Natasha have added another little one to their ranks of pranksters!  Joining Sale’yah, Rio, Latria, and Christin is little Miss Rian Elaine, who arrived at 7:55pm on March 15, 2017.  She was 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 6lb, 12oz.  Grandparents Susan and Art look forward to seeing the shenanigans this latest addition will bring.

Princess Alayah Marie-Elaine was born to Dale and Tempress of March 15, 2017 at 6:17pm, weighing 8lb, 1 oz and measuring 20 inches long.  This precious bundle was welcomed home by older siblings Trevor, Draven and Kirstyn, as well are grandparents Suzanne, Justin, Sheila and Ron.  Congratulations to the whole family on the newest arrival!

Let this little one have the luck of the Irish on his side!  Here comes Jett Sören, up before the sun at 2:57am on March 17, 2017!  Jett weighed 7lb, 7oz.  Big siblings Addi, JJ, and Seneca are excited, and grandparents Donnie, Cherrette, Jay and Cindy can’t wait to dote on their newest grandchild.

It’s a second prince for Nicholas and Dominique!  Older brother Jacob was joined by Eric at 7:26pm on March 19, 2017.  He was 9lb, 7oz and measured 21 1/2 inches long.  Congratulations!

Oh, baby!  Please join us in congratulating Andrew and Chloe on the arrival of their daughter Sydney.  She met us world-side on March 20, 2017 at 10:28am.  The little lady was 19 1/2 inches long and weighed 6lb, 13oz.

Older siblings Cora and Jason are in for a world of fun.  Jeremiah and Carmen just welcomed a new little one!  Charlie Rodger was born on March 24, 2017 at 11:08am.  He weighed 7lb, 12 oz and measured 19.5 inches long.

Congratulations to Peyton and Tajza on the birth of their first child, Leonardo James Michael!  He was born on March 24, 2017 at 6:20pm.  Leonardo weighed 7lbs and was 20 inches long.  Also celebrating in his arrival is his Uncle Beau.  Welcome to parenthood, you two!

Tony and Kiana are pleased to announce the arrival of their newest addition, Icelyn Claire!  Arriving bright and early (7:54am to be exact) on March 26, 2017, she meausred 19.5inches long and was 7lb, 6.5oz.  Older brother is definitely outnumbered, as little Icelyn joins older sisters Reina and Hailey.

Eleanor “Nora” Grace was lovingly welcomed by parents Neil and Katie and big brother, Liam, at 8:43am on March 30, 2017.  Also rejoicing in her arrival are grandparents Anthony, Sheila, David, Donna, John and Sarina.  Welcome to the big world, sweet little girl!