A First for Atlanta: Atlanta Birth Center is Born

{We are thrilled to partner with the brand new Atlanta Birth Center for this post! Atlanta Birth Center is the first of its kind in the area. We are excited to provide a variety of resources for local moms and are looking forward to introducing you to the Atlanta Birth Center and their services. Although this is an informative piece about the facility and services offered, the opinions and experience are 100% my own.}

When I found out I was pregnant with my first, I was interested in exploring a more natural approach to labor and delivery. Although there were a lot of different options for local doulas, there were only 2 options on where to give birth- at home or in a hospital. I tend to lean a little “granola,” but not quite far enough to consider an at-home birth. That was then.

After 6+ years of conversations, planning, fundraising, and paperwork, Atlanta now has another option- the Atlanta Birth Center! I recently toured the center, located near Emory Midtown, to learn more about this amazing place. It made me wish it was around 2 years ago when I was pregnant!

Q. What is the Atlanta Birth Center?

A. The Atlanta Birth Center provides holistic care, with a comprehensive midwifery program. It follows the birth care model, which places importance on prenatal care, mind, body, spirit, well-being, postpartum and much more! It is part of an integrated health care system, including prenatal and comprehensive women’s care, with laboratory and diagnostic testing.

Q. How does the labor and delivery experience differ from the traditional hospital experience?

A. First, the environment. There are 4 birthing rooms that have been designed based on 3 elements- wind, fire, and water. Second, length of stay. When I visited, I was surprised to see a birthing room that had a birth just 15 hours before! Most families stay between 6 and 12 hours after birth. Time to eat, take a shower and nap. The Atlanta Birth Center team works with each family so they can return home as soon as possible. If a longer stay is needed and/or additional medical intervention is necessary, the center has access to partner hospitals to ensure both mom and baby are safe and healthy.

Q. What is the cost?

A. Atlanta Birth Center anticipates accepting most major health insurance plans, including Medicaid. However, contracting with insurance carriers can take up to a year, and they are working on it daily! They also offer value-based self-pay rates with flexible payment plans.

Q. If I am interested in receiving prenatal care and giving birth at the Atlanta Birth Center what should I do?

A. The Atlanta Birth Center hosts 2 “Meet with the Midwives” events a month. This is an opportunity to tour the facility and talk to the midwives. Check out their Facebook page for dates. The next one is scheduled for August 23.

The Center believes all women can benefit from the midwifery model of care. For some women, an out-of-hospital birth is the optimal setting. The Atlanta Birth Center will talk to women about their unique circumstances, health needs, and personal preferences.  They will help them determine the best environment for birth. They adhere to eligibility guidelines set forth by the CABC, rules and regulations of the state of Georgia, and their own carefully crafted clinical protocols. 

I am grateful that Atlanta area moms have another option for their pre and post-natal care. I look forward to sharing more about Atlanta Birth Center in the coming months- including other services they offer.