Question 1

Who can give birth at Alabama Birth Center?

Accepted Answer

To be eligible to give birth at the Alabama Birth Center, individuals must have low-risk pregnancies, indicating that they are not currently experiencing or have experienced in previous pregnancies any complications or medical conditions necessitating hospital care or specialized interventions during childbirth.

* You must have a consultation with  a member of our team  and be accepted as a patient at Alabama Birth Center before receiving care. *

Those opting for childbirth at ABC should be in good health and without significant risk factors. This setting offers a personalized and natural birthing experience for those seeking an alternative to hospital deliveries. It's crucial for individuals to directly consult with the birth center to understand the specific eligibility requirements and guidelines. If you have had any prior cesareans, you are not eligible in the State of Alabama for a Birth Center Birth. You may still qualify for our ConnectedCare  program, and we'd love to help you explore this option!

Click here to book a consultation today!

Question 2

Do you take insurance or plan on it in the future?

Accepted Answer

Alabama Birth Center operates on a cash-pay basis for now, with efforts underway to facilitate insurance and Medicaid coverage in the future. (*Due to the landscape in Alabama surrounding out-of-hospital midwifery care, this may be years in the future*)

Patients will meet with a clinic manager after their initial consultation to receive a personalized cost breakdown based on their specific needs. Currently, patients pay out of pocket and may choose to file an "out-of-network" claim with their insurance provider for potential reimbursement after all care has concluded. (6 weeks post-partum a superbill can be provided)
Some insurance plans may cover certain services, such as lab work and ultrasounds, but coverage varies depending on individual policies.

We also have need based grants available through our Healthy Beginnings Fund, and flexible payment options through Flexxbuy.

Our team is happy to provide itemized receipts and guidance on how to submit claims to your insurance company. Additionally, we are actively working toward expanding coverage options to make midwifery care more accessible.

For any questions about payments, coverage, or financial options, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help!

Question 3

Do you offer options for VBAC?

Accepted Answer

Because of Alabama State Law, individuals who have had previous Cesarean deliveries are restricted from giving birth in a birth center or at home.  Those seeking a VBAC* who wish to birth at home in Alabama must seek midwifery care  in another state.

*Even if you have had a prior VBAC*

If you are looking for prenatal care under the midwifery model, we have a new program, ConnectedCare, which is a collaborative care model. (your prenatal appointments are primarily conducted at ABC while you plan for a hospital birth).

Question 4

What pain options are available?

Accepted Answer

Alabama Birth Center will offer alternative pain relief options such as: hydrotherapy, breathing techniques, position suggestions, counter pressure, and doula assistance. Patients at ABC are active participants in their prenatal care and are prepared mentally and physically for an epidural free birth. 
Epidurals are not offered.

*nitrous oxide will be offered in the future, stay tuned!

Question 5

How common are transfers to the hospital?

Accepted Answer

Since our patients at ABC are low-risk, the likelihood of hospital transfer is low, and we maintain safety by adhering to strict guidelines. This ensures that only individuals with low-risk pregnancies give birth at the birth center.

The most common reasons for transfer before labor are post-dates. (To remain low-risk and birth at ABC, you must deliver by 42 weeks and 2 days)

Occasionally, individuals admitted to the birth center may transfer to the hospital before delivery, but the majority of transfers are not emergencies.  Typically, patients who begin labor at the birth center will give birth there.

One of the most common reasons for a non-emergent transfer would be inadequate pain relief (as we do not offer epidurals at ABC). Some mothers may require hospital-based care for postpartum recovery, including a few who need urgent transfer. The most frequent reasons for postpartum transfer include the need for surgical assistance with laceration repair, excessive bleeding, or difficulties delivering the placenta.

Occasionally, babies may not be eligible for early discharge and may require hospital-based care. Typically when a baby is born out-of-hospital (Even with amazing care!) hospitals may observe them for extended periods of time. The most common reasons for newborn hospital admission are concerns related to breathing and the need for resuscitation.

Overall, the likelihood of transfers due to emergencies is low.

If you have not gone into active labor by 42 weeks and 1 day, and do not give birth by 42 weeks and 2 days, you will no longer be eligible to deliver at the birth center. At that point, care will be transferred to a hospital setting to ensure the safest outcome for you and your baby.

Birth Center Transfer Statistics
According to the National Birth Center Study II, which analyzed 15,574 planned birth center deliveries:​American Association of Birth Centers+1American Association of Birth Centers+1
Intrapartum Transfers: Approximately 11.9% of individuals were transferred to a hospital during labor. The majority of these transfers were non-emergent, often due to prolonged labor or the need for pain relief.​Wikipedia+2American Association of Birth Centers+2American Association of Birth Centers+2
Emergent Transfers: Less than 2% of transfers were emergent, necessitated by urgent medical concerns such as fetal distress or maternal complications.​American Association of Birth Centers+1PubMed+1
Postpartum Transfers: Around 2.0% of mothers and 2.2% of newborns were transferred to a hospital after birth, primarily for non-emergent reasons.​Dar a Luz Birth Center+1PubMed+1

These statistics highlight that while transfers from birth centers to hospitals do occur, they are relatively infrequent and predominantly non-emergent.

Question 6

What is the difference between a midwife and an OBGYN?

Accepted Answer

Midwives and obstetricians play complementary roles in maternity care.

Midwives emphasize a more natural and personalized approach to childbirth and prenatal care, while obstetricians are trained to handle a broader spectrum of medical conditions and complications during pregnancy and childbirth.

OBGYN's do not deliver at Alabama Birth Center.  If you are in need of a transfer with an OBGYN, you will not deliver at Alabama Birth Center.

Question 7

Why is there a midwife?

Accepted Answer

Alabama Birth Center operates under the Midwifery Model of Care.

Midwives routinely advocate for natural childbirth whenever possible, encouraging minimal intervention and supporting women in labor to use techniques like breathing exercises, movement, and positioning to manage pain. At Alabama Birth Center,  our holistic approach encompasses a range of natural and evidence-based practices, fostering a sense of trust, collaboration, and individualized care throughout the entire pregnancy journey.

By collaborating with and endorsing the efforts of midwives, we are helping to enhance the quality of care and childbirth experiences in Alabama.

(The March of Dimes has labeled more than 1/3 of Alabama counties as maternity care deserts, lacking obstetricians or hospitals with labor and delivery units. Alabama also has the sixth highest infant mortality rate in the nation, with Black infants making up a disproportionate number of these deaths. )

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