Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any health concerns that would exclude me from a birth center birth?

Most healthy women with normal pregnancies can benefit from having their babies in a birth center. Women are pre-screened at their inital visit and then closely followed by their midwife throughout their pregnancy and birth to ensure that the birth center continues to be the safest place for them to be. Certain conditions outlined by Oregon state law define problems in pregnancy that would make it safer for certain women to give birth within a hospital setting. The most common of these conditions include:

Pre-eclampsia, uncontrollable hyperthyroidism, uncontrolled gestational diabetes, severe liver or renal disease, active cancer, HIV, twin gestation, or breech presentation at term.

To see a complete list of conditions that would risk a woman out of a birth center birth please go to: http://www.oregon.gov/OHLA/DEM/docs/DEMRISK.pdf

Is a birth center birth safe?

Two major 1989 studies demonstrated the following outcomes in freestanding birth centers:

• Lower rate of cesarean birth
• Less neonatal mortality
• No maternal mortality

The studies concluded that low-risk women who deliver at freestanding birth centers are no more likely to have poor outcomes than are low-risk women birthing in hospitals. (New England Journal of Medicine; The Journal of Reproductive Health)

"Birth centers offer a savings in cost and minimize the rate of cesarean section. Few innovations in health service promise lower cost, greater availability, and a high degree of satisfaction with a comparable degree of safety. The results of this study suggest that modern birth centers can identify women who are at low risk for obstetrical complications and can care for them in a way that provides these benefits." New England Journal of Medicine (12/28/89)

Will my insurance cover a birth center birth? What does it cost to use the birth center?

Most health insurance companies contract with licensed birth centers for reimbursement. Many cover some portion of the birth center fee, and most insurance companies pay a similar 80%-20% proporation, as they would with hospital costs. The cost of a birth center is typically 1/3 to 1/4 that of a hospital. Bend Birth Center offers a sliding scale for cash-paying clients and accepts Oregon Health Plan.

For more information on insurance and fees, please give us a call or send us an email. We offer a free consultation visit, where you can tour the birth center, and we can discuss payment options.

For more FAQs regarding midwifery care, visit Deschutes Midwifery FAQ page.

"Thank you for being such an amazing midwife. I feel empowered after Angali's beautiful birth. We are a revolutionized family and are grateful for your knowledge and your incredible spirit and love." ~Kate, Bend OR