- The quality of care in birth centers reported in "The National Birth Center Study" reflects the low overall intrapartum and neonatal mortality rate of 1.3/1000 births; 0.7/1000 if lethal anomalies are excluded. These rates are comparable to studies of low-risk, in-hospital births. 1
- The cesarean section rate for women receiving care in birth centers averages
4.4%, approximately one half that in studies of low risk, in-hospital births. 1 - Birth centers, nationally, have consistently displayed charges for care for normal birth that average up to 50% less than regular hospital stays and 30% less than short stays, including practitioner fees. 2, 3
- More than half of birth centers include routine laboratory exams, childbirth education, home visits, extra office visits, and initial newborn examinations in their charges.
- Most major health insurers contract with birth centers for reimbursement. Because charges reflect cost, and since the birth center is a single service unit, there is no opportunity for cost shifting or operating the birth center as a "loss leader" to other services.
- 98.8 percent of women using a birth center would recommend it to friends and/or would return to the center for a subsequent birth. 1
Hear from a Birth Center Mother
"Labor was not easy, but the staff at the Center made it so much more comfortable than I had thought possible. Throughout my pregnancy, I liked knowing what to expect and why. The Center eliminated the mysteries of pregnancy and childbirth, making Sarah's birth not only joyous, but enjoyable."
-Laura Brackenridge Danahy