Chicago Birthing Centers | Where to Start & How to Prepare

Coming up with a birthing plan can be a daunting and intimidating task, especially if you’re stuck between Chicago hospitals or Chicago birthing centers. I know that all moms want is to give their bodies and their babies the best and safest possible experience for delivery. If you’re a mom-to-be trying to plan your baby’s arrival into the world, Chicago birthing centers could be a wonderful option. Here’s how to prepare for your experience at a birthing center. 

What Is A Birthing Center

A birthing center is a place where expectant mothers work together with midwives for their delivery. It’s all about individualized care for the mother, and what she wants for her birth. What to expect from a birthing center:

  • What you want is the absolute most important aspect, along with your safety and wellbeing. 
  • A tailored birthing experience to meet your needs in a holistic, natural way. 
  • A collaborative experience, working with you from the first contraction to postnatal care.

Is A Birthing Center Right For You 

Any mom knows how stressful it can be to come up with the safest and most comfortable birth plan. Birthing centers provide personal, hands-on care, but is it the right choice for you and your baby? Here are some questions to ask: 

  • Is my pregnancy low-risk? 
  • Would I feel safer surrounded by doctors in a hospital? 
  • Do I want a natural, vaginal birth? 
  • Do I want my delivery to be a collaborative experience? 

Choosing Your Birthing Center 

Chicago has a variety of birthing centers, and Birth Guide Chicago can help you find which one is perfect for you. Birthing centers have experienced midwives, and you can decide what kind of birth you think is best for you and your baby’s wellness. It’s all about the atmosphere. Where you feel the most trust and understanding is where you should plan to give birth. 

Preparing For Your Birthing Center Experience

Once you decide which of the Chicago birthing centers is right for you, you’ll then begin to work with a midwife and a certified nurse midwife (CNM), who have extensive training. Both midwives will be there for you throughout the entire process. Your experience at a birthing center is entirely collaborative; you’re a partner in your own care. Other aspects to prepare for: 

  • You will have a private, home-like room with plenty of tranquil space.
  • You get to decide what kind of birth you want for you and your baby.
  • A natural, holistic way of bringing your baby into the world in a calm environment tailored to your needs. 
  • You can move around, eat, and drink water throughout your labor.
  • Your baby will not be separated from you, even during the newborn exam. 
  • You’ll have a peaceful, private atmosphere before, during, and after the birth of your baby. 

Additional Resources 

Choosing to have your baby at one of the Chicago birthing centers can be a beautiful birthing experience. I want you moms-to-be to know and understand all the options they have. Then, you can choose what is best for you and your baby. 

And of course, should you need a maternity or newborn photographer in Chicago, you know I would absolutely love to be there for you – every step along the way. Simply send me a message; I’m here for you.

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