Expectant moms in Atlanta finally have the option of choosing to give birth in an independent, free-standing birth center. The midwives of Atlanta Birth Center will be delivering babies in the center beginning this month. With close proximity to area hospitals, the birth center is a great place for moms who want the high touch care of home birth in a setting that allows for rapid transfer in case of emergency.

The birth center is currently staffed by three full-time midwives, who will receive additional assistance at births from several area nurses and midwives. Every birth center birth will have at least two medically trained care providers present to handle whatever needs might arise for mother and baby.

Birth center care is geared toward mothers who want high levels of support, and low levels of intervention. The midwives are prepared with medical equipment to support unexpected emergencies (such as postpartum hemorrhage), however, should a mother require pain medication, including epidural, higher levels of medically managed care, or cesarean delivery, a transfer to the hospital would be done.

Transfers will go to Atlanta Medical Center (a 5 minute drive, 10 in traffic), and urgent transfers to Emory University Hospital Midtown, which is directly across the street from the birth center.

Most low risk mothers will be able to use the birth center, however, there are a few conditions that cannot be handled at the birth center, including pre-existing or ongoing hypertension, pre-existing diabetes, and twins. There may be other high risk complications that are not appropriate for birth center delivery. At this time, the birth center is not an options for mothers seeking a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean).

Atlanta Birth Center is located in the heart of downtown Atlanta at 1 Baltimore Place, Atlanta GA.

Take the photo tour of Atlanta Birth Center here.

To find out more, visit their site: Atlanta Birth Center.