Birthing Center

Today I met with Stacy at the south Austin Birthing Center for a tour and to discuss becoming a patient in the future. I took some pictures (but you can see better ones on the website link above). 

This is the Austin Music Scene room, and I really like the decor. I think the tiny tiles on and around the tub are cool. Oo, check out the tub in the next room!

This is the Art Scene Room. Our living room is actually painted a very similar green, and I never thought to put orange with it! The last picture is of the bathroom with a large shower, but you can't see the bench that is behind the half-wall. I think I would choose this room. I like all the circles and colors. 


So, what did I learn during my visit? I learned that this is the place for me! They have an all-inclusive package. There aren't any add-ons or take-aways to adjust the price. 


*Monthly prenatal visits until 28 weeks. 
*Bimonthly prenatal visits 28 wks to 36 wks. 
*Weekly prenatal visits at 36 wks til birth.
*20 week u/s
*Early dating u/s if necessary
*Childbirth classes
*Unlimited learning classes, prenatal and postnatal yoga
*They take care of the birth certificate
*Nurse/Lactation Consultant comes to your house on day 3 after birth, also 2 and 6 weeks post-birth
*Have recommendations on pediatricians and doctors for baby and those that will do circumcision for boys
*Even if I have to get transferred to a hospital, a midwife will come with me
*Postpardum nurse stays after birth teaching us Baby 101 skills with new baby
*Discharged normally 8 hours after birth
*Get to choose your favorite of three birthing rooms
*They encourage you to be active during labor so they have a huge shower with a bench, birthing ball, and tub
*You're encouraged to walk around
*You can have as many friends and family in the room with you
*They are prepared if baby or mom or dad needs O2
*They can call in prescriptions if need be


The package is $3950 with $500 down at the first visit and the balance paid by 37 weeks. It would average to about $500 a month, and with DH's extra income from his part-time job, this is completely doable for us. I'm so glad this option is available to us. The only stipulation is that I have to be a low risk pregnancy because they do not have the resources to handle high-risk patients. I think that at around 6 weeks I will have to find a way to determine if I'm carrying twins or not. If we have twins, we will have to look for another solution. One has to take the good with the bad, right?