Q: How do I get more information or make an appointment?
A: The first step to becoming a birth center client is to attend an orientation session and tour. We offer a free group tour on Wed evenings at 7 PM or you can schedule a private session for $75.00 during normal clinic hours. At the orientation session you will meet one of our midwives, tour the facility and have the oppertunity to learn more about the unique experience of birth center care including fees and insurance. To schedule a session please call the office at 843-818-1123.
Read MoreQ:Will my insurance cover Charleston Birth Place?
A:Most insurances will pay some or all of the fee. The cost of the birth center is almost half of the cost of a normal birth in the hospital and your risk of cesarean section (at a higher cost) is considerably less. Our office manager will work closely with you and your insurance company.
Read MoreQ:Why choose water birth?
A: - May speed up labor - Gives mother more feelings of control - Provides moderate pain relief - Promotes relaxation , conserving maternal energy - Enables the mother to assume any position which is comfortable for labor and birth - Gives mother a private protected space - Is highly rated by mothers – typically stating they would consider giving birth in water again - Is highly rated by experienced providers - Gentler birth for baby All moms are encouraged to labor in the pools. Many will choose to stay in the water for birth but it is her choice. We also have large beds...
Read MoreQ:Is it safe to labor without an electronic fetal monitor?
A:Repeated studies have shown the answer to this question to be "Yes" – if you have had a normal, healthy pregnancy. The CNM and nurse will intermittently listen to the baby's heart with a hand-held doppler. If any abnormalities are heard, they will listen continuously and transfer if they think there is any danger to the baby. Studies have shown that in a normal population, this routine is as safe as a fetal monitor. Clinical trials have also failed to show that continuous electronic fetal monitoring results in healthier babies, except when limited to women and fetuses...
Read MoreQ:What if there is an emergency?
A: If a woman develops problems during her pregnancy, labor, birth or postpartum period, we work with our collaborating physicians to get her whatever care, in whatever setting, that will help her and her baby the most. Rarely does an emergency situation arise, even in labor – and if it does, your professional birth team institutes the appropriate emergency measure and transports to Trident Regional Medical Center, which is less than one mile away. There our collaborating physicians will work with your midwife as a team to provide you and your baby with the care needed for a safe birth....
Read MoreQ: What is a CNM? Don’t I need a doctor?
A: Midwives have a long tradition of caring for women. Indeed, midwife means "with woman". Today's Certified Nurse-Midwife carries on this proud tradition combining rigorous scientific, clinical and academic training with genuine sensitivity to clients and their care. Your nurse-midwife is qualified to provide primary well-woman gynecological care throughout the life cycle as well as OB care when you are pregnant. If at any point in your care it is deemed advisable, your nurse-midwife will consult with and/or refer you to an appropriate specialist. By choosing a nurse-midwife,...
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