Birth Centers Redefined by Obstetric Association

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Febuary 4, 2015

ACOG RELEASES A NEW CONSENSUS RECOGNIZING THAT BIRTH CENTERS SHOULD BE ACCEPTED WITHIN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM BY STATE-LICENSED HOSPITALS.  

Washington, DC, February 4, 2015– American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology along with the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine has released a new consensus on appropriate Levels of Maternity Care.    The Consensus takes brave new steps by announcing ACOG’s desire to improve patient care to Free-Standing Birth Center (FSBC) patients through seamless transfers between the levels of maternity care. 

 “The new consensus reflects national changes in childbirth.  Affordable Care mandates birthing center insurance reimbursements now, and consumers are asking for more alternative care.  This is a brave step from ACOG and we should see our national cesarean rates and birth statistics improving when these guidelines are implemented.” - Sandy Glenn, Licensed Midwife and Certified Professional Midwife

Having FSBCs recognized as a part of the hospital healthcare system is of major benefit to Natural Birth Advocates, Midwives and South Carolina Maternity patients.  Under the new guidelines, hospitals will be working cooperatively with Licensed Free-Standing Birthing Centers for the greater good of patient care needs.

The consensus not only includes Free-Standing Birth Centers, but also recognizes independent midwives known as Certified Professional Midwives and Licensed Midwives.   Previously, ACOG traditionally recognized Nurse Midwives who worked directly with or were supervised by a physician. 

This new ACOG standard of care encourages hospitals to provide arrangements with FSBCs, just as they do with other hospitals.  Larger hospitals cannot refuse or neglect care from a patient who transferred from a smaller hospital, and now the same will be true if a patient needs to be transferred from a birth center to an acute care hospital. 

Jessica Cooper, Registered Nurse and consumer of Birthing Center care says, “I am excited that ACOG has finally recognized midwives and birthing centers.  I agree with the definition used and hope that it might convince women to consider birthing centers as a safe and appropriate option for certain women.”  

There are currently five FSBS in South Carolina that will be effected by the consensus.  In the past two years four Bills were introduced in the state house pertaining to Licensed Midwives Birthing Centers, and DHEC is considering revision of both regulations in the summer of 2015.  The consensus is just in time to be used as a standard for law makes and the Department of Health. 

The consensus was released by ACOG in its February publication: http://www.acog.org/Resources-And-Publications/Obstetric-Care-Consensus-Series/Levels-of-Maternal-Care

Carolina WaterBirth is part of a Free-Standing Birth Center in Simpsonville, SC.  They deliver babies for Healthy moms by utilizing Certified Professional Midwives, Licensed Midwives and physicians. Natural Childbirth, Water Birth, Birth Classes, Breastfeeding support and Doulas enhance Carolina WaterBirth’s services by promoting Normal Vaginal Deliveries while lowering the risk birth complications.  Carolina WaterBirth believes that a birth center should be available for every pregnant mother that qualifies for low risk pregnancy care.

#birthcenter #midwife #dhec

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