New Birth Midwifery

What is a Freestanding Birth Center?

A freestanding birth center is a healthcare facility designed to provide low-risk maternity care in a home-like environment. New Birth Wellness Center is staffed by Certified Professional Midwives and Certified Nurse Midwives who are licensed in Minnesota and experienced in supporting natural, unmedicated childbirth. The center features low lights, birth tubs, queen beds, and birth slings to help facilitate labor and delivery while midwives encourage rest, food, hydration, and position changes.

Who can deliver at New Birth Wellness Center?

New Birth Midwifery cares for low-risk expectant families. Midwives are experts in normal pregnancies, and the birth center is designed with the family in mind. The team focuses on developing relationships with clients and providing advice and care to achieve the healthiest pregnancy and birth possible. If you have questions about whether you qualify as low risk, schedule a tour to discuss your specific situation.

Do I get to choose my midwife from your team?

New Birth uses a team-based approach to care. There are 5 midwives you will get to know well in preparation for your birth. The team does births in pairs, with one primary care provider and an assistant trained in NRP and CPR. Midwives work 24-hour call shifts, often 1-3 shifts in a row, which provides continuity of care while preventing burnout. You will see all midwives throughout your pregnancy in clinic, and the charting system and birth plan notes keep everyone in sync with your wishes.

What is the difference between types of midwives?

There are two broad categories of midwives in the US. Nurse midwives (CNM) receive their training primarily in hospitals and mostly attend hospital births. Direct-entry midwives primarily practice in out-of-hospital settings. Among direct-entry midwives, some are certified (Certified Professional Midwives or CPMs), some are licensed by their state (LMs or LTMs), and some choose not to be certified or licensed. In Minnesota, licensure is currently optional.

When will the midwives and laboring parent meet at the birth center?

During prenatal appointments, midwives explain how to recognize the difference between pre-labor and labor and when to call. Clients have direct access to midwives who provide advice for early labor and discuss together when it's time to meet at the birth center. The team provides tools to keep clients comfortable at home during early labor and aims for arrival at the birth center during active labor so the client doesn't feel like a watched pot.

What emergency equipment do you carry?

Birth centers are not mini-hospitals. Labor is never induced or stimulated with oxytocin (Pitocin), and C-sections and instrumental deliveries are not performed at birth centers. Baby is monitored with a waterproof doppler and one-on-one support from your midwife rather than electronic fetal monitors. Birth centers are equipped with IVs, oxygen, medication, and infant resuscitation equipment along with non-allopathic options and trained providers to keep both clients and babies safe.

What happens if things get complicated at a birth?

Midwives check on you and your baby's wellbeing at every prenatal visit. If you are healthy during pregnancy, you should be able to have a normal, uncomplicated birth. Midwives are trained to recognize signs of complications and carry supplies for handling common childbirth complications including hemorrhage, cord around the neck, and shoulder dystocia. Transport plans to hospital are discussed prenatally. The birth center is 8 miles from one major hospital and 11 miles from another. When transport is necessary, midwives accompany you and help you get settled with new providers. Most transport

Who can be on my birth team?

You are in charge of your birth team. Midwives help you plan the support that will be right for you during prenatals, encouraging you to bring only people who will give you strength and encouragement. Families are encouraged to hire doulas, birth photographers, and bring supportive family members. Midwives serve as a sounding board for creating your team and are skilled at reading the room and clearing it when needed to reset energy. Family members are welcome at prenatal visits to meet the midwives and be prepared.