As doulas, we often hear that a person’s birthing experience was “fine.” But what if it could be better than just fine?
Finding Your Safe Space
The first question to ask yourself is: Where do you feel safest? If you’re low-risk, you have more options. When searching for a “birth center near me,” consider what that really means for you.
Home Birth
Do you want to give birth at home? Home births offer the comfort of familiar surroundings and your own space to move around in, with your pets and children close by. And remember, a hospital is always available if needed, even if you change your mind about an epidural. The downside? There are no pain medications available at home and a transfer is necessary in the case of an emergency. The rate is low, but emergencies do happen.
Birth Centers
Perhaps a birth center is your ideal setting. These facilities are usually unaffiliated with hospitals, although some, like Saint Joe’s, have a birthing center attached. Birth centers do have more stringent rules compared to home births, such as restrictions on VBACs or breech births. The advantage? The cleanup is taken care of for you, and you can relax in your bed just a few hours after giving birth. Plus, your midwife will still come to check on you. In the Seattle area, there are many excellent birth centers—feel free to reach out if you need suggestions.
Hospital Birth
Is a hospital where you feel safest? That’s perfectly okay. Some pregnancies are high-risk (and no, this doesn’t just mean advanced maternal age or controlled gestational diabetes), and a hospital may be the best place for you. Since most people choose hospitals for their births, let’s focus on that today.
Why Your Hospital Choice Matters
Choosing the right hospital is crucial. Do you want a cesarean? An induction? Would you prefer to avoid cervical exams and give birth in water? Do you want a care team that includes you in decisions or one that directs you? Everyone’s preferences are different, so it’s essential to find a hospital that aligns with yours. Look at cesarean rates, VBAC rates, and how far your appointments are scheduled—41 weeks or just 38? When are cervical exams done and why? There are a few hospitals in the Seattle area where you can have a water birth with nitrous oxide: Virginia Mason in Seattle, Saint Elizabeth’s in Enumclaw, and Saint Joe’s in Tacoma. These hospitals have excellent midwife teams, along with OB-GYN support if needed. Virginia Mason even set up fairy lights and candles for a client recently!
A Doula’s Perspective
As doulas, we strive to be unbiased, but I must admit I have a strong preference when it comes to which hospitals. I’ve supported births at 11 local hospitals this year, and the stellar care at Virginia Mason, UW Northwest, and St. Elizabeth’s stands out to me. These hospitals respect their patients’ wishes, offering slow inductions when medically necessary, no exams if preferred, true delayed cord clamping, minimal interventions, and the freedom to move and eat during labor. The nursing care is fantastic. These practices might sound standard, but they’re not always guaranteed. I’m always happy to answer any questions, even if you’re not looking for a doula but just want some “been there, done that” advice. Remember, the drive to a quality hospital is worth it—closer isn’t always better.
I have worked with many great providers in the area. Here is a small list of some of my recommended hospital providers:
- https://www.vmfh.org/find-a-doctor/midwifery/amelia-amy-baisden-1205264835
- https://www.vmfh.org/find-a-doctor/gynecological-surgeon/leizl-sapico-1083897318
- https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/anna-panighetti
- https://www.uwmedicine.org/bios/ali-lewis
- https://www.uwmedicine.org/locations/midwives-clinic
- https://www.healthgrades.com/physician/dr-tanya-wilke-x2wjp
- https://www.swedish.org/doctors/obstetrics-and-gynecology/wa/seattle/ashwini-pandit-1306086210
- https://www.swedish.org/locations/issaquah-campus/midwifery
