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- Do the nurse-midwives only attend births in the Birth Center?
No, the UCSD Nurse-midwives attend births in both the Birth Center (4th floor) and our traditional Labor & Delivery suites (2nd floor). Physicians only attend births on the 2nd floor.
- Does the nurse-midwife I see for my prenatal care always attend my birth?
There is always a nurse-midwife available in the hospital, 24 hours a day. This may or may not be the nurse-midwife you have been seeing for your prenatal care. All of the nurse-midwives provide excellent care with the same philosophy. We encourage you to attend our Meet the Midwives program so that you will have an opportunity to get to know more of us.
- Can I give birth in the Birth Center if I had a Cesarean in the past?
No, due to the increased monitoring required to ensure the health of you and your baby, you will need to give birth in Labor & Delivery. The nurse-midwives will still provide your care and work with you to have the birthing experience you want.
- Can I have pain medicine in the Birth Center?
Yes, the nurse-midwives can order pain medications for you in the Birth Center. Generally these are given as an injection (shot) or through an IV. You also can use hydrotherapy, birthing balls, birthing stools, massage, walking and breathing techniques for pain management. Epidurals are not given in the Birth Center because they require increased monitoring of you and your baby.
- I know I want an epidural; can I still have a midwife for the birth of my baby?
Absolutely! The UCSD nurse-midwives support your choices, whether that is an epidural or a non-medicated birth. If you choose epidural anesthesia, you will give birth in Labor and Delivery with the nurse-midwife providing your care. After a short recovery time you and your baby will be transferred to Family Maternity Care Center, and the nurse-midwives will continue to care for you until your discharge home.
- Why would I be transferred to Labor & Delivery from the Birth Center?
There are a variety of medical reasons for a transfer. You may request epidural anesthesia; you may need medication to assist your labor progress, or there may be a concern for mother or baby’s well being. All of these require increased monitoring for you and your baby. We will involve you and your partner in decision making throughout your labor, including transfer to Labor & Delivery.
- If I transfer to Labor & Delivery will the midwife still attend my birth?
Yes, the nurse-midwife remains the primary care provider during most transfers to labor & delivery and continues to care for you until you are discharged from the hospital. If the need for a Cesarean arises, or other complications occur, then a physician will manage your care and the midwife will provide support throughout your hospital stay. From Labor & Delivery you will be transferred to Family Maternity Care Center, not back to the Birth Center.
- Can I have a water birth?
No, not at this time. We are working very hard at making this an option at the Birth Center at UCSD. You can labor in our tubs in the Birth Center, and many women find this extremely helpful. There are no tubs in Labor and Delivery.
- What is a doula? Can I have one?
A doula is a trained volunteer that provides continuous one-on-one physical, emotional, and informational support to a woman during labor and birth. She provides no medical or nursing care. Since she doesn’t have these responsibilities, or other patients to attend to, she can give her complete attention to being by a woman’s side for the entire length of her labor. Doula care is known to decrease the length of labor, the need for pain medication and reduce the rate of episiotomy and Cesarean deliveries. You may hire a private doula, who may offer additional services (prenatal visits, after delivery visits at home) or you may request a doula from our UCSD Hearts and Hands Volunteer Doula Program. Ask your midwife for more information.
- Are there any limits on who can be with me during labor?
This is your choice as the Mom. Partners, children, parents, siblings and doulas are all welcome. We encourage you to choose people that will support you and your choices during labor. Please understand that we do NOT provide childcare at the Birth Center. All younger children must have a responsible adult to care for them. And please, no pets.
- Is there a time when all the Birth Center rooms are full and unavailable?
This is extremely rare, but if it does happen you will go to Labor and Delivery, and be cared for by nurse-midwives. We do our best to create a Birth Center atmosphere and give you as many of the Birth Center options as possible. There are no tubs in Labor and Delivery, but there is a shower available. After giving birth, and a short recovery time, you and your baby will be transferred to the Family Maternity Care Center. The nurse-midwives will continue to care for you until your discharge home.
- Is there an age restriction for mothers who request the Birth Center?
No, you may deliver in the Birth Center regardless of your age, including mothers that are 35 and older.
- Is there any other reason I would not be eligible for the Birth Center?
The Birth Center is for healthy women who are having a normal pregnancy. Most women are eligible, but there are certain medical, obstetric and prenatal conditions that require giving birth in Labor and Delivery. Discuss your medical history with your midwife; she will properly advise you. If you are concerned about Birth Center eligibility but are not currently in the care of the midwives, please call our program administrator at (619) 543-3863. She or one of our midwives will speak with you to determine if you are eligible to give birth in our Birth Center.
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