What do you recommend to keep my pregnancy low risk?

• 75 to 90 grams of protein daily,  a rainbow mixture of veggies at each meal, and complex carb at every meal. Occasional fruit.
• Two liters to 1 gallon of water daily (unsweetened herbal teas included)
• Minimum of 1 mile walk daily and
• Pregnancy exercise 3 times per week
• 30 minutes of fresh air daily
• A "whole food" prenatal vitamin and 1000mg. Vitamin C daily. Add Alfalfa in the last trimester.
  

Who can birth at Covenant Birth Center (CBC)?

 CBC is an independent, freestanding center (not affiliated with a hospital) that serves healthy women having normal pregnancies(also known as "low-risk").  Our clients are typically women who want control over their birth, bonding and environment. 

Our service is designed for women who want a gentle, peaceful beginning to their baby's life and have a desire to take responsibility for their health and wellness.

Is it safe?

Yes. Birth Centers have demonstrated superior safety for both mothers and babies since 1980.  Along with good outcomes, birth centers maintain a national Cesarean Section rate of 4-5% for all women who start their care in the birth center.

The World Health Organization states that a cesarean rate of above 10-15% cannot be justified and rates higher than that pose a health risk to mothers and babies.  In the United States, the cesarean rate is 30.2% and in many SC hospitals this rate is even higher.  These rates suggest gross overuse of the surgery.

Your midwives at CBC are thoroughly trained in "normal birth" and maintain consulting relationships with OB/Gyns and Pediatricians for the rare occasion that a transfer of care is needed. 

We are only 3 minutes from Lexington Medical Center in the unlikely event of emergency. 

Why do birth centers get such good outcomes?

The focus of midwifery care is health and wellness.  When a woman takes responsibility for her pregnancy and becomes a partner in her care, wellness is the result.  Prenatal care is not what someone else does for you, it's what you do for yourself.  Your midwives will assist you in making healthy choices and offer support and lifestyle counseling throughout your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.

This makes strong women, moms and families! 

What if something goes wrong?

If a woman develops a problem in her pregnancy, birth or postpartum, we work with our consulting physicians to get her whatever care in whatever setting that will help her the most.

Rarely does an emergency situation happen, but if it does, your midwives are fully trained in emergency management, including arranging ambulance transport to the closest medical facility, which is only 3 minutes away.

After your birth and discharge, your midwife resumes postpartum follow up care.

Angelic David Michael 

 What about pain?

This question is asked a lot and we understand your concerns and needs.

There is a cycle that can occur in labor that's called the "fear, tension, pain" cycle.  It's very real and if a woman is not prepared, it can make a labor much harder than it has to be.

Your midwives will work with you throughout your pregnancy to provide you information to reduce the fear of the unknown and make your labor do-able. 

We offer childbirth classes, doulas and labor support, massage,  deep water immersion, privacy and freedom.

You will never be tethered to a bed or stranded on your back. Active, upright birth, in itself, makes labor much easier to cope with.

At CBC,where you are surrounded by people you know, you are free to walk, to dance, to rock, to rest; free to sing, to pray, to moan, to shout, to be silent; free to interact passionately or to retire deeply inside of yourself: to be in the kitchen, the bedroom, outside or in the tub. No unnecessary routines, procedures or interruptions will interfere with your work.

What about after my baby is born?

Immediate Care-- Our goal is to facilitate a smooth transition for both mom and baby. Your baby is treated with gentleness and respect and is typically never removed from your side.  Your midwives will perform all necessary assessments and exams without disruption to your bonding process.  We will assist you with breastfeeding, make sure you're comfortable, fed and rested and then after all your questions are answered, we help you prepare for your first family trip--to your home.

After you are home-- Many families find that this is when they really want some support - and we are still there for you. Your midwife or birth assistant will call you often in the first week to see how you, your baby, and your family are doing. In the first 24-36 hours after birth we will see you for follow up.. We will check you both over and do the Newborn Screen (PKU test). Care will then continue as needed. We'll see you again at 6 weeks for your last "official" visit. We are available to you (as during pregnancy) 24 hours a day by phone for questions and/or support.