Birthing center

I haven't given birth yet but am planning to at the birth center. I personally hated being at the regular OB. They answered questions like I was bothering them. Simple questions ended in "well you can schedule a c section". Pushing medicine instead of solutions. I really wasnt feeling it. At the birth center the midwives listen and actually address my concerns and have solutions that are actually simple in the grand scheme. So much better experience!

I gave birth 5 weeks ago at a hospital, though my experience was very different than Janel. I was very supported and my wishes were well respected.

You can often schedule a tour of birthing centers or hospitals. Ask lots of questions, and share your birth plan. See where you feel your values feel most respected, and go with that. You should also see if your insurance covers (or if you can afford to pay OOP) a Doula. Having a doula advocate for you can make a world of difference in the entire experience.

Best of luck. You can do this!

I gave birth at a birthing center ,and it was honestly so easy and loving.Exceeded my expectations,.
The midwives were amazing I really wanted to stay there longer than a day but there was just no need 😅.

I don't recommend it. I had a crazy experience. I ended up having to go to a hospital and felt misled by my birth center. My prenatal care was awesome and chill, and I loved that. However, when it came to actual birth, the midwives were not properly trained on how to handle an emergency that requires a hospital transfer. They wanted to keep me there to "wait it out" even though my labor stopped progressing and I needed medical intervention. It was super ironic, because I went to birth classes, had a birth plan, and they were big proponents of doulas. So, I thought they would have listened to me more during labor. The hospital saved my life and my daughter's life. She required the NICU, which would not have been available at the birth center. My problem is that birth centers don't have to follow as many regulations, so you don't really know what you're getting. It could be good or bad. As a side note, that birth center shut down a year after I gave birth.