As the nation grapples with a maternal health crisis, more women of color are choosing birth centers over traditional hospital settings for prenatal, childbirth, and postpartum care. This shift is driven by a desire for a more personalized and culturally sensitive birthing experience.
Vernette Kountz, a mother of four, opted for the Atlanta Birth Center for her fifth child after feeling her hospital experiences were rushed and impersonal. Birth centers offer longer appointments and greater autonomy during childbirth, fostering a more intimate and holistic approach.
Recent data from the National Partnership for Women & Families reveals a significant increase in women of color choosing birth centers. Between 2019 and 2020, there was a 30% rise for Black women, a 26% increase for Native American women, and a 24% increase for Hispanic women. This trend contrasts with the overall maternal health crisis, where Black women face nearly three times the risk of dying from pregnancy complications compared to White women.
Birth centers, designed to provide a home-like setting, focus on low-risk pregnancies and offer a more tailored experience. They refrain from performing c-sections and do not provide epidurals, emphasizing natural and personalized care.
The rise of birth centers is occurring as maternity wards across the country close due to low birth rates and financial constraints. This shift represents a response to systemic racism in healthcare, with birth centers prioritizing respect, trust-building, and bonding with families.
Leseliey Welch, co-founder of Birth Center Equity, plans to open Birth Detroit in 2024, emphasizing the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive birth centers.
The popularity of birth centers is attributed to the desire for providers who understand cultural needs, combat racial bias, and promote cultural traditions around childbirth. Birth centers offer ceremonies, music, and herbal medicines, aligning with diverse cultural practices that may be limited in traditional hospital settings.
Vernette Kountz, who values the unique experience provided by the Atlanta Birth Center, is preparing for her sixth delivery at the same facility. The center’s nature-themed birthing rooms and holistic approach aim to create a safe and grounded environment for expectant mothers.
Midwife Anjli Hinman believes birth centers play a crucial role in addressing the maternal health crisis by closely monitoring clients during the postpartum period, where complications and depression can arise. The family-like atmosphere and a focus on holistic care make birth centers a potential solution to the challenges faced by women of color during pregnancy and childbirth.
