Home Birth .vs. Birth Center .vs. Hospital

No matter where you decide to deliver your baby, your birth support team will accomplish your goals and wishes for the best birth experience. Knowing the difference between the three places of birth is always good, and opening up your options based on your birth goals. When developing your birth goals, consider how you want to give birth (vaginal, induced, or c-section), pain relief, what you want to do after childbirth, etc. Some locations can’t provide everything, and they all have their differences.

Homebirth

Pros:

- your oasis

- things you like

- you don’t have to leave

- control of who’s there

- more patience

Cons:

- transfer if there is a medical emergency (placenta previa, baby in transverse or breech position)

- usually not covered by insurance, but the overall price is usually lower

Birth Center

Pros:

- Look like a home

- Doesn’t feel sterile

- Normally close to the hospital

Cons:

- No anesthesia

- Transfer could be needed

Hospital

Pros:

- All medical equipment there, if needed

- High-risk & Additional monitoring

- 24/7 support there

- Covered by insurance & Medicaid