Questions for Birth Centers...

[Channelle]

I'm not pregnant, but looking into Birth Centers with my cousin, and we found one about 30 minutes from our city(Wichita), in a city we both adore (Yoder), we love that it is very Amish/Mennonite. We want to have a set of questions ready for when we go visit, because if it's not this place, it would probably be a hospital, which we both don't like. Can you give us some questions we should ask, or what we should be looking for?
Thanks!

[dogmom327]

I would ask about their intervention rates, preferred birthing positions, what they consider an emergency, transfer rates, details of how they handle emergencies, etc.

Is a home birth an option? We looked into a birth center too but I began to realize that there was virtually no benefit to a birth center besides having to go somewhere--which is a must for some people but honestly didn't appeal to me.

[JennTheMomma]

I gave birth in a Birth Center, was the best choice for me and I am very pleased with how it went. Here is some things I asked-
Does your practice except my health insurance?
How long have you been in practice?
What is your general philosophy regarding pregnancy and birth?
What do you classify as high risk?
Do you suggest a Doula or labor assistant? If so can you recommend one?
What options regarding birth are there for me? Birthing tubs, birth balls, walking, etc?
Do you order routine amniotomies, enemas, or drugs like Pitocin?
When do you normally arrive during a mother's birthing process?
What do you feel about elective c-sections?
What are your reasons for c-sections?
What are your thoughts on instrumental deliveries?
How often do your patients have one?
What are your thoughts on episiotomy?
How often do your patients have one?
Do I have a choice to be monitored during labor? Or is it routine?
What is your policy when labor stalls or is slow? Do you have time limits?
What are your protocalls for fetal distress?
How do you feel about written birth plans?
Are there any fees that my health insurance doesn't cover that I should be aware of?
Thats a good list, its a bit long but atleast it covers a lot.

[Channelle]

Thank you ladies! That is a great list!