Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Birth Center of Chicago different?
Our Birth Center is the first freestanding birth center in the City of Chicago. We’re different not only because of how rare birth centers are in the state of Illinois, but also because of the care we provide and how we provide it. We exist as a supportive community care model, which is a great choice for people who are looking for low-risk birth options and primary care with a midwife.
Is the Birth Center of Chicago Licensed?
Yes, Birth Center of Chicago is fully licensed by the state of Illinois! We are also accredited by Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC).
I already have a provider. How do I transfer care?
We believe prenatal care with a provider you trust is a right all pregnant people deserve. We also know some providers work in hospital systems that either don’t have the tools or administrative support to allow you the birth you desire. If you are a low-risk pregnant person, you could be eligible to give birth at the birth center. To transfer care, please contact us through our contact form and we can schedule an intake interview to review your medical history and birthing goals. We’d love to support you and look forward to talking!
Things we need for all potential birth clients:
Take a tour
Complete VOB if planning to use insurance
Review of your medical history
You can also review our Transferring To Our Care page
How do I know if I’m eligible for pregnancy care?
Everyone looking to give birth at the Birth Center of Chicago will have their medical history reviewed and evaluated by the director of midwifery. As a freestanding birth center in Illinois and a nationally accredited birth center, we are required to ensure that our clients meet certain criteria for a low intervention birth environment. The first appointment with our midwives is a one-on-one risk assessment and conversation to review your history and records together. After this appointment and a personalized assessment, we can determine if birth center care is appropriate.
Items that would preclude someone from birth center care include, but are not limited to:
past and current health history
prior uterine surgery including previous cesarean birth
multiple gestations with this pregnancy
chronic health complications such as diabetes outside of pregnancy, hypertension, heart/kidney/lung/blood diseases, hyperthyroidism, near-psych disorders, seizure disorders, HIV+
Current, active substance or alcohol use during pregnancy
First time birth givers with BMI > 40 or multiparous birth givers with BMI >45
Why do birth centers have such good outcomes?
Birth Centers are statistically safe places to give birth! Not only do we have elaborate prenatal appointments that allow for more nuanced sharing and education, our care model is appropriate for pregnant people who plan to have spontaneous and unmedicated labor. Most midwifery practices are rooted in current evidence-based practices, and use a low intervention model that results in better outcomes.
What about labs + ultrasounds? Can the Birth Center of Chicago take care of those too?
We are happy to say that we can do onsite labs and ultrasounds! We hope that this will provide clients with convenient resources, and offer more comfort by having services completed by a team you trust.
What are your COVID-19 Precautions?
As the CDC regards all pregnant people as high risk persons, it is especially important that we take great care of our clients, our staff and our facility.
A detailed outline of our COVID-19 policy can be found here.
What are TOLAC (VBAC) options?
Our insurance does not allow us to offer care to pregnant folks who have had a previous birth by cesarean at this time. Even if you have had a successful VBAC already, we are not yet able to provide care to ANY pregnant people who have any history of cesarean birth.
Can siblings attend births + appointments?
Our highest priority is to offer a safe space for pregnant and laboring people, while also balancing the emotional and mental wellbeing for a family. If you plan to have siblings at your birth, we ask that they have a designated caregiver for the entire time they are with you.
Our shared spaces for families laboring at the birth center are open to all, and that means your older child(ren) may be in contact with others outside of the birth center staff at your birth. If this is uncomfortable for your little person, they are recommended to stay in your birth suite with you.
If timing is questionable, it is an option to have siblings come to the center after the birth, to enjoy the postpartum recovery hours together.
How many people can I have at my birth?
You are welcome to have 3 support people, plus a labor doula at your birth. Your support people includes:
Partners
Other children + designated adult
Birth Photographers
Do we support water births?
Yes! Each birth suite has a large tub available for use during labor and birth. We know using water and full submersion tubs can be used to offer pain relief, relaxation, decreased stress for baby, and support for position changes through labor. Our Midwives have experience with supporting water birth as a safe option for birth and we are happy to offer this option.
What does newborn care look like at the birth center?
Our practice values the intimate and important interactions that happen in your child's first moments outside of your womb. For uncomplicated deliveries, we strive to preserve the connections made in the first hours with your child, and offer any necessary exams to take place while you are doing skin-to-skin, or well after the golden hour.
Families can expect to spend 4-6 hour at the birth center after they deliver to bond and be nurtured by our clinic team. We believe healing and recovery can best happen in the home environment and ensure you and your child are prepared to take that next step.
We offer newborn screenings and tests that are common in hospital settings such as Vitamin K, Hep B vaccine, and erythromycin eye ointment. We do not offer circumcision at BCC.
Is breastfeeding and chest-feeding support offered?
For those interested in breast or chest feeding, we have skilled support staff on hand through your recovery hours after birth to help with your child’s nutritional needs.
After giving birth, you will have access to our lactation consultant for the weeks after, and can schedule appointments should you have any concerns.
What happens if birth doesn't go as planned?
While we offer pregnancy and birth care for low-risk populations. We are trained for many emergency situations, and have the necessary equipment closely nestled away should those tools be needed. Should it be necessary to transfer your care during labor, we are partnered with Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, only 2 miles from our center by emergency transport.
Will I be seen by an OBGYN, or a Midwife?
Clinical visits and births are attended by Certified Nurse Midwives, with a support staff of RNs, and other labor support staff. Our Medical Director is a deeply experienced obstetrician/gynecologist that our midwives are able to consult with regarding client health concerns.
Any clients who have health contraindications with low-risk birth center care at any point during their pregnancy will be referred to an OB/GYN in the community for further care.
Are doulas allowed at the birth center?
Yes! Doulas are considered essential workers and are welcome. Doulas are not employed by the birth center, but are strongly encouraged as a part of your labor and birth team. If you are working with a doula, we can’t wait to see them with you when you arrive.
What can I expect to pay to give birth at the birth center?
A full outline of service costs for prenatal care and birth are outlined here. Part of the initial intake with the birth center is verification of benefits with your insurance company. Some costs are not covered by insurance, but overall, folks choosing to give birth at the Birth Center of Chicago see that costs are 30-40% less than uncomplicated vaginal birth in a hospital setting.