In our society we have been taught that a hospital is the only safe choice for a birth place. Statistics however tell a different story. http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com Birth has inherent risks just as driving does. Just as you wear a seat belt for safety in the car, you want a good practitioner for safety in birth. A midwife can be likened to a lifeguard at a swimming pool. Just as you would not like the lifeguard to dive in the pool and drag you around when you are just enjoying your swimming, many do not want their birth practitioner to actively manage their birth. A midwife supports you in your desire to birth, your way, and stands ready to assist you if there is trouble. Birth is a natural function of the human body and holds the potential of being one of the most monumental experiences of your life.
Our birth center statistics for the years 2003 – 2007 are:  Cesarean Section rate of less than 4 in 100 compared to our national average of 1 in 3. Fetal mortality rate of 1 in 562 (still birth in hostpital) compared to the national average of one in 145.  Our maternal death rate is 0 and our infant death rate is 0.  We love our facility and invite you to come for a tour.  
So how do our statistics compare?
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/
http://www.birthnaturally.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/omhd/AMH/factsheets/infant.htm
The Coalition for Improving Maternity Services
http://www.motherfriendly.org/
Consortium for the Evidence-based practice of Obstetrics
http://www.sciencebasedbirth.com/
Ricki Lake's movie on birth in the United States
http://www.thebusinessofbeingborn.com/
Birthing the Future
http://www.birthingthefuture.com/
BIRTH IN WATER
Most of us love water and can relax well when immersed in warm water. Some call the water the birth center epidural, and it deserves this name. Water therapy has long been used to sooth pain, relax, and heal. Many women labor more effectively and with less pain in water. Birth in water has a long history of research for its safety. http://www.waterbirth.org/mc/page.do
There are only two concerns when a woman desires to birth in water, temperature and cleanliness. Temperature must be maintained close to body temperature or it will stress the unborn and newborn infant, so a temperature of less than 102 F must be assured. Therefore in our facility thermometers are in each birthing tub at all times and the temperature is carefully maintained. Cleanliness/infection control is difficult in jetted tubs where bacteria can hide in tubes behind walls, therefore, cleaning protocols must be strict and include hospital grade cleaners. Our birthing tubs are carefully cleaned with strict protocols involving a two hour process. When these two variables are controlled, water birth is a safe and peaceful option for mother and baby.
