Maternal and infant emergencies are very rare in birth centers nationwide. A national study reported a 1.9% emergency transfer rate, and we continually work to improve upon that benchmark. In an emergency situation, the center has emergency medications and equipment to stabilize mother and baby for a safe transfer to the hospital. There are two excellent hospitals within 5 minutes of the center. Our midwives are highly skilled at managing potential emergency situations and can usually prevent the need for an emergency transfer with the medications and equipment we have at the center.

Maternal and infant emergencies are very rare in an accredited birth center. A national study showed 1.9% emergency transfer rate and we are aiming to lower that even more. In an emergency situation, the center has emergency medications and equipment to stabilize mother and baby for a safe transfer to the hospital. There are two excellent hospitals within 5 minutes of the center. Our midwives are highly skilled at managing potential emergency situations and can usually prevent the need for an emergency transfer with the medications and equipment we have at the center.

We take great care to prevent emergencies from occurring by:

• Checking for prenatal risk factors at every visit
• Spending extra time educating and discussing the birth process before the birth.
• Conducting emergency drills on a regular basis with EMS personnel
• Consulting with Dr. Tum, our in-house collaborating physician, once a week.
• Co-managing pregnancy care with Dr. Stoessel, perinatologist and collaborating physician.

When the mother feels calm and safe, a smoother labor and birth follows. Everything about our care is focused on creating that calm and safe environment.