Welcome to one of the most elating, exciting phases of life – motherhood. The journey to holding your new baby in your arms is full of anticipation, planning, baby clothes, organization, celebration, and so much more. But before you gaze into your little one’s eyes, you’ll need to go through one of the most awe-inspiring and transformative experiences in the universe: childbirth. And where better to do that than at Orange County Birth Centers?
With so many opinions and perspectives in the world, it’s easy to get caught up in the “shoulds” and “should-nots” of giving birth. At the end of the day, your birth experience is what you make of it. Doing your research and preparing a birth plan rooted in your preferences is a great way to give you more control going into labor and delivery.
What Is An Orange County Birth Center?
Part of planning your birth experience is deciding the environment in which you would like to welcome your baby. Hospitals offer a more medical approach to childbirth, while home birth, typically assisted by a midwife, puts you in greater control of how you labor and ultimately deliver. But what if you’re hesitant about a hospital birth and not sold on having your baby in the comfort of your own home? This is where birth centers come into the picture.
A stand-alone birth center offers families an out-of-hospital birth experience that is also out of the home. If you live with other people in an apartment building, have a lot of indoor animals, or simply aren’t interested in giving birth at home, a birth center can be a great option. They are typically located within minutes of a hospital in case an emergency transfer is needed, though transfers are almost always a rare exception to the norm. Birth centers are staffed by midwives. Some have in-house midwives, and others allow midwives from multiple practices to use their facilities. Birth centers are also stocked with medical accessories and equipment that may not be found in a home birth setting.
A birth center doesn’t have to be a stand-alone facility, however. Some hospitals are embracing the mother-led birth model, offering comfortable birthing environments led by Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) with the peace of mind that, should complications arise, you’re still in a hospital environment with specialists and facilities designed to handle any situation. Hospital birth centers are also ideal options for women with higher-risk pregnancies who may need a little closer medical attention throughout labor and delivery.
4 Incredible Orange County Birth Centers To Guide and Support Your Birth Journey
If you’re beginning to think about your birth plan, it’s time to start thinking about where you give birth – especially since the location can determine your healthcare provider, too. If you’re planning to deliver in Orange County, CA, here are a few Orange County Birth Centers for you to consider.
South Coast Midwifery
6817 Quail Hill Pkwy, Irvine, CA 92603
South Coast Midwifery is home to a beautiful birthing center that gives off 5-star luxury resort vibes – a stark contrast from the more medical aesthetic of a hospital. They take pride in pampering their clients in a nurturing, spa-like environment. Established by nationally recognized midwife Lorri Walker, the facility is now home to three professional CNMs who have combined decades of experience bringing babies into the world. Their gorgeous facilities received elegant decorations and designs. Additionally, each birthing suite has a large, deep tub perfect for bringing comfort throughout labor and delivery. When you choose to have your baby at South Coast Midwifery, you’ll be in charge of your birth experience – when to move, when to eat, when to switch positions, etc. Your midwife is there as your “lifeguard,” making sure you and your baby are safe and that your experience is as fulfilling as it can possibly be.
Mission Hospital
27700 Medical Center Rd, Tower 1, Floor 2, Mission Viejo, CA 92691
Providence Mission Hospital is one of the hospitals in the area that truly honors and respects each individual woman’s birthing preferences. Recently recognized as a U.S. News & World Report 2024 High-Performing Hospital for maternity care, their state-of-the-art facility has everything you need for a birth your way. They are also the only hospital directly connected to CHOC at Mission Hospital, which has neonatologists onsite 24/7 for babies who need specialized care. Many of their OB/GYNs are absolutely supportive of natural, unmedicated birth plans, and they encourage vaginal births as often as possible, using C-Sections as an emergency resort when needed. Plus, you can always request the presence of a doula and take advantage of amenities like hydrotherapy, LED candles, and other soothing birth tools.
Natural Birth Center
432 S San Vicente Blvd #250, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Natural Birth Center provides empowering and personalized care while avoiding the culture of birth fear. Their birthing suites are elegant spaces with all the comforts of home, beautifully decorated to create a calming and inviting environment. Large private tubs are available to use throughout labor and delivery, as are plenty of other tools and equipment that you can use to stay as comfortable as possible. Led by a team of CNMs, their center became the only freestanding birth center in LA and Orange County with a midwife (Simona Istrate) whose RNFA certification enables her to assist in your care. Should an unexpected C-section become necessary. Schedule a tour and a consultation to see why so many Orange County families (and even some celebrities) choose Natural Birth Center to welcome their babies into the world.
OC Women’s Medical Group
OC Women’s Medical Group has a team of CNMs that delivers at both Hoag Hospital Irvine and the Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center, offering a more personalized and natural approach to childbirth. Hoag Hospital Irvine has beautiful private birthing suites that allow new moms to labor, deliver, and recover in the same room. The adjacent Tsao Family Garden is perfect for some cleansing fresh air for expectant mothers. The Women’s Hospital at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center has spacious birthing suites, each equipped with a state-of-the-art bed that allows you to deliver in the position that makes you feel most comfortable. Both hospitals staff neonatologists and professionals who can intervene if needed in an emergency. As well as every resource you need to ensure your baby arrives safely.
Allow These Orange County Birth Centers To Provide Comfort And Support In Your Birth Journey
Wherever and however you choose to deliver, your birth experience is just one beautiful and amazing hurdle toward holding your baby in your arms. These Orange County birth centers offer safe and comfortable environments for labor and delivery. Do your research to see which one best suits your birth plan and unique situation, and then begin organizing; your little one will be here before you know it!
Before your newborn arrives, let’s discuss newborn photography sessions. As an Orange County photographer, I strive to capture those first moments of your baby’s life to have as lasting keepsake artwork. At my studio, I offer a stress-free experience for families and their newborns where we can comfortably photograph your little one’s first days or weeks of life. I would love to hear about your newborn photography dreams. So let’s chat!
Leave a Reply
Inquire here
I would love to answer any questions you may have and begin the planning process for your portrait session.
Let's capture this season of your life
