Finding the right location for your baby’s special day is an important decision in your pregnancy. With so many possibilities for a birth center in Charlottesville, this decision can become overwhelming. As a Charlottesville newborn photographer I work with a lot of clients who prefer the alternative birthing center experience.
I myself have had 3 children via C-sections at the hospital due to pregnancy complications so this is a new topic for me. So I dug in to research and get referrals from local Charlottesville area moms. Let me help you to get started by detailing a few Charlottesville birth centers, the classes they offer, and, if you are interested, the possibility of at-home birthing! Before we get started though let’s learn a little bit more about birthing centers.
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What is a Birthing Center?
Charlottesville birth centers are a great in between option for those not interested in a home birth but want a more comfortable environment than a hospital.
According to Wikipedia – “A birthing center is a healthcare facility, staffed by nurse midwives, midwives and/or obstetricians, for mothers in labor, who may be assisted by doulas and coaches. The midwives monitor the labor, and well-being of the mother and fetus during birth. Doulas can assist the midwives and make the birth easier.”
I think WhattoExpect.com sums it up nicely as “A birth center is a homey, low-tech birthing option for moms-to-be who desire a natural childbirth experience.”
Are Birthing Centers better than hospitals?
For low risk patients birthing centers in Charlottesville can be the perfect alternative to a typical hospital environment. There is a decreased risk of cesarean section and typically patients are able to go home in less than 24 hours after a vaginal birth. They can also have lower birth expenses vs traditional hospitals.
Birthing Centers are great places to think about if you’d like to try hydrotherapy, breathing exercises, massage or acupuncture as alternative pain relief options. Plus when it comes to the rooms think more hotel or homey depending on where you go than traditional hospital.
If you are looking for an all in one place that supports you before and after your delivery a birthing center in Charlottesville might be exactly what you need. Many centers offer: counseling before getting pregnant, well woman exams, typical prenatal care, classes to learn more about breastfeeding, childbirth preparation, postpartum support and after baby birth control.
Find The Birth Center in Charlottesville That Feels Right For Your Family
Riverhaven Community Birth Center
This Charlottesville birth center features two birthing rooms with built-in tubs for water births. They also offer at-home birth within the greater Charlottesville area! Moms-to-be can schedule a free consultation online to discuss their birthing plans with their two midwives. They offer prenatal, lactation, and postpartum care through individual appointments. They are located at 330 Winding River Ln Charlottesville VA 22911.
Crowning Joy Midwifery – The Birth Centre of Charlottesville
Are you looking for assistance before pregnancy? The Crowning Joy birth center offers care for Charlottesville mommas from preconception to postpartum. You can request a free consultation and take a tour of their Charlottesville birth center facility. If you choose this location, they provide unlimited prenatal and postpartum care visits. Additionally, two spacious birthing suites with deep jacuzzi tubs are available during labor or birth. Midwife services are available for in-home births in the Charlottesville area. Hypnobirthing™ classes are also available and ideally completed around 20-32 weeks. They are located at 182 Spotnap Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
UVA Health
At UVA Health, you can access private suites for birth and postpartum, where your baby will be by your side the entire time. Whirlpool tubs are available for relaxation during labor. Midwives, anesthesiologists, and location consultants on staff. Free virtual and in-person classes on various topics, from delivery to caring for your newborn. Neonatal intensive care unit on site if any childbirth complications occur or you have a high-risk pregnancy. They are located at 1215 Lee Street Charlottesville, VA 22903.
Family Birthing Center at Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital
Located on the third floor of the Charlottesville Sentara Martha Jefferson Hospital, this birthing center is a family center utilizing cutting-edge technology to ensure your baby’s safety. Free and paid childbirth classes are offered virtually and in person. Private birthing rooms, an operating room, and mother/baby rooms are all in this center. Level II Special Care Nursery is also available for babies born after 34 weeks of gestation who need extra care after birth. They are located at 500 Martha Jefferson Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911.
Queen City Birth Services
At Queen City Birth Services, free birth plan consultations are available to review your ideas and develop a birthing plan. Childbirth education classes are presented in a three-part series on-site. Placenta encapsulation is available after birth for an additional fee. This Charlottesville birth Center has two equipped birth rooms conveniently located one block from a neighboring hospital if needed. Home birth midwifery services for low-risk pregnancies are available within Augusta County. They are located near Charlottesville at 1610 Goose Creek Rd Fishersville, VA 22939.
Birth Center Charlottesville
While sometimes overwhelming, choosing the right birth center for you and your little one makes a huge difference. Just remember that it is your journey. So you should feel safe and supported in whatever Charlottesville birth center you choose. Welcome your new little one into the world in a place and with a team you are comfortable with.
Now that you have decided on your birth location, allow me to capture those family memories in your home. I offer lifestyle newborn photos, no fancy props, just real love and cuddles with your little one. From maternity to family photography, I can help you save those memories in time as they will pass by in the blink of an eye. And while you’re here, be sure to view more blogs with the links below.
- How to Prepare for a Lifestyle Newborn Photoshoot
- 7 Ways New Dads Can Get More Involved With Their Baby
Before you leave be sure to check out this awesome blog post on “Tips for Hiring a Maternity Photographer” by my friend Michele who is a Professional Minneapolis Maternity Photographer.
[…] Not located in Seattle and the surrounding areas? Don’t worry! I’m a member of the International Association of Professional Birth Photographers, where you can find a “birth photographer near me” by entering your city or zip code. You’re welcome! 😉 And if you live in Charlottesville, VA and are wanting to know more about birthing centers, be sure to check out the Birth Center Charlottesville. […]
These birth center options are lovely! I love how cozy and beautiful birth centers are! What a great resource!
I love birth centers! I think they are such a great option for pregnant people to birth at!
Wow, it’s amazing there are 5 options for birth centers in Charlottesville! This is a great resource for those considering a birth center. In Indianapolis there is only 1, but more are opening up. It seems birth centers are becoming more popular.
All this information on Charlottesville birth centers is great, but so are your images. That top image looks like an amazing nursery. You always seem to work in some lovely homes.
How wonderful that parents have so many amazing options to choose from. Being able to labor in such cozy surroundings is sure to make the experience so much more comfortable!
I love how birth centers are becoming more and more popular. My friend gave birth at a birth center and it was so cozy and homey, it felt much more relaxing than being in a hospital setting. Thanks for sharing this great list for parents!