If you’re here then you probably already know that when it comes to having a baby, you have options. Choosing the ideal location to give birth is a pivotal decision for expecting parents. Each option presents distinct advantages and considerations from the comforting familiarity and personalized care of a home birth midwife, to the comprehensive care offered in a hospital setting. Navigating these choices requires a careful assessment of personal preferences, medical needs, and logistical factors. In this article, I explore the diverse options available for having a baby in Kansas City, while providing insight to help you navigate this decision.

Where to have a water birth

Most commonly when parents are looking at options for where to have a baby the top question is where they can have a water birth. There are a lot of amazing benefits to having a water birth. According to the American Pregnancy Association there are multiple benefits to a water birth both for the mother and baby. A few to mention are:

• The water acts as a natural pain relief and is both soothing and relaxing
• Water immersion reduces stress and tension during labor
• Provides a more calm transition from the sac through the birth canal to delivery for baby

But what are your options when it comes to having a water birth in Kansas city? Currently if you wish to utilize water in your labor and delivery you have three different options.

Birthing at home

If you want to have a water birth and both labor and deliver your baby in a pool or tub one of the most popular options for water birth is an at home birth.

Birth Center

Another popular option for a water birth is at a local birthing center which supports both labor and delivery in a pool or tub.

Advent Hospital & Research Medical Center

The last local option for utilizing water in your birth plan is Advent Hospital or Research Medical Center. Their birthing centers have delivery rooms that have tubs available. These tubs are first come first serve – no guarantee that when you come in during labor that one of those rooms will be open and available. They also do not allow birthing in the tubs, only laboring. You will be required to exit the water to actually deliver your baby.

Hospitals in Kansas City

Kansas City has many local hospitals that offer obstetric care and delivery. When working with an OB in a hospital you will see your physician of choice in person for appointments. When you come to the hospital in labor your delivery team will be whatever nurses and OB(s) are on staff at that time. There is no guarantee that your OB who did your prenatal care will be the one to deliver your baby. The hospital will also take care of your postpartum check and baby well-check before you’re discharged. Below is a list of where to have a baby in a Kansas City hospital.

• Saint Lukes
• Research Medical Center
• Liberty Hospital
• North Kansas City Hospital
• University of Kansas Health Systems (KU)
• Olathe Health
• Overland Park Regional Medical Center
• Advent Health
• University Health

Home birth Midwives In Kansas City

Another option for having a baby in Kansas city is to work with a homebirth midwife. When working with a midwife, your prenatal appointments will take place in their office. Some midwives offer packages that include prenatal appointments in home. Home birth midwives will come to your home during labor to assist you and your partner with delivery, postpartum care, and your babies first well check. It is important to note that home birth midwives do not bring pain management supplies such as epidurals, IV pain medication, etc. Families that are wanting to utilize a homebirth midwife typically are looking for options to best support their goals of having a natural birth. Below is a list of where to have a baby in Kansas City with a homebirth midwife.

• Sacred Song
• KC Homebirth
• Midwife KC
• Midwife Partners Homebirth
• Glory Birth
• Dreaming Tree Womens Care
• Natural Birth KC
• Arise Birth
• Rachel Williston
• No Place Like Home Birth
• Fruitful Vine Midwifery KC
• Labored with Love
• Empowered Womens Care
• Home Born Midwife
• Sarah Alley, CPM (270) 255-5028 | Serving Polo and a one hour radius
• Blossom Midwifery (816) 648-0998 or blossommidwives@gmail.com

Birthing Centers in Kansas City

Lastly, another option for having a baby in Kansas City is to work with a birthing center. When working with a birthing center you will go to the birthing center office for all prenatal appointments with an on staff midwife. When you go into labor you will go to the birthing center for labor and delivery. Birthing centers offer beautiful calming suites that have a bed, pool or tub, and you’re welcome to both labor and deliver your baby in the tub. During labor your team will include whatever midwife and midwife assistant is on call during that time. Birthing centers do not offer pain management supplies such as epidurals, IV pain medications, etc. Families that are wanting to utilize a birthing center typically are looking for options to best support their goals of having a natural birth but do not wish to do this at home. Below is a list of where to have a baby in Kansas City in a birthing center.

As of July 5th, 2024 New Birth Company has announced that they will be closing effective September 1st, 2024 and are no longer accepting new patients.

• Immanuel Birth Co – Topeka KS.
• Lawrence Birth & Wellness – Lawrence KS.

Things to consider

Now that you’ve seen the three options for having a baby in Kansas City you may be wondering what you should consider when making a decision. While there are certainly many factors listed below are the top three decision makers for most families.

Natural or Medicated Delivery

The dictionary definition of a natural delivery is “a vaginal birth, especially without medical intervention such as pain-relieving medication.” If your birth goal is to have a natural birth then I encourage you to explore homebirth or a birthing center because they are centered around this specifically. While hospitals do allow mothers to deliver naturally they rely more on facility technology and less on the physiology of birth. You might find yourself needing to advocate for your birth goals more verbally than you would working with a midwife at home or at a birthing center. If you do want to utilize pain management during labor you will need to work with an OB or midwife in a hospital setting.

History and High/Low Risk Pregnancy

 If this isn’t your first pregnancy and/or delivery you’ll want to consider your history of previous pregnancies. Some things that your providers will ask are your history of; miscarriage, c-section(s), hemorrhages, preterm labor, and any other concerns that may have occurred during your previous pregnancies. Depending on your history and current pregnancy you may be labeled as “high risk.” A “high-risk” pregnancy means a woman has one or more things that raise her — or her baby’s — chances for health problems or preterm (early) delivery. Homebirth midwives and birthing centers will take on certain “high-risk” women but oftentimes it is a case by case basis. It is best to interview your midwife prior to making a decision or assuming your only option is a hospital. There are several homebirth midwives who will do vbacs (vaginal birth after cesarean,) multiples, and gestational diabetes. Most, not all, hospitals that have high risk OB’s and nicu’s.

Cost

Having a baby is expensive, no doubt. But when it comes to choosing where to have your baby you may want to consider the cost implications. Insurance aside, a hospital birth is vastly more expensive than a home birth or birthing center birth. According to Forbes, the average cost in the US for a hospital birth without insurance is $18, 865. The cost for a home birth or birthing center is on average between $4,000-$7,000. Most insurances cover care with a hospital provider leaving you only responsible for your deductible. For a home birth and birthing center birth the amount covered by insurance is going to vary greatly based on your insurance provider – but oftentimes the entire cost is not covered. You’ll want to talk to your insurance provider and midwife to chat about doing a verification of benefits to get a better idea of what, or how much, will be covered by insurance.

If you want to know more about the benefits and risk to a hospital birth, home birth, and birthing center birth I would encourage you to read over this article.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey to having a baby offers a spectrum of options, each catering to different needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing a natural approach, comprehensive medical support, or personalized, you can find a suitable setting that aligns with your birthing goals. I hope the information provided above answers your questions and gives you a good base on where to go to start seeking care.

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Documenting your newborn

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