Did you know? In 2024, about 2% of births in the United States took place outside hospitals. This includes home births and deliveries at birth centers. That’s about 76,000 out of 3.6 million total births. There has been a steady increase over the past four years. Today, women have many options. This includes hybrid care and birth plans from different providers and places. We now have more experts, opinions, and resources. This lets every soon-to-be parent make their own prenatal and labor plans! We are no longer a one-size-fits-all society for labor and delivery. Did you know that birth centers and home birth options in Florida are becoming more popular every year? In 2024, about 2% of births in the United States took place outside hospitals, including home births and birth centers
A birth center is a like-home place that focuses on natural, low-intervention births. You work with midwives instead of OBGYNs. All moms can choose birthing tubs and have the freedom to labor as they wish (any movement, all positions). Many families exploring birth centers and home birth options in Florida want a natural, low-intervention experience. These places support families wanting a holistic experience. Birth centers focus on safety. They have emergency protocols in place to handle any situation. For example, clear steps for fast hospital transfers, nurses on staff during labor, and below equipment and medicine:
- Oxygen – for mother or baby if breathing support is needed
- IV fluids – to prevent dehydration or stabilize blood pressure
- Anti-hemorrhagic medications (e.g., Pitocin/oxytocin, misoprostol) – to control postpartum bleeding
- Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine) – for stitching small perineal tears
- Antibiotics – in some cases, if there is a known infection risk (like GBS)
A home birth is when a person gives birth in their own home. To assist with the labor and birth are the staff of a midwife, a doula, and a midwife assistant. Parents can choose their providers (and even add to the roster). I, Nina, had a birth photographer who also acted as a backup doula for my daughter’s birth. Home births are for those seeking a natural, unmedicated birth in a familiar, private setting. They are often thoroughly and thoughtfully planned. Midwives are at the heart of most birth centers and home birth options in Florida. They are safe for low-risk pregnancies. (Midwives also have the same or similar equipment and medicine listed above for births).
Midwives are highly educated, experienced, and qualified. In Florida, midwives must be either a Licensed Midwife (LM) or a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM). Midwives of both types need to continue education every two years to keep their licenses.
- Licensed Midwives complete a three-year program approved by the state. They do extensive clinical training and pass the NARM exam. Then, they apply for their license through the Florida Department of Health. The education and training alone usually total around 2,500 hours.
- Certified Nurse Midwives, must first earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), become a licensed Registered Nurse, complete a graduate program in nurse-midwifery, pass the national certification exam via the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), and obtain an APRN license through the Florida Board of Nursing.
Hybrid care is also available for women looking for the best of both worlds. There are midwives that offer prenatal care for mama in preparation for a hospital birth. If you want hands-on care, education during pregnancy, and longer appointments, this option is for you. While maintaining the reassurance of delivering in a hospital. Doulas can also support moms in the maternity ward. They assist with advocacy and ensure that the birth plan is followed. Hospitals are adding options that were once off-limits for labor. For example – there are hospital midwives and doulas available to add to the birth team if you are at Advent Health Orlando. Orlando Health has birthing tubs, birthing balls, and more – available for all labor and delivery rooms.
Choose the best options for your family. Birth should be a completely customized experience. Every family, mom, and baby is unique. During pregnancy, feel free to ask questions. Explore your options. Create the labor experience you want.
P.S. Whether you are in your first or third trimester – you can contact different providers for any of your needs, concerns, or options. Here are some amazing birth workers we know well. We highly recommend them!
- https://apositivebeginningmidwifery.com/ (Dr. Rob and Tori’s midwives for both girls)
- https://sunshinemidwife.com/ (Nina’s midwife providing alternative out of hospital prenatal care)
- https://www.injoybirth.com/ (Orlando’s best network of doulas; they even do speed dating to select your provider)
- https://www.birthhourphotography.com/ (Nina’s previous birth photographer at home and current doula for her upcoming baby)
