A freestanding birth center is a facility specifically designed and built as a safe & comfortable place for women & their families to give birth. The birth center philosophy includes the belief that pregnancy and birth are normal processes, not illnesses. Care must be mother-centered & family-centered. This means that the woman is recognized as the person ultimately responsible for her own well being & the decisions made regarding her care. Finally, the family is recognized as an important component in the mother's care and are included to the extent of the mother's wishes. The Arbour Birth Center is built to reflect and support this philosophy.
Currently, there are 5 midwifery practices in Calgary.
When you arrive at the birth center, you can expect to find a kitchen for the preparation of snacks or light meals, a comfortable living area, and a play area for children. The birth rooms are each furnished as master suites with ensuite bathrooms that feature large jetted tubs for use during labour and birth. Rooms are fully-equipped and accessorized for labour, but equipment is stored discreetly out of sight inside closets or drawers until required. The facility is childproofed, a VCR/DVD is available, in addition to a variety of children's toys.
Arbour Birth Center is 15%.
The most common reason for transfer is a first time mother who is not progressing in labour.
Arbour Birth Center is the first freestanding birth center in western Canada. Though the facility is physically and administratively separate from any hospital or other health care facilities, it is located within minutes of the Foothills Medical Centre and emergency services. Keeping a birth center physically separate allows the mother to enjoy total privacy & control over her surroundings, while encouraging a sense of comfort and safety.
Arbour Birth Center occur as
water births in the Birth Tubs.
