Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Many clients find that water promotes relaxation and reduces pain during labor and delivery. Some studies indicate that hydrotherapy (use of water) may also help to lower blood pressure, facilitate labor progress, and reduce the likelihood of perineal tears. Laboring and giving birth in the tub are safe options for most clients.

As a BBC client, you’ll be seen by a Midwife of the Brooklyn Midwifery Group. Our midwives will be your primary providers during pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs), are licensed independent practitioners who manage women’s health, pregnancy, and childbirth for low risk patients, without direct physician supervision. We operate within a collaborative network of specialists for ultrasounds, consultations, and various treatments (e.g. for moderate to severe anemia), as needed. When you go into labor, a midwife will be on call to triage your labor and admit you to the birth center when you are in active labor. A registered nurse birth assistant will also be present.

Birth centers are designed for healthy people having uncomplicated pregnancies and anticipating normal births. Our policies therefore limit the families we serve to those with pregnancies that are considered low risk. This excludes: Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), twins, breech births, birth prior to 37 weeks or after 42 weeks. Other conditions such as high blood pressure or medication-controlled gestational diabetes would make a hospital birth necessary. More information and the opportunity to ask questions is provided at Orientation, which is required for new clients. You can sign up to BBC Orientation here.
Occasionally, our midwives, Midwife Director or consulting physicians determine that a hospital birth would be safer for an individual client or baby. This determination, using shared-decision making between the care team and client, may be made during prenatal care or while the client is in labor. We assess each client’s risk status at regular intervals throughout pregnancy. If a risk factor is identified, your midwife will talk with you about recommended hospital-based midwifery and physician practices.

In order to become a patient of the Brooklyn Birthing Center, you will need to sign up for an Orientation session. The Orientation goes over care at the center, the process of becoming a patient, and provides the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If you have already received prenatal care and are more than 12 weeks pregnant, we determine eligibility by doing a review of your complete prenatal records. If you have specific questions you would like to discuss about your medical history, please feel free to get in touch with us.

Families who attend childbirth education classes are more confident and comfortable during labor. Taking the time to learn about birth, what to expect from the experience, and having comfort measures in your back pocket sets you up for success.
The midwives also want you to have a robust support system and recommend doula support. You are encouraged to choose a doula (a professional who can support you during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and postpartum) or reach out to us for assistance facilitating a connection with a doula. Feel free to browse our list of recommended doulas and childbirth education resources in our Resources Directory.

During labor, we check vital signs at regular intervals. We use a hand-held doppler to monitor the baby’s heart rate. This unobtrusive method of fetal monitoring is proven to be effective, and (unlike continuous electronic fetal monitoring in the hospital) does not restrict the laboring client’s ability to move freely. We also offer intravenous (IV) fluids and some medications if medically indicated, such as antibiotics and medications to reduce bleeding after birth. We have the required equipment to provide supplemental oxygen and to perform suctioning. However, these interventions are used only as needed.

We do not offer epidurals or labor augmentation. We do use medications to provide GBS prophylaxis (antibiotics), reduce postpartum bleeding after the baby is born, and suture lacerations using a local anesthetic.

For pain relief we offer water immersion, massage, support, and position-guidance to facilitate easier birth. We are also pleased to offer nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. Nitrous is a well-studied, safe way to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation that has no effect on the baby and no lingering effects for the person in labor. Nitrous is also effective for procedures such as suturing that may produce anxiety. If suturing is necessary, a local anesthetic will also be administered. We are happy to provide more information on nitrous oxide if you are interested.

Yes! At the time of birth, we immediately place newborns skin-to-skin on the client’s chest to promote bonding. Clients and newborns usually remain skin-to-skin until the first feeding is complete or as long as desired. All routine procedures (such as monitoring vital signs) are performed without interrupting skin-to-skin contact.

Our midwives will conduct a thorough newborn exam and administer the Vitamin K shot and erythromycin eye ointment (unless declined by parents). The new family rests and recovers at the birth center for 4-6 hours in most cases, during which time we are helping with feeding and monitoring mother and baby for normal recovery. During this time, early home care instructions are reviewed and any questions about the first days at home are answered.
Within 24-48 hrs of birth, clients will set up a pediatrician visit or return to the birth center for newborn screenings, infant feeding support, and complete routine blood tests and a newborn hearing screen. If you do not come into the center for the initial newborn screening visit, mothers will receive a thorough telemedicine visit within 24-48 hrs of birth. After the initial visit, the midwives remain available 24/7 by phone for any questions or concerns that arise.
All clients are encouraged to see our staff lactation consultants during the postpartum period. All clients are welcome to schedule postpartum office visits on an as-needed basis and are asked to return for a routine assessment at 5-6 weeks postpartum. Our midwives also offer gynecological care and family planning services.

We are continually evaluating our guidelines to allow the best experience for families while still following best-practices to keep everyone safe, including newborns. Currently two support people are allowed in the birthing room and two support people in the waiting room. We do not count a doula as a support person as we do not want to discourage anyone from having a doula. Your support people must adhere to the regulations of the birth center for the safety of parent, baby, the support team, other clients and staff. If a member of your party is not feeling well, please take appropriate steps to protect others (masking, distancing, etc.).

We accept most major insurance plans, including many Medicaid-managed care plans! Please see the insurance section of our website for more information. You can also submit a photo of your insurance card and ID to us via email, and we will obtain a verification of benefits.
If you are interested in having your baby at Brooklyn Birthing Center, please click here to sign up for an orientation.
If you are not pregnant and wish to schedule a GYN visit, please call our office at (718) 336-4119.