We all have our own preferences when it comes to giving birth. While some people prefer traditional hospital settings with an epidural the second they walk through the door, others do better in a natural setting where they can take full control. No matter what you want for your delivery, the most important thing is that you have options! As a Harrisonburg newborn photographer, I get the chance to connect with parents from all different backgrounds and find out about the professionals they trust the most. If you want a natural approach to your care, I would love to tell you why I think Brookhaven Birth Center might be the spot for you.
About Brookhaven Birth Center
1732 Boyers Rd Rockingham VA 22801
Brookhaven is a birth center that offers midwifery care in a comfortable, home-like environment. The midwives who run the center have gone out of their way to create a welcoming environment where you can receive holistic care. They get to know each of their patients and take a personalized approach to your appointments. Education remains at the heart of all they do. The midwives want you to be informed of all of your options so you can ultimately make the decisions that are right for you. In addition, they take a family-centric approach, welcoming your children to tag along to all your visits so they get to be involved as you grow your family. Their ultimate goal is to let you have everything you need for an empowering and profound birth experience. They work with insurance companies to ensure you have access to their care, plus they offer payment plans.
The center has two primary midwives as well as a student midwife/doula. They use a rotating schedule so each midwife will get the chance to rest and recover. This ensures your midwife can give you their full attention when it’s time to deliver. Before your due date, they will ensure you can meet each of the staff members. No matter who you have for your delivery, you will feel comfortable and confident with their guidance. While they primarily deliver within their birth center, you can also use them for your home or hospital birth.
Services
With Brookhaven Birth Center, you will receive all your prenatal care within their office. Throughout each appointment, your midwife is going to reserve plenty of time. You will never feel rushed throughout your visit, giving you the chance to have an open discussion with your provider and ask any questions. You will spend this time building up a relationship so you can fully trust them once it is time for birth. They will let you know what you can expect through each stage of pregnancy, plus they will work with you to create the birth plan that is right for you. If you want any ultrasounds, you can book them in the office using their experienced tech.
If you choose to give birth within the center, you will head in once labor begins, and your midwife will meet you there. The rooms were designed to feel just like home. You will have large beds where you can rest at any point. The rooms also contain birthing stools and birth hammocks, as well as immersion bubble massage tubs. If you would like, older children will have the chance to be a part of the delivery, though they do ask that you bring another adult who can keep an eye on them.
After Birth And Beyond
Once your baby is born, you will immediately initiate skin-to-skin while the cord stays intact. They will guide you through the early breastfeeding sessions and perform an exam to ensure you and your baby are on the road to recovery. Then, you will be able to go home to rest. Your midwife will perform a home visit 72 hours later to see how you are doing.
For home births, your Brookhaven Birth Center midwife will work with you to make sure your space is ready for your delivery. You will give your midwife a call once labor begins, and they will head to your house. They will take care of setting everything up. They will also guide you through natural pain management options. Once your baby is born, your midwife will clean up the space while you focus on bonding. They will stay a minimum of 2 hours following birth. The center does offer birthtub rentals for families who choose this option.
If you would prefer to have a hospital birth, your midwife will perform all the primary prenatal appointments. Once labor begins, they will meet you at the hospital and act as your doula. They will take care of all the postpartum check-ups. This is a fantastic choice for high-risk pregnancies where the mom still wants control over her birth environment. If you do choose this option, you will have the ability to change it to a home or birth center delivery before the 36-week point.
Specialty
While Brookhaven Birth Center primarily focuses on empowering women throughout their delivery, they are going to make sure you have everything you need for a happy introduction into parenthood. They offer Bright Beginnings Childbirth Education programs for everyone in the community. You will learn about the different choices in childbirth, prenatal wellness, coping with pregnancy discomforts, the stages of labor, positions and breathing techniques, how to involve your partner, and more. By the end of the sessions, you will feel as prepared as possible for your delivery! They provide additional services, including placenta encapsulation and belly casting. Also, be sure to keep an eye on their website. The center plans on adding postpartum doula services real soon!
You Will Love Crafting Your Dream Journey With Brookhaven Birth Center
With Brookhaven Birth Center, you will have a space where you can give birth your own way. Be sure to schedule a consultation so you can decide if they are the ones for you!
Are you looking for more ways to prepare for your little one? Then let’s chat! I am a Harrisonburg newborn photographer, and I adore working with parents so they can remember every single second of this time. If you have been considering booking your session, let’s chat today so I can tell you all about it!
