Newborns receive a comprehensive newborn exam before being discharged from Center for Birth.
Center for Birth was founded in 2010.
In September 2023 ownership of the birth center changed, but the commitment to provide a warm, welcoming place for community birth under the care of highly-skilled midwives in a freestanding community birth center remains.
Freestanding means this is a true birth center, not the labor and delivery section of a hospital. Community means our birth center has extended privileges to qualified midwives in Seattle, providing the most personalized experience possible by allowing individuals to have a wide choice of midwives/midwifery practices.
Center for Birth is in-network with most major insurance companies and accepts Washington State Medicaid insurance, making the birth center experience accessible to anyone who chooses it.
A birth center is an appropriate birth setting for most people, and is uniquely suited for those seeking personalized care with a midwife, a minimum of interventions during labor and birth, and for those who value taking an active role in their experience
Peace of Mind
In Washington State, birth centers are licensed by the state Department of Health. Center for Birth is also accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers, which means it meets or exceeds the care and administration standards set by the American Association of Birth Centers. Midwives practicing at Center for Birth abide by the standards and practice guidelines of the Midwives Association of Washington State.
Center for Birth is located near downtown Seattle, and only about two miles from two major hospitals.
See if a birth center birth is right for you.
Midwives provide Critical Congenital Heart Defect (CCHD) screenings on all newborns.
Quality Care
Laboring and giving birth under the guidance of a midwife in a birth center does not mean sacrificing appropriate care or safety. Low intervention does not mean no care or oversight. The birth center is equipped with the necessary medications, supplies, instruments, equipment, and safety protocols for labor and birth.
Insurance Coverage
The birth center is in network with most insurance companies, including State DSHS programs. The birth center is in network with the following Apple Health plans:
Amerigroup
Coordinated Care
Community Health Plan of Washington (CHPW)
Molina
Center for Birth is equipped with the necessary supplies for your midwife to provide optimal, safe, evidence-based care.
There is oxygen gas and resuscitation equipment, for adults and newborns. IV fluid therapy, while available, is not routine and is used only in specific circumstances. Drugs for treating or preventing excessive blood loss are on site, as are local anesthetics to numb skin and tissues if any stitches are necessary. People wear the clothing of their choice, although gowns are also available if preferred. Thick bathrobes and towels are in abundance.
Wondering if you qualify for free or low-cost health care? Check your eligibility for Washington Apple Health here.