Hospital or Birthing Center???

I was bad and did not get to update the blog last Sunday - my appologies.  It was Easter and I went to my friend's house (25 minutes away) and got stuck there due to a storm/tornado warning...

This past week I visited a birthing center here in Denton, which I loved but it is "out-of-network" with my insurance, thus, it will cost more than the hospital.  I will contact my insurance to see if I can get an "out-of-network" exception, which may be possible since this place it is so much more economical than a hospital.  I was pleased to learn that this place has medical equipment in case the baby needs to be intubated (can't breath) or resuscitated (which I am sure will not be the case).  If I end up needing medical intervention, I could be in a hospital within 5 minutes. In addition, the midwives at this facility are very experienced and well prepared to deliver babies - they receive extensive training. If you like, you can find more info by checking their website: http://www.inannabirth.com/


Yesterday, I went to the hospital where my doctor delivers (Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital) due to an urinary tract infection (UTI). I have started antibiotics and am fighting a fever now...
I was stuck there for 2 hours just to get a prescription... Thus, I did not have a very good impression.  However, I was pleased to find out that the nursing staff supports breastfeeding, there is a lactation consultant there, and they encourage skin-to-skin contact during the 1st 30 minutes after birth.  If someone is in the room with me (awake), I can keep the baby there to facilitate breastfeeding. For more info, here is the website: http://www.texashealth.org/default.cfm?id=1

I have not yet decided rather we will deliver at the hospital or a birthing center.  I need to evaluate the pros and cons and do some more research about the negative effects of an epidural - so I can be convinced to go all natural...  I do like my doctor quite a bit but I also like the flexibility and the environment of the birthing center.  I will let you all know once we make a decision.  Feel free to express your opinion and past experience.