While natural births are often deep, meaningful relationships, committing to one can be a little intimidating. The truth is that there’s a lot that can happen during labor, and you want to make sure you have options to keep you and your baby safe. If you’ve considered having a home birth but want to make sure you have all the necessary tools, I would love to tell you all about Mercy Birthing Center. This home-like environment has everything you need for a holistic birth.
About Mercy Birthing Center
The birthing center at Mercy opened up–appropriately enough–on Labor Day in 2014. Now, almost ten years later, it’s been the birth site for over 2,000 babies. The comfortable space is managed entirely by certified nurse midwives. The center operates under Mercy Hospital and accepts most major insurance companies. Because the center shares a system with Mercy Hospital, accessing your medical records or getting referrals is a breeze. And while the birth center feels like a home, its location within the hospital gives you access to any emergency advanced care. The center is located at 615 S. New Ballas Road, Suite 1400 in St. Louis. You can find it on the first floor of the hospital next to the Children’s Tower elevators.
Services
The midwives at Mercy Birthing Center will start providing you with care from the very beginning of your pregnancy as long as you’re considered low-risk. You’ll have access to any necessary tests and labs. The midwives also work closely with the Mercy obstetricians to ensure they’re providing you with the best comprehensive care. You’ll create your birth plan alongside your midwife and will receive all the information you need to feel prepared.
The birth center itself offers four cozy rooms with birth swings and large tubs. Your family will have access to a waiting room and a kitchen throughout your birth. You’ll be invited to move around and labor however you see fit. As labor progresses, your midwife will work with you on relaxation methods. If you choose, you’ll have access to nitrous oxide for additional pain relief. Following your birth, you’ll be able to either leave following skin-to-skin and initial exams or stay for up to 1-2 days. If you do go home, you’ll return the next day for a quick examination.
Specialty
If you want to make sure you feel completely prepared for delivery, you and your partner can enroll in a Mercy Birthing Center natural birth course. These classes take place over six weeks and teach you everything you need to know to make informed decisions throughout your labor. You’ll learn about things such as the stages of labor, how to know it’s time to come in, and what to expect following delivery.
Mercy Birthing Center
If you’ve been planning on a natural birth, Mercy Birthing Center is one of the best options in the city! You’ll have access to knowledgeable midwives as well as a comfortable space for your delivery.
While you’re making your birth plan, be sure to book some pictures! I’m a St. Louis photographer as well as a mom. I know firsthand that the newborn stage has a tendency to fly by. I want to be there to help you create memories so you can hold onto these months forever. If you’ve been considering booking some pictures to celebrate your little one, I’d love to chat and tell you more about my sessions. Contact me today to get the conversation started!
A rating of 5 is not high enough for Kelly!! Kelly is an amazing photographer, was absolutely wonderful to work with, and was quick to reply to emails. Shes an upbeat and positive person, which made out photo sessions comfortable and fun!! Kelly is professional in more ways than one and I highly recommend her to anyone in the St. Louis area wanting some maternity and/or family photos taken!
