Home or Hospital?  ...

Many women feel there is no safer or more loving place to give birth than in their own home with the assistance of a midwife. The home setting is familiar and natural -- a place where the new baby and family are together from the start.

For low-risk pregnancies, there is no evidence to suggest that giving birth in the hospital is safest. The evidence does show much lower rates of obstetrical intervention, such as forceps and c/section deliveries, with midwife assisted births.

Compared to hospital delivery, home birth asks more of parents -- more participation, more responsibility -- and also gives parents more control and involvement in this intimate event. The woman, her family, and the midwife become partners in the health and well-being of the mother and the baby.

If you would feel more comfortable in a hospital setting, or your pregnancy is a little higher risk you can easily find a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM).  CNMs practice in almost every hospital in the Atlanta metro area.  Water birth is also an option with some hospital practices.  Unfortunately there are no free-standing birth centers in the area.  

Midwife care has important advantages

Midwifery care offers more time and personal attention during each prenatal and postpartum visit; a more natural and informal pace for prenatal care as well as the birth process; an open invitation to ask questions, all kinds of questions; and continuous education and pregnancy counseling by a skilled professional.
 

The primary commitment is to the safety of the mother and the baby

Midwives will refer to a physician whenever a medical condition occurs that could create a problem for the mother and/or the baby. Most midwives will only work with low-risk mothers at home.