Home births tend to be positively beautiful experiences. And while this choice works for some families, it’s not nearly as appealing for others. From property laws and limited space to the (very valid!) unwillingness to deal with all the prep work, home birth is simply not an option for many families. Birth centers are a fantastic choice for those who can’t do a home birth but still want to deliver outside of the hospital! These centers are equipped with beds and tubs so you can deliver the way that works for you. Plus, birth centers have all the emergency tools you need and hospital transport protocol on the off-chance something goes wrong. If you want a space to have an out-of-hospital natural birth experience, check out a Seattle birth center.
For 13 years, Center of Birth has been a freestanding birth center located right in the heart of Seattle. The center is devoted to providing comprehensive care to expecting parents so they can take back control throughout their labor. The building is modern and spacious. You’ll have a comfortable bed where you can rest during your labor, as well as a large tub if you’d prefer to have a water birth. The Center of Birth has been the site of over 1,000 babies since its opening.
In the summer of 2023, it announced it was transferring to new ownership. While a few faces might be different, you’ll still have access to the same exceptional care that has made them a Seattle favorite! With the center, you can work with several midwifery agencies, including In Tandem Midwifery in Burien, Seattle Home Maternity, and Something Beautiful Midwifery. You can also choose Rainy Day Midwifery. Because this last practice has an office out of the birth center, you’ll have all your appointments in the same space where you’ll deliver. You can find the practice at 1500 Eastlake Ave E.
Puget Sound Birth Center is a center staffed by experienced midwives passionate about empowering you throughout your delivery. Since opening its doors 25 years ago, the center has welcomed over 5,000 babies. While the midwives assist in home births, they’ve created a comfortable space where you can deliver in their practice. The building provides private suites with couches, beds, and jacuzzis.
You’ll have access to nitrous oxide at any point. The center prides itself on being an inclusive space where all orientations, religions, races, and gender expressions are welcome. You’ll be able to start your personalized care as early as you’d like throughout the entirety of your pregnancy. Following delivery, you’ll receive an in-home postpartum visit. You can tour the center at 13128 Totem Lake Blvd NE, Suite 101 in Kirkland.
Seattle Home Maternity is a midwifery practice providing two birth center options. The practice is currently operated by Heather Chorley, a midwife who has been on the team since 2006. Brooks Siegal, a midwife with a Ph.D. in philosophy who used her studies to develop a deep understanding of bodily autonomy, joins Heather. Both midwives bring their unique backgrounds to the practice so you can have a delivery experience unlike any other.
While the midwives allow you to deliver out of the birth center, they have a licensed on-site birthing space on the lower level of their clinic. This space feels like home. You’ll have access to a kitchenette for snacks and meal prep. The birthing room features a warm bed and a large soaking tub complete with a hand-held shower. Because the center resides within the practice, you’ll be comfortable with the space before it’s time for your delivery. You can find this center at 3830 South Ferdinand Street.
The Birthing Inn opened in 1999 and has strived to establish itself as the leading freestanding birth center in the Puget Sound area. Several midwives staff the center and allow you to work with a singular provider or a team. You’ll get the chance to schedule a meet and greet with the midwives before you begin care to ensure you’re picking the best person for you.
The center’s mission is to give parents the freedom of choice for their delivery. They ensure you have all the information you need for a safe and profound birth experience. The building is peaceful, with modern decorations and large windows that look out into the Pacific Northwest woods. You’re free to explore the area as you labor and move to the large birthing tubs as the contractions progress. You can view The Birthing Inn at 6002 Westgate Blvd, Suite 120, in Tacoma.
Eastside Birth Center has curated gorgeous birth experiences for parents around Washington for years. The center was opened by Christine Thain, a midwife who had dreams of assisting with labor since high school. Her passion shines through every aspect of the birth center, from the individualized midwifery care to the home-like atmosphere of the building. Fellow midwife Angela Lygren joins Christine.
Together, they educate parents and allow them to create their ideal birth plan. The center will provide all prenatal visits as well as labs. Throughout your labor, you’ll be placed in a large private suite with a comfortable bed, a spacious sitting area, and a wide jacuzzi. The center also has an outdoor patio where you can relax between contractions. Eastside Birth Center resides at 14700 NE 8th Street, Suite 115, in Bellevue.
By using a birth center, you’ll be able to have the out-of-hospital experience that’s right for you. Take some time to explore these Seattle birth centers, so you find a place that gives you control of your delivery!
While making your birth plan, don’t forget to schedule the pictures! I’m a Seattle-based photographer, and I positively adore working with families so they can have portraits of this time. As a mom myself, I know the early months are a complete haze. I want to give you beautifully authentic memories of this time so you can hold onto them forever. If you’ve been thinking about booking some pictures to celebrate your little one, I would love to connect! Let’s chat today!