The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health, the largest freestanding birth center in the US is located in Pittsburgh, PA. Director Christine Haas talked with CABC Staff Member Robyn Davis about some unique programs at the birth center. Read the full interview here.
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The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health is the only licensed birth center in western Pennsylvania and has the distinction of being the largest freestanding birth center in the US today.
Although The Midwife Center had roots as a hospital-based center for nearly 20 years, they taught Pittsburgh residents what being a birth center is about and how it would benefit the women and community as a whole.
After leaving the hospital in 2000, the birth center incorporated as an independent non- profit organization, a decision Executive Director Christine Haas feels was a good one.
“Taking the non-profit mission seriously has helped us to grow,” Christine said during a recent interview with CABC Staff member Robyn Davis.
Grants, donations and a 2017 campaign not only helped double the size of the birth center, but also allowed them to add comprehensive services such as behavioral health, an in-house lab, and outreach to people with barriers to care.
When asked to talk about a recent accomplishment, Christine wanted to share more about the addition of behavioral health services. Originally funded by a one- year grant, the program includes full-time in-house behavioral health. Postpartum support groups, which the clients really like, are part of the behavioral health offerings.
Other unique programs offered by the birth center include With Women Fridays and Con Mujeres. Started in 2002, With Women Fridays is a walk-in program primarily for gynecological services. To adapt during the pandemic, a Nurse Practitioner keeps an open schedule on Fridays to allow for same day appointments without a crowded waiting room. With Women Fridays introduces women to the birth center model of care including young people, as well as old- er women who may have stayed away from the health system.
Con Mujeres was started in 2006 by Spanish-speaking Clinical Director Ann McCarty. A need was identified for bilingual OBGYN care Providers. The answer was this grant- funded program that provides funding for Spanish- speaking Providers and translation services in other areas, such as helping the front desks with scheduling.
Lastly, we talked about goals. The Midwife Center is committed to diversity and to mentoring the next generation of midwife providers. Staff currently host a Facebook live series, “Lunch & Learn” where they talk about their journey to becoming a birth professional. Additionally, The Midwife Center recently hired a midwife fellow with the support of a grant to increase opportunities for new midwife graduates to work in a birth center, as well as for the center to mentor other future birth professionals.
It was a pleasure getting to learn about The Midwife Center for Birth & Women’s Health. Thanks, Christine!