Birth options in Asheville?

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Permalink Reply by Sonya Stone on January 28, 2008 at 11:17am

Yay, Melissa, congratulations! You're right, there isn't a birth center in Asheville, but there are lots of choices. I am a childbirth educator and founder of Asheville Area Birth Network (www.ashevillebirthnetwork.com). If you wish to plan a hospital birth, you are limited to New Dawn and MAHEC Midwives. Both attend at Mission. New Dawn also attends home births. New Dawn will schedule a consultation with you (free of charge) so you can meet them and ask questions before making a decision about who to hire as your provider. Family to Family is a family practice that has two female docs who provide a more midwifery model of care in the hospital. They do not file insurance though so you would need to manage any insurance reimbursement yourself with them.

One thing I will say is you are the consumer and you can and should decide what kind of experience and care you want. If doctors are not your thing, this is not the time to use one! Birth is normal and midwives are trained experts in normal birth. They are also trained to respond if something out of the norm happens so you'll be in good hands.

If you live on the south side, you may also want to consider the Pardee midwives. I don't know as much about them as the ones here, but I've heard good things.

If you are interested in having a home birth, there are even more options for providers. We are blessed in this area with many skilled midwives who attend births at home. Most will not be able to take your insurance, but with my first daughter, I discovered what I paid out of pocket to my midwife was LESS than I would have paid in deductible and my percentage for a hospital birth. There is one midwife that I know of that qualifies for some insurance plans so if you're interested in home birth, you can PM me and I can give you more details.

I would encourage you to relax and enjoy these early weeks of your pregnancy. You are not too far along, don't worry! Your body is designed to do this! A provider will likely tell you things like start taking good care of yourself...no smoking, drinking alcohol, eat more protein, drink more water, get lots of rest, relax! Pick up a book about pregnancy so you can start learning about what's happening in your body and what your choices are in this journey. I recommend Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Natural Birth: The Bradley Way, and Active Birth. About half way through your pregnancy you should be signed up for a childbirth education class...I have recommendations for you there too!

Also, come to our next meeting which is a great way to connect with with parents and resources in the community. Asheville Area Birth Network will meet Saturday, Feb. 9 at 10:30 at True Health Family Wellness Center (directions are on the web site). Good luck!

HTH!
Sonya

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Permalink Reply by Melissa on January 28, 2008 at 7:44pm

Thank you sooooooo much for the personalized information! Do you know anything about Park Ridge hospital? (Because I actually live in Brevard but my husband works in Asheville) What I read on their website looks great as far as their willingness to allow a natural, empowering birth. And I've read some good stuff about them online from women who had a New Dawn midwife and gave birth at Park Ridge. I went ahead and made an appointment with one of their doctors, mostly because they are listed as covered under my insurance, but now I'm questioning myself. I really want to make the right choice. So do you know anything about them? I hope I'm not driving you crazy - but I've got an expert at my fingertips! And I know NOTHING...
Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Sonya Stone on January 29, 2008 at 5:22pm

I have heard mixed things about Park Ridge and the same with Mission so I'm afraid I can't say one way or another. Of the few people I know who have had births at both, they liked Park Ridge better. That was when New Dawn attended births there though and now they have switched to Mission Hosp. If you want feedback on specific doctors, I can ask around, but I don't know any down there personally.

The main thing to consider is what kind of experience you want to have. Make sure you have all the necessary information...get into a good childbirth class (I recommend Susan Mooney in Fairview, she's teaches The Bradley Method...I would recommend myself but I'm not teaching right now! or Chama at Beginning with Birth). I can't stress enough reading some of those books I mentioned and taking a class that is designed for natural birth and understanding the sacred experience of birthing your baby.

It is important that you lead the direction of your prenatal care and you do not solely rely on your doctor to direct you. It is your job to decide what is best for you and your family and then find a practitioner who can provide that. The last thing you want is to be in a class at 30 weeks and start learning that the choices you have that you want to make are not supported by your care provider.

It is still early and you can still make some changes so if you feel best making an appt. with someone now, then do it. And in the meantime, go get one of those books and start reading! This is one of the most important, life changing experiences you will ever have so don't settle. If you want a midwife, I think you should have one!

good luck!

good luck!

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Permalink Reply by Melissa on January 30, 2008 at 4:58pm

Thanks so much! I can't tell you how much I appreciate your time. I'm going to the library tonight! I will be going to the doctor tomorrow just to see how far along I am and get an ultrasound and all the tests that will tell me everything is okay. Once I know that, I WILL go after everything I want. I have a wonderful husband and he will make sure there is a way for us to have the experience we want. I'll keep you updated! Thanks again!

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on February 17, 2008 at 6:39pm

I just wanted to say that I am currently taking classes with Susan and she is great. We are doing a private session with her in my home so that I can have my 3 year old present as I have no one to watch her.
Also, those books are wonderful too! The only one I haven't read is "Active Birth."

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Permalink Reply by Sarah on February 17, 2008 at 6:32pm

Hey! Congrats! Have you tried MAHEC? I know the women's health center on Hendersonville Rd has midwives there. They work in association with Mission so maybe you insurance would be accepted there. Hope this helps!

-Sarah

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Permalink Reply by Melle Larky on June 29, 2008 at 1:21pm

I don't know if this is a very old thread or one from this year. But I'd like to know when the next Asheville Area Birth Network meeting is, as I'd like to attend. Thanks for the info,
Melle

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Permalink Reply by Sonya Stone on June 30, 2008 at 1:12am

Hi Melle,
It is an old thread but luckily, I got an email on your response. We do still have Birth Network meetings. They are the second Saturday of each month. Our next one will be July 12 at 10:30 at True Health Family Wellness Center, 1095 Hendersonville Rd., Suite A. It's 2 miles south of the Biltmore Estate and I-40, just past the CVS.
Sonya

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