Comparison of traditional vs. alternative[edit]
A 2012 Cochrane review compared traditional hospital births with alternative, home-like settings in or near conventional hospital labor wards. In comparison with traditional hospital wards, home-like settings had a trend towards an increase in spontaneous vaginal birth, continued breastfeeding at six to eight weeks, and a positive view of care.[5] The review also found that having a birth at an alternative birth center decreased the likelihood of medical intervention during labor, without increasing risk to mother or child.[5] The likelihood of risks during a pregnancy or a mother's preexisting medical conditions may impact the ability for that mother to use a birthing center.[6]
Around the world[edit]
United States[edit]
Like clinics, birth centers arose on the East and West Coasts in the 1970s, as alternatives to heavily institutionalized health care. Today, use of birthing centers is generally covered by health insurance. Several of the practices which were innovated in birth centers are beginning to enter the mainstream hospital labor and delivery floors, including: