COLORADO SPRINGS – Expecting moms are excited about a new birth center in Colorado Springs since it offers them more options when it comes to having a natural birth.
Although it’s still taking shape, the Beginnings Birth Center in Colorado Springs is almost open.
Three midwives will be working around the clock for expecting moms who want to have a natural delivery in a low-key setting.
“Looks like a bedroom and feels like a bedroom but that has some emergency equipment tucked away and you have the option here, which is not an option at a hospital, to give birth in the tub if you so choose,” said founder Jolene Hamann.
She’s been working on the project for two years now and says it’s a good option for low-risk women like Lindlee Dickens, a second-time mom who had a water birth in Texas.
“Calmed the rest of my body, allowed me to relax,” said Dickens when describing her experience.
Though it wasn’t without its inconveniences.
“There was only one tub room in the whole hospital. And so that’s why they made you wait in case you were there for many many hours and some other mom needed the room,” Dickens explained.
She’s due in January and plans on delivering her second son in her own room this time.
“That was something that I was really relieved that was coming and within my timeline, so it’s exciting to see it come together,” she added.
The rooms are in high-demand, though and they’re nearly booked through April.
That’s why Megan Lake, a first-time mom, knew she had no time to waste.
“We found out at three weeks, four days and I messaged them the next morning because i was like ‘what if other people have already booked everything?” Lake said.
The personalized attention drew her in.
“It’s great because you know, I know exactly who’s going to be at my birth and the hospital is right down the street anyways so if something happens, it’s not like you can’t get the care that you’ll need,” Lake added.
For Hamann, who’s been working as a midwife for 11 years, it’s knowing who she’s going to help that made her want to give women more options on how to expand their family.
“Seeing a family grow,” she reflected, “there’s nothing like it.”
Since the birth center is focused on natural births, they don’t offer epidurals but they do offer alternatives such as laughing gas or time in the water for pain-relief.
Their big opening day is set for September 24th and pending a license from the health department, they’re aiming to start deliveries in January.