The #1 question moms have when they find out they are pregnant is where am I going to give birth? With 1,000 decisions to make before baby arrives, this is a big one, so we are making it easy for you to decide: Over the years our community has stepped up and become a beautifully progressive state to be giving birth and raising children in.
This original post was from December 2013 though a lot has changed since then so I’ve added some great resources below for you. From great hospitals and free standing birth centers to incredible home birth support, we’ve got it all.
If you’re seeking a hospital birth, here are hospitals in the metro area with labor and delivery departments:
Hospitals in Minneapolis:
- HCMC Birth Center
- Abbott’s Mother Baby Center
- M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis
Hospitals in St. Paul:
Hospitals in the suburbs include:
- M Health Fairview St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood
- M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital in Woodbury
- Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park
- Maple Grove Hospital in Maple Grove
- M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina
- Mercy in Coon Rapids
- North Memorial Family Birth Center in Robbinsdale
- M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville
- St. Francis in Shakopee
- Ridgeview in Waconia
- M Health Fairview Lakes Medical Center in Wyoming
One thing to consider in choosing a hospital is their cesarean rate. You can find that by checking out ICAN’s blog (International Cesarean Awareness Network). On the far right of the main page are listed the 2010 Cesarean rates for Minnesota as compared to the U.S.
Seeking a free standing birth center experience?
If you’re looking for a more intimate and home-like environment without having to give birth at home or in a hospital, a free standing birth center might be the place for you.
We are lucky to have multiple options right here in the Twin Cities.
These are different than a hospital birthing center. The hospitals call their maternity ward birth centers, so don’t confuse that with a free standing center. A free standing birth center is unrelated to a hospital yet has everything you need to feel safe in giving birth, including the built in staff of nurses and midwives. The large birth tubs are also a bonus, as is the home-like atmosphere.
The icing on the cake is that in most cases, counter intuitive to what you may think, it’s less expensive (let me repeat that: LESS EXPENSIVE) than birthing in a hospital.
Again, your geographic location isn’t so much an issue as which center you feel more comfortable in. The five free standing birth centers right here in the Twin Cities are:
Twin Cities Birth Center (formerly Health Foundations) is the first free-standing birth center in the Twin Cities. They are located on Grand Ave in St. Paul. This birth center has such a cozy intimate feel set up in an old craftsman style bungalow with plenty of room to labor down that baby of yours. Dr. Amy Johnson-Grass, a Midwife AND Naturopathic Physician, offers a unique perspective and level of care to the birthing mother. I know mamas who have driven 45 miles to birth at this center!
Minnesota Birth Center‘s original location is right across the street from Abbott where the birth center midwives have privileges. This means, that in case of a transfer, your Minnesota Birth Center Certified Nurse Midwives can continue your care at Abbott. This birth center has the feel of a modern Victorian home. Their second location is in the westside of St. Paul, about a mile from United Hospital, where their providers have privileges and the ability to support TOLAC and VBAC births.
Roots Community Birth Center & Birth, founded by Rebecca Polston, and nestled right in the center of the North Minneapolis community, was born out of her vision to make out-of-hospital birth more accessible and affordable for families from all walks of life.
Willow Midwife and Birth Center is on Excelsior Boulevard in Minneapolis. together work together to serve clients in a way that feels good, is safe, and trusts their experience AND the evidence that science brings us.
Morningstar Women’s Health and Birth Center is now closed. They were in Duluth, Menomonie, WI and right here in St. Louis Park. The feel of this birth center is of a nice bed and breakfast. Paula Bernini-Feigal has over 20 years of experience serving birthing women. The St. Louis Park location would be a great spot to serve those in the following areas: Minnetonka, Long Lake, Orono, Plymouth, Hopkins, Golden Valley, Edina, Bloomington, and Minnetrista.
Outstate Minnesota:
In Milaca is the Kairos Midwifery within A New Story Birth Center. Further north in Brainerd is another gem, Luna Women’s Wellness and Birth Center.
River Valley Birth Center This is the only licensed birth center in Southern Minnesota (St. Peter). They pride themselves on providing evidence-based care with a focus on individualized attention on the needs of each family.
If you are planning a home birth…
I used to direct people to a list of home birth midwives in Minnesota, but that organization doesn’t exist anymore. If you know of a source like this, please let me know! If you would like recommendations, please contact me. I’m happy to share who we used for our home births and other midwives I’ve worked with.
If your wheels begin to turn while seeking out the perfect birthing location and you’re wondering how to educate yourself on the myriad of choices you have, consider natural childbirth education. At My Healthy Beginning we offer an incredibly informative and powerful series right in Long Lake, serving the surrounding areas of Waconia, Victoria, Delano, Maple Plain, Minnetonka, Long Lake, Orono, Plymouth, Hopkins, Golden Valley, and Minnetrista. I’ve seen mamas come from as far as Cologne, Woodbury and Elk River, too!
Now you know more about where to give birth, what next step are you taking in the planning of your birth?
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