Services
Prenatal Care

Prenatal visits at Central Texas Birth Center are scheduled for an hour each. We want to make sure you have ample time to ask questions, fully understand every stage of your pregnancy, and develop a strong relationship with your midwife. During this time, we will discuss important topics like prenatal nutrition, exercise, stress factors, and natural remedies for any pregnancy discomforts. We will fully address any concerns you may have about pregnancy, birth, or parenting and provide you with additional resources, should the need arise. Of course, we also perform the clinical portion of the prenatal visit, which includes:
- Urinalysis
- Weight
- Vital Signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature)
- Monitoring the fetal heart rate
- Measuring the size and growth of your uterus (fundal height)
- Palpating the position of your baby, and teaching you and your partner to do the same
- Risk Assessment
Ultrasound
Central Texas Birth Center does not require that you have an ultrasound during your pregnancy. However, we understand that some families would like to know the sex of their baby, or have a diagnostic ultrasound for peace of mind. In addition, there are some circumstances where ultrasound can be a beneficial diagnostic tool.
Central Texas Birth Center refers to Touchstone Imaging or Austin Radiological Association for diagnostic ultrasounds. We are happy to find you the most cost effective option for obtaining your ultrasound. In addition, we have several referral options for non-diagnostic ultrasounds, i.e. keepsake ultrasounds. Please contact our office for an ultrasound referral.
Homebirth
Homebirth is very similar to birth center birth, except that we come to you. A midwife and an assistant midwife will come to your home when active labor is established. We bring supplies for birth including emergency medical supplies and monitor your labor in the same way we would at the birth center. You will be responsible for gathering a list of basic supplies to have on hand (i.e. sheets, towels, etc) and to order a birth kit. After the birth, we will clean up, start laundry, and tuck you and your partner into bed with you new baby.

Postpartum
After your baby is born, we will continue to monitor you and your baby to ensure that you are both stable and healthy. We will guide you through delivering the placenta and assist you with breastfeeding as soon as you’re ready. It will be a priority to make sure you are staying hydrated, and many mothers are hungry for an actual meal at this point which we encourage. You must stay for at least two hours after your placenta has been delivered, but many families will prefer to take a nap and rest a while before heading home. Postpartum care continues after you leave, including:- 24 hour phone consultation
- 1-3 day home visit
- 2 week home visit
- 6 week office visit
Newborn Exam
A thorough newborn exam is done at mom’s side when the baby is approximately two hours old. Prior to the newborn exam, baby’s lungs, heart rate and temperature are assessed while mom is holding her baby.
Some of the newborn assessments include:
- Weight and Length – Head, chest, and stomach circumference
- Vitals – Respirations, Heart Rate, Temperature
- Reflexes – moro, grasp, suck, swallow, sneeze,etc.
- Skin – color, birthmarks, vernix
- Head and neck
- Back – normal curve, hair tuft
- General Appearance – activity, muscle tone, cry
- Eyes – placement, reactive
- Ears, nose, throat
- Chest/breast – heart and lung sounds
- Abdomen – including cord treatment
- …and more