About Us

THE WNC BIRTH CENTER

Like any large initiative, the WNC Birth Center began as a dream, a desire to meet the need of a rapidly growing group of women seeking more autonomy in their birth experience. In the spring of 2010 a group of birth professionals formed to create the region's first free-standing, nationally accredited birth center. We became incorporated as a non-profit, secured our IRS status as a tax-exempt organization and leased a building in Asheville within minutes of Mission Hospital.  In July 2016, we opened our doors and we welcomed our first baby barely 6 weeks later. Our midwives have medical privileges at Mission allowing them to continue care for our patients in the event transfer becomes necessary.

Why a birth center for our region?

• Previously WNC women had just two choices for birth: hospital or home
• For many years, the home birth rate in WNC and in Buncombe County in particular was significantly higher than the state average.
• Home birth outcomes can be compromised by lack of easy access to a hospital and qualified birth attendants.
• Our centrally-located, midwife-staffed, nationally accredited birth center offers a “bridge” between hospital and home

Benefits of Birth Center Care

• Safe, high-touch, low-tech alternative for healthy pregnant women
• State of the art, evidence-based maternity care
• Integration with the existing health system
• Reduced risk of cesarean birth
• Family-friendly, nurturing care in a relaxing, home-like environment
• Up to 50% lower charges than a physician-managed maternity package with normal hospital birth

OUR CORE VALUES

Mission

The first in our region, WNC Birth Center provides a state-of-the-art maternity and well-woman health service following evidence-based practices and the midwifery model of care. We offer pregnant women and their families a compassionate, cost-effective, safe alternative to hospital birth in a relaxing, home-like setting.

Vision

Creating a safe, comfortable environment where birth is normal and women's health can thrive.

Philosophy

WNC Birth Center believes:

OUR SERVICES

WNC Birth Center offers high quality, safe, personalized midwifery care for women of all ages.

Maternity Care (Click here to enroll)

1. Comprehensive prenatal care
2. Basic laboratory services, ultrasounds, physician consultation and referrals as appropriate
3. Labor/birth/postpartum attended by a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and RN
4. Drug-free pain relief such as hydrotherapy, massage & acupressure, continuous labor support, hypnosis
5. Care and observation of the mother/newborn couplet for 6-12 hours after birth
6. Breastfeeding advocacy and support
7. Family contact with the birth center for the first two days after the birth
8. Home visit by CNM or RN 24-48 hours after the birth
9. Two and six-week postpartum visits and newborn checks by CNM
10. Support for new parents; and 24-hour access to a CNM