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. Since that time we have become 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 where our midwives have medical privileges allowing them to continue care in the event transfer becomes necessary.

Why a birth center for our region?

  1. Currently WNC women have two choices for birth: hospital or home
  2. The home birth rate in WNC is over twice the state rate; in Buncombe County, it's 5 times the state rate
  3. Lack of access to a hospital and qualified birth attendants may lead to poor home birth outcomes
  4. Our centrally-located, midwife-staffed, accredited birth center will offer a “bridge” between hospital and home

Benefits of Birth Center Care

  1. Safe, high-touch, low-tech alternative for healthy pregnant women
  2. State of the art, evidence-based maternity care
  3. Integration with the existing health system
  4. Reduced risk of cesarean birth
  5. Family-friendly, nurturing care in a relaxing, home-like environment
  6. 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:

Compassionate care for women of all ages is beneficial to the family and society

Birth is a normal process that is enhanced by a safe, familiar and relaxing environment

Education, knowledge and evidence-based practices form the foundation of optimal health

Family participation is an important aspect of quality patient care

Breastmilk is the optimal food for babies

Raising awareness about midwives, normal birth and birth center care is one of our priorities

Education of medical residents and midwifery students results in better healthcare for many who never enter our birth center

Everyone deserves respect regardless of age, race, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, gender, sexual orientation or marital status

All women have the right to quality healthcare and the unique services offered at our center.