Dear All,
It has been asked 'what is a Birth Centre' (definition). If you look at the
beaureau of stats or any State or the AIHW - they do not define a Birth
Centre but do include their numbers BC stats. So is it possible if you call
yourself a birth centre you are one, regardless of how you operate?
Philisophically though, I hope not!
Below are some of the definitions (albiet some are similar) of a birth
centre.
Definitions
1. An autonomous midwifery unit, offering midwifery care for low risk women
(St. Thomas's hospital, London, 2002)
2. The birth centre is a homelike facility existing within a healthcare
system with a program of care designed in the wellness model of pregnancy
and birth. Birth centers are guided by principles of prevention,
sensitivity, safety, appropriate medical intervention, and cost
effectiveness. Birth centers provide family-centered care for healthy women
before, during and after normal pregnancy, labour and birth. (Adopted by
NACC Board of Directors - New York - October 1, 1995).
3. To provide the highest standards of midwifery care to our mothers and
families, in accordance with the World Health Organisation's definition of
midwifery practice (Monash BC, 2005).
4. A birth centre is an institution that offers care to women with a
straightforward pregnancy and where midwives take primary professional
responsibility for care. During labour and birth medical services,
including obstetric, neonatal and anaesthetic care are available should they
be needed, but they may be on a separate stie, or in a separate building,
which may involve transfer by car or ambulance. (Structrued Review of Birth
Centre, NPEU, July 2005, University of Oxford) this definition is also
adopted by the Ryde Birth Centre, NSW.
5. Free standing birth centres are facilities which offer comprehensive
maternity care including off site delivery to patients who meet low risk
criteria for services. Generally, services are provided by registered
nurses or certified nurse midwives with back up support by
physicians/hospitals available in emergency situations. (North Carolina
State Health Plan, 2005).
6. Public or private health facility not licenced as a hospital, that
provided care during delivery or immediately after delivery for generally
less than 24 hours. (Colorado Dept. Public Health and Environment, 1996).
The above covers most other definitions provided. I prefer the National
Assoc. of Childbearing Centres (NACC) and NPEU definitions. Asking what is
'low risk' well that's a whole new ball game.
I would like to know when the first Birth Centre is Australia was opened?
Regards
Anne Clarke
Chair - BFHI Queensland
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