Birthing Choices: Birth Settings
Hospitals
Most deliveries in Arkansas occur in hospitals, providing comprehensive medical support, including access to obstetricians, anesthesiologists, and neonatal care units. Hospitals are equipped to handle both routine and high-risk pregnancies, offering various pain management options, such as epidurals and, in some cases, nitrous oxide.
Birth Centers
For low-risk pregnancies, birth centers offer a homelike environment with personalized care. These centers focus on minimal intervention, allowing for natural childbirth experiences. Services may include wireless monitoring, hydrotherapy, and birthing balls to enhance comfort during labor.
Home Births with Licensed Midwivies
In Arkansas, home births are a viable option for expectant mothers seeking a personalized and comfortable birthing experience. Several licensed midwives and services are available to assist with home births across the state. It's essential to have a comprehensive birth plan and ensure that emergency medical services are accessible if needed.
Access to these birth settings can vary based on geographic location. Approximately 45.3% of Arkansas counties are designated as maternity care deserts, indicating limited access to maternity care providers and facilities. Expectant mothers should consult with healthcare providers to determine the safest and most suitable birth setting based on their individual health needs and circumstances.
Hospitals
Arkansas hospitals offer family-centered maternity care, with many featuring private labor, delivery, and recovery (LDR) rooms designed for comfort and safety. These facilities are equipped for both routine and high-risk deliveries, with teams that include OB-GYNs, anesthesiologists, nurses, and lactation consultants.
Birth Centers
Arkansas offers licensed birth centers for families seeking a more natural, low-intervention birth experience with midwifery support in a home-like setting. Birth centers in Arkansas features water birth options, prenatal education, and postpartum support. Birth centers emphasize informed choice and shared decision-making, and are a good option for low-risk pregnancies. To find brith centers aroud you, click here
Home Births
Home births in Arkansas are legally supported and attended by Licensed Lay Midwives (LLMs) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) for eligible low-risk pregnancies. Families opting for home birth receive prenatal visits, in-home labor and delivery care, and postpartum follow-ups. For midwives in Arkansas click here
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Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, WIC clinics, milk banks and more are listed by county. Enter a ZIP code or city to see yours.