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Missouri

Pregnancy, birth and the first year in Missouri, in 14 topics: from who runs maternal and child health to what happens at your newborn's screening.

Birthing Choices: Birth Settings

Missouri offers a variety of childbirth options to accommodate the diverse preferences and needs of expectant families. These options include hospitals, birth centers, and home births, each providing distinct environments and levels of care.

Hospitals

Hospitals across Missouri provide family-centered maternity care with private rooms designed for labor, delivery, and recovery. These facilities offer high-quality, compassionate care with access to advanced medical support if needed. Many hospitals also provide lactation consultants, childbirth classes, and neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for high-risk births.

Birth Centers

Birth centers in Missouri offer a home-like, low-intervention environment for childbirth, typically attended by certified nurse-midwives. These centers focus on natural birth options and provide personalized prenatal and postpartum care.
The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services provides information on licensed birth centers and their regulations. Learn more

Home Births

Licensed midwives across Missouri offer home birth options for families seeking a private, familiar setting for childbirth. Home births are supported by certified professionals trained in managing low-risk pregnancies and ensuring safety.

The Missouri Midwives Association provides a directory of credentialed midwives across the state, including Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs).

When considering home birth, it is essential to consult with healthcare providers to determine the best and safest option based on individual health circumstances and preferences.

Looking for an organization near you in Missouri?

Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, WIC clinics, milk banks and more are listed by county. Enter a ZIP code or city to see yours.