Attend a How to Start a Birth Center Workshop. Become an AABC Developing Birth Center Member. Network. Prepare for success!
According to the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC), a birth center respects and facilitates a woman’s right to make informed choices about her health care and her baby’s health care based on her values and beliefs. The woman’s family, as she defines it, is welcome to participate in the pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
As a consultant who has helped to start businesses, I know that getting started with a birth center can be difficult. The cost of opening a birth center can range from $100,000 to $500,000. This includes the cost of leasing and renovating a facility, purchasing equipment and supplies, hiring staff, and obtaining licenses and permits. Marketing your birth center is crucial. Develop a business plan for your birth center business. Define the purpose. Understand the different business structures. Project start-up costs, utilization, and revenue. Develop strategies for success.
When I designed birth centers, it was essential that each place provided accommodation for the couple. I offer beds and chair beds so that every birth supporter is comfortable. Babies should have hearing screening a month after birth. Contact Center for Birth for a hearing screen. If interested in a birth center, ask for referrals from your doctor or parent groups. Then find other local options. Home birth is labor and delivery at home, often with a midwife. It’s an option if pregnancy is low risk.
Having a clear business plan will help start the Birth Center and apply for funding. Estimate costs, expenses and potential revenue by researching other local Birth Centers.