Frequently Asked Questions

This is probably the most common question asked when someone is considering a birth center or home birth. Research performed over the last 35 years has provided overwhelming statistics that there is a lower rate of surgical intervention, fewer complications for mother and baby, lower birth injuries, and lower death rates.

When you choose a birth center or home birth you are choosing to have a woman-centered birth experience. This means that the mother and father work together to create the safest and happiest experience for them and their baby. Mom gets to choose who will attend the birth in the setting of a quiet and peaceful environment. Birthing this way is a popular choice and has been on the rise over the past few years, due to many benefits, including safety.

Fact sheet on safety of home births and birth center births.

You do not need to see an OB while you are pregnant and seeing one of the midwives from the Katy Birth Center. However, there may be situations where your midwife recommends a visit to the obstetrician. Midwifery is a collaborative practice that involves: midwives, nurses, obstetricians, pediatricians, and other specialists as needed.

Midwifery is different from obstetrics. Midwifery care is provided by professionally trained midwives who practice a wellness and holistic approach to pregnancy, birth and women’s health. Midwifery care focuses on the promotion of health and the enablement of individual empowerment.

During labor, if any complications arise, we will transport the mother to the nearest hospital. Prior to arrival the midwife will speak to the hospital staff about what is happening and will stay with you until your baby is delivered. This situation does not happen often, but your midwife is fully equipped to assess any adverse situations, and will consult the specialist/physician and transport to the hospital if the need arises.

Many women are concerned about the pain of childbirth and if they can handle the rigor of a natual birth? We are often asked how we can help them cope with the pain of labor during the natural birth process. The prospective mothers will learn through birth classes and education on how to relax and understand each phase of labor. Your birth team will be able to use proven methods to help women cope with pain. Our birth pools promote relaxation which reduces pain. 100% of the women have a peaceful birth place and are encouraged to move around while eating and drinking. In addition we have medication for rest and nausea. Electrical stim for back labor, and nitrous gas for relaxation and pain management if needed.

Familiar surroundings help the mother feel comfortable and safe during labor and birth, minimizing stress and fear.

• The mother determines the birth atmosphere.

• You don’t have to deliver in a bed

• No belts or monitors

• You can choose to be in the water

• You can choose any position or location for delivery

• Birth attendants are considered invited guests.

• No encounters with strangers or unfamiliar places.

• Less chance of illness due to exposure to hospital-borne infection.

• No awkward moves from room to room.

• Few or no routine interventions.

• No separations from the people and setting that empowers her.

• No arbitrary separations of mother and baby.

Katy Birth Center is licensed and regulated by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and is under constant supervision of the DSHS. KBC has to follow DSHS code of Health and Safety and birthing center rules as stipulated by the state. KBC is regularly audited by the DSHS and any out of normal situations have to be reported and evaluated by the state. If any adverse situation appears, a corrective action has to be put in place or KBC could lose its license to operate. The license has to be renewed every two years, and will only be renewed if the birth center is in good standing with DSHS.

At Katy Birth Center we provide safe, individualized, comprehensive care where you and your baby receive a more personalized approach to your care during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.

You may not be aware that birth center fees are typically significantly less for a normal vaginal delivery than hospital based care.

Cost of care can be:

• OB physician $3-8K

• Hospital (Vaginal Birth $3-12K for mom, $2-5K for the newborn care, C/Section $15-20k additional cost)

• Pathologist (for reading your labs)

• Anesthesiologist (epidural $3K, etc.)

• Imaging Services (ultrasounds, x-rays, etc)

• Laboratory Tests

• Pediatrician Care

Typically cost can range anywhere from $8,000 on the low end for a natural birth of up to $40,000 in total for a hospital birth, depending on the situation.

Cost of care at Katy Birth Center:

At Katy Birth Center we offer different packages to meet all needs. Generally, a home or birth center birth will be comparable or noticably less than an equivalent in-hospital birth, and a fully detailed cost estimate is available upon request.

Our Maternity Care Package includes:

• Prenatal Care

• Routine labs

• Labor / Birth

• Postpartum Care

• Assistant (at delivery)

• Initial Newborn Care

• Newborn Exam

• Breastfeeding counseling/assistance

• Facility Pool (or loaner pool if home) & most supplies

Additional services not included in the Katy Birth Center Maternity Care Packages are as follows:

• Non Routine Laboratory tests *

• Imaging Studies (including ultrasounds)

• Acupuncture treatment

• Chiropractic Care

• Childbirth education

• Office Visits to address non-routine problems

• Medical care needed and provided by a physician

• Specialist or hospital care

• Newborn screens, tests, and medications

• Rhogam Shots

• Labor & Delivery therapies or medications

• For the insurance package Lab tests will be billed to your insurance company

* We will review all laboratory tests needed and charges before they are done. A list of laboratory charges are available upon request

We’ve a number of options to make it as convenient for you as possible:

1. Credit/debit/HSA card: you can call, come in, or you can pay here.
2. Cash or check payable to Katy Birth Center.
3. Automated monthly payments via your credit/debit card authorization.
4. Zelle us at payment@katybirthcenter.com.
5. Pay online by clicking https://katybirthcenter.com/make-payment/.

Yes, we understand that financial concerns should not hinder anyone from having the birth experience they desire. At Katy Birth Center, we offer flexible payment options to suit your needs:

1. Payment in Full: Clients have the option to pay for our services in full upfront.
2. Short-Term Interest-Free In-House Financing: payable to Katy Birth Center.

For further details or to discuss your financial options, please feel free to schedule a consultation with Ashly Mills, our Birth Center Director. You can reach Ashly via email at ashly@katybirthcenter.com or by calling/texting 346-501-1709. We’re here to support you every step of the way!