F.A.Q.

Where is the birth center located?

We are located in Fort Mill, South Carolina very close to the N.C. border, convenient to I-77 and Loop 485.  The area is best known for being close to Carowinds and Knights Stadium. The address is 2848 Pleasant Road Suite 101, Fort Mill, SC 29708.

How many midwives are there?

There are four midwives: Damaris Pittman, Lisa Johnson, Christine Strothers, and Leigh Fransen. Clients are free to use whichever midwife they wish, as long as she has availability in her schedule. Clients should feel free to interview with more than one midwife before making a selection.

The midwife you choose will be your midwife both for prenatal care and for the birth. We do not have “on call” shifts for births. The only reason you would have a different midwife for your birth than you had for prenatal care would be in case of contagious or severe illness, or a personal emergency.

If I live in North Carolina, can I use the birth center?

Absolutely! We are located close to the border for that very reason.

Will you take my insurance?

We do accept most insurance plans. We are not “in-network” with any insurance provider; however, if you have out-of-network benefits, we can usually use those. Also, we have been successful getting in-network exceptions with numerous providers, so your insurance may reimburse at the in-network rate.

We do accept South Carolina Medicaid. We cannot accept North Carolina Medicaid at this time; however, we do offer extra discounts for women on North Carolina Medicaid. Contact a midwife for details.

I am uninsured. How much does it cost to use the birth center?

You can plan on a ballpark figure of $4,000. This includes all midwifery care (prenatal, birth, and postpartum) and the facility fees. Exact costs will vary and some discounts are available.

How close are you to a hospital?

We are about 15 minutes from one hospital and 20 minutes from another. This distance falls well within generally accepted out-of-hospital birthing guidelines.

Will you be doing VBACs?

Vaginal Birth After Caesarean (VBAC) is something we feel strongly about. There is no doubt that providing VBAC support is one of our top priorities. Due to legal issues, we cannot currently host VBACs at the birth center. However, we will do whatever we can and take every step possible to support VBACs at the center as soon as possible. If you are looking for VBAC options, feel free to consult with our midwives, who can refer you to VBAC-friendly care providers in the area.

Why do women leave the birth center only a few hours after giving birth?

As homelike as we strive to make our birth center, we recognize that for postpartum recovery, there’s no place like home.  We feel women recuperate from childbirth best at home, in their own beds.

The entirety of human history up until about 70 years ago, women went to bed with their babies in their own homes to recover from childbirth. This remains the optimal location for rest and bonding.  The sights, smells, and sensations of home add to the well-being of the mother and the baby’s sense of belonging to the family.

Monitoring of the baby and mother for two hours postpartum is sufficient to rule out postpartum complications.  We monitor for four hours in most cases for an extra cushion of safety and comfort.  Once the mother and baby leave the center, the midwife is available by phone in case of any concerns, and a visit is planned for 24-36 hours after the birth.  Another visit is planned for three days after the birth to do neonatal metabolic testing and to ensure that everyone is recuperating and adjusting well.

Friends and family members can support the new mother by ensuring that good food is available.  Be sure that chores such as laundry, dishes, cleaning, and cooking are being taken care of so mom and baby can spend time resting and bonding.

Other questions?  Email info@CarolinaBirth.org or call 803-802-9494 to speak to a midwife.