Extras
Everything you've ever wanted to know about birth center care, midwifery, and what to expect at Beginnings — answered.
Common Questions
Yes! We welcome anyone to come learn about and visit our birth center during business hours. It's important that clients feel our model of care is a good fit for them. People considering coming to Beginnings for pregnancy care are required to watch an orientation video before scheduling their first appointment.
We like to start seeing clients for their first prenatal visit around 8–12 weeks of pregnancy. We will accept clients transferring care from another provider up to 32 weeks. Beyond 32 weeks, transfers are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Some conditions that may make a client an inappropriate candidate for birth center care include (this is not an exclusive list):
Research consistently shows that doula support makes a significant difference in birth outcomes. In births where a trained professional doula was present:
This is why we require doulas for first-time parents and first-time VBAC clients, and strongly encourage doula support for all clients.
We cannot guarantee a specific midwife will be present at your birth. We practice as a team with a rotating call schedule, so the on-call midwife will meet you at the birth center. Our goal is that you build a relationship with every midwife on our team throughout your prenatal care — so whoever is on call at your birth is someone you already know and trust.
You'll experience nurse-midwifery care in the Wellness Model — relationship-based care where you get to know your midwives and they get to know you. Every prenatal appointment is at least 20 minutes long. We believe you are in charge — it's your body, your pregnancy, your family, your birth. We provide you with information and you decide what to do with it.
We are also the only local facility offering water birth!
Yes! We have a sonographer on staff and offer ultrasounds right here at the birth center. A 20-week anatomy ultrasound and a 36-week position ultrasound are required. We also offer early ultrasounds, growth ultrasounds, and Biophysical Profile (BPP) ultrasounds.
An early ultrasound appointment is offered at 8–10 weeks. First prenatal appointments are typically around 10–12 weeks. We see clients every 3–4 weeks until 30–32 weeks, then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks, then weekly until birth.
Postpartum visits are scheduled at 24–48 hours after birth, then at 4–6 days, 10–14 days (for you and baby), and 6 weeks postpartum for you. Additional appointments can be scheduled as needed.
We promote healthy bodies and well-positioned babies which helps decrease labor intensity. Freedom of movement allows you to work with your body uninhibited, and hydrotherapy (shower or tub) is a proven pain relief method. We also offer nitrous oxide (laughing gas) for additional comfort when needed. Epidurals are not available at the birth center — clients who choose an epidural transfer to the hospital.
We are equipped with medication and equipment to manage most complications right here at the birth center. If hospital care is needed, UCHealth Memorial North is just two miles away. A birth center midwife or nurse will accompany you to help get you settled and ensure a smooth handoff of care. We can resume postpartum care as appropriate after your discharge from the hospital.
Most clients have insurance to help cover costs, so the amount due depends on your specific plan. Our billing staff is happy to help you estimate out-of-pocket costs. We suggest calling the number on the back of your insurance card to find out if your plan covers birth center and CNM care, then contact us to request a Verification of Benefits.
We work with sharing plans and offer a pre-paid discount package for clients without insurance. All clients are set up on a payment plan with costs paid in full by 36 weeks.
We accept most major insurance plans including: TriWest Health Alliance, Tricare Select, Kaiser, UMR, MediShare, Claritev (formerly MultiPlan), ChampVA, CHP+, Colorado Medicaid, United Healthcare, Cigna, Anthem BCBS, and Christian Care Medishare.
We have also worked with sharing plans including Liberty HealthShare, Samaritan Ministries, Christian Care Ministries, and Altrua HealthShare.
Aetna and Humana remain out-of-network, though out-of-network benefits with Aetna still result in lower out-of-pocket costs than in-network hospital care.
Yes! We accept VBAC clients who have had one previous cesarean with a low transverse incision and are otherwise candidates for birth center care. We require a signed VBAC consent form and an ultrasound confirming the placenta is not anterior and low-lying.
The birth center is fully equipped for medication-free birth. You'll have access to birthing tubs, birth balls, support slings, birth stools, private bathroom with shower, adjustable beds, Bluetooth speaker, heated towel racks, and essential oil diffuser.
Items to bring from home include: swim top for mom and swimsuit for partner, nursing bra or tank, hair ties and headband, toiletry bag, change of clothes for going home, healthy snacks and drinks, your favorite playlist, preferred essential oils, phone and charger, baby's coming home outfit, swaddle blanket, newborn scratch mittens, and your installed infant car seat.
We file all necessary paperwork to register your baby's birth with the State of Colorado. The Social Security card will be automatically mailed to you. You can pay for and pick up your baby's official birth certificate at your county's vital records office approximately 3 weeks after birth.
Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) are licensed Registered Nurses with a Master's Degree in Nursing and Midwifery. CNMs can practice in all states, prescribe medications, attend births in all settings, and provide care from puberty through menopause. All midwives at Beginnings are CNMs.
Certified Professional Midwives (CPM) are trained in midwifery only — the minimum education is a high school diploma or GED. In Colorado, CPMs are not licensed, don't carry malpractice insurance, and can attend home births only. They cannot write prescriptions or administer certain medications.
Yes! Beginnings Birth Center offers circumcision performed by our certified nurse-midwives using the Mogan clamp method. For babies born here, your midwife will assess anatomy at birth. For families who birthed elsewhere, we schedule a consultation first. All families are welcome. Learn more about our circumcision services →
Yes! We do recommend bringing something to keep them happy and occupied, as visits can range from 25–90 minutes.
Reference
Common terms and concepts you'll encounter during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey — so you always feel informed and confident.
We'd love to talk. Give us a call or take our free quiz to find out if Beginnings is the right fit for your family.