Looking to Have a Natural Birth in Tacoma WA?
If you are giving birth in Tacoma and want a natural birth experience, you may wonder, “which hospital should I pick?”. There is surprisingly little information about giving birth at our two main hospitals in Tacoma. Many people may even think that one is just like the other. As a birth doula and mother who works in Tacoma, I can say that the two hospitals are most definitely, NOT interchangeable.
Who am I?
First of all, who am I to spill the tea about our two hospitals? I am a Tacoma resident who was born in one of those hospitals. Now I works as a birth doula in and around Tacoma. I also have a network of doula friends who work with all kinds of families in these same hospitals. Ask any one of us and we are all in agreement.
So Which is Best for Natural Birth?
Our two main hospitals people give birth in are St. Josephs and Tacoma General. Hands down if you are looking to have a birth with as few interventions as possible, you want to go to St. Josephs Hospital. Every doula will agree with this.
Why is St. Joseph’s Hospital the Best For Natural Birth?
The polices and procedures at St. Joseph are more compatible with natural birth. This means they are:
- More flexible with uncommon birth positions
- More supportive of VBACs
- They welcome doulas being present or any other support people you have
- More midwives work there
- Waterbirths are allowed and supported
Also St. Josephs is the only hospital in the state to have a real birth center on the property. Many hospitals call their birth floors a “birth center”. Don’t be fooled. St. Joseph’s birth center is a true birth center staffed by midwives, nurses and doulas. If you are having a low risk pregnancy, consider birthing here. Click HERE for more information on St. Joseph’s Midwifery Center.
Looking For More Information?
If you would like more information about Tacoma birth locations, (not just our hospitals!) how to choose where to give birth, the differences between midwives and OB and much more, then check out my FREE guide! My free Beginning Your Pregnancy Guide for Tacoma has everything you need to get everything you want out of your pregnancy and birth. You can download it HERE
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