TAMPA, Fla. — The trend of giving birth at home or out of the hospital is climbing nationwide, according to a study by the Lending Tree.
Florida saw a 25% increase since the start of the pandemic.
Licensed midwife Courtney Hilliard was among several hidden figures honored for their work during Tampa’s Black History Celebration.
Study: Out of hospital births are climbing nationwide.
Florida saw a 25% increase since the pandemic. Helping moms give birth are midwives like #TheMillennialMidwife Courtney Hilliard. Hilliard was honored by the City of #Tampa & explains why there is a shift to this option. @BN9 pic.twitter.com/ixVIY6hMXv
— Fadia Mayté Patterson MS (@FadiaTVNews) February 17, 2022
On a daily average licensed midwife Courtney Hilliard will see about a dozen patients and soon-to-be moms at the Labor of Love Birthing Center.
“Right now especially this week it has been really busy,” said Hilliard said she has been busier since the pandemic started.
“Prior to the pandemic people were doing research on the options that they have,” said Hilliard. “If you are healthy and low risk it should be your first option rather than going to a hospital.”
That’s also the top option for Hilliard, who is expecting her first child due in April.
According to Quote Wizard, the rise out of hospital births is attributable to COVID-19 hospital lockdowns, the fear of getting the virus during a stay at the hospital and visitation of restricted family members.
“Courtney understood the concerns that I had,” said Ariel Williams.
Williams says the high maternity mortality rate for black women also factored into her decision.
“I wanted to feel safe I wanted to have a trusting rapport with my provider,” said Williams.
A CDC study reported that black women die while giving birth at a rate 2-3 times higher than that of their white counterparts.
Williams had her water birth one year ago and she is raising a beautiful healthy girl named Brinley.
“I wanted to feel safe. I wanted to have a trusting rapport with my provider,” said Ariel Williams. She told @BN9 that Black mothers are increasingly turning to alternative birthing options since a CDC study that found the #maternal mortality rate is 2-3X higher for Black woman. pic.twitter.com/CKHXxtRrxb
— Fadia Mayté Patterson MS (@FadiaTVNews) February 17, 2022
“I wanted to feel like I got to make decisions about my birthing experience,” said Williams. “I always wanted a water birth, sounds cliche cause my name is Ariel, but I’m glad I was able to do it successfully.”
From her experience she hopes others will be inspired and mothers of color will look to other options for childbirth.
Today, more health care plans are covering birthing centers than in the past.
Some health insurers will also help you pay for a midwife. Having a conversation with your provider prior to your due date is strongly encouraged.
