For over 45 years, Gifford’s Birthing Center has been the standard of care for women in Vermont, and today continues to be a leader in family-centered midwife-led, birth care.
In 1977, Gifford Medical Center took a leadership role among Vermont hospitals and opened the first birthing center of its kind in the state and even in New England. A pioneering alternative to traditional delivery rooms, the Birthing Center became widely known – and widely sought – as a warm, personal environment where women’s preferences and families’ needs came first and where childbirth could unfold naturally.
Today, the Gifford Birthing Center remains small in size, relaxed in atmosphere, and highly experienced in supporting and assisting new families. Expectant parents can receive care from our 24-hour team of certified nurse-midwives, who are advanced practice nurses specializing in birth and women’s health care with support from our board-certified obstetricians/gynecologists. Gifford supports all kinds of birth plans from very low intervention to induction and cesarean birth. Our team cares for both low and moderate risk pregnancies.
Evidence-based Care
- Full Range of pain management including:
– labor support
– epidurals
– aromatherapy
– nitrous oxide
– hydrotherapy
- Water birth
- One-on-one nursing
- VBACs with a high success rate (vaginal birth after cesareans)
- Shared decision-making
- Lactation services provided by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant on staff
- Support for mobility and freedom of movement for labor and birth
Other Features
- Prenatal birthing classes
- Kitchen for snacks
- Made from scratch meals prepared in our Café
- 24-hour rooming in
- Sleeping accommodations and meals for a support person
- Infant car seat, if needed
- Open visiting hours
Midwives
Midwives operate on the principle of informed choice and shared decision-making. We help clients understand the many options available to them and support women and families as they decide on their birth plan. Midwives recognize each woman as a whole person and views her within the context of her family, community, culture and personality. The midwifery model of care is based on a trusting, respectful relationship between the midwife and client.
Learn more about our Midwifery team.
Obstetricians
Board-certified ob/gyn physicians collaborate with the midwives to provide comprehensive obstetrical care for women with higher risk pregnancies. Physicians and midwives work together to provide seamless care to families.
Learn more about our Obstetrics and Gynecology team.
Continuity of care
For some, the Gifford Birthing Center and our obstetrics and midwifery practice will be the location they travel during pregnancy and for the birth of their little miracle. For others, Gifford remains their hospital of choice following birth. Gifford has an outstanding pediatric team and family care providers throughout the region; in fact, there are few like them, anywhere. They are skilled, experienced and compassionate. Together, these providers join our prenatal team to make up what we consider your family center here at Gifford.
