As a Philly doula, I know how exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) it can be to choose the right place to birth your baby. If you’re hoping for a low intervention birth, you might be wondering where you’ll feel the most supported. The good news? Philly has some incredible birth centers and hospitals that respect and encourage natural birth. Whether you’re dreaming of laboring in a birth tub, walking through contractions or avoiding unnecessary interventions, there’s a place for you!
Birth Centers in the Philadelphia area
Birth centers are a beautiful option for those wanting a natural birth in a comfortable, home-like setting with midwifery care.
Lifecycle Wellness and Birth Center (formerly The Lifecycle WomanCare)
This birth center has been a trusted space for generations of Philly moms. Their team of midwives focuses on individualized care, making you feel heard and respected every step of the way. Many of my clients have loved the sense of community here, with group prenatal visits and postpartum support. Plus, if it eases your mind, Bryn Mawr Hospital is right across the street, giving you quick access to medical support if needed.
Delaware Birth Center
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, the Delaware Birth Center is another excellent option. Their birth suites feel like home and they truly believe in honoring the natural birth process. One mom I supported here said she loved how peaceful and uninterrupted her labor was, it was just her, her baby, and her trusted birth team (her only complaint was that the bed was uncomfortable).
*Tip: Birth centers often have specific eligibility requirements, so reach out early to make sure you qualify!
Hospitals in and around Philadelphia
If you’re planning a hospital birth but still want to keep things as natural as possible, there a few hospitals in Philly and the surrounding areas that respect the birth process and offer great midwifery care.
Einstein Montgomery
This hospital has a fantastic midwife-led model of care. It’s a great balance of natural birth options with the security of a hospital setting. They encourage movement, different laboring positions, and even have birth balls and peanut balls to help things progress naturally.
Jefferson Hospital
Jefferson Hospital has a team of midwives that provide excellent support for families who want a low intervention birth. Their approach focuses on evidence based care and they respect the natural process of labor while offering hospital-level safety.
Bryn Mawr Hospital
For those in the suburbs, Bryn Mawr Hospital has a great reputation for supporting families who want a hands-off approach. They offer private rooms, midwife led care and options for labor comfort techniques.
Virtua Voorhees Hospital
If you’re in South Jersey, Virtua Voorhees is worth considering. They have a strong labor and delivery team that supports movement during labor, hydrotherapy, and a more natural approach to birth.
Tip: If you want a hospital birth with minimal interventions, consider hiring a doula! I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference it makes in keeping birth as smooth and empowering as possible.
Choosing the Best Birth Location for You
There’s no one right place to give birth, only the best place for you. Here are a few things to think about:
Do you want a birth center or a hospital? Birth centers are great for those who want an out of hospital experience, while some hospitals offer excellent midwifery care.
What kind of pain relief do you prefer? If you’re planning to go unmedicated, look for places that offer birth tubs, nitrous oxide, and labor friendly policies.
How does the hospital handle interventions? Some hospitals are more induction happy than others. If avoiding unnecessary interventions is a priority, check their policies on Pitocin, monitoring, and epidurals.
Is the location convenient? Philly traffic is no joke! Make sure your chosen birth place is easy to get to, especially if you go into labor at rush hour.
Final Thoughts from a Philly Doula
I always tell my clients, Where you give birth matters, but how you feel giving birth matters even more. Whether you choose a birth center, a midwife-led hospital birth, or a traditional hospital setting, the key is having the right support and education so you can feel confident and in control.
If you want to chat about your birth options, create a birth plan, or have a supportive presence throughout labor, let’s connect! Fill out this contact form or email julia@motherbirth.net.
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