2025 End of Year Numbers

2025 in Review!

This year marked an important chapter for the Birth Center of Chicago. Through June 2026, we had the privilege of serving clients and supporting families during some of life’s most meaningful moments. We also strengthened our care model by welcoming Certified Professional Midwives into our practice, expanding both our team and our collective expertise. After a temporary divert, we were proud to reopen for care this December, reaffirming our commitment to community-centered birth. As we look ahead to 2026 we’re excited to continue growing, learning, and caring for families in the North Center neighborhood, and beyond as more families learn about birth center care.

Birth Overview

In 2026, the Birth Center of Chicago supported a total of 46 births, reflecting our continued commitment to safe, individualized, and family-centered care. An impressive 84.13% of clients experienced vaginal births, with a cesarean birth rate of 14.29%, underscoring strong outcomes across our care model. Nearly sixty percent of our families were first-time parents, while 41% brought prior birth experience, creating a rich mix of new beginnings and seasoned journeys. The year’s first baby arrived on January 6, 2025, and the final birth followed on June 25, 2025. From our smallest newborn at 5 pounds, 15 ounces to our biggest baby weighing in at 9 pounds, 7 ounces, each birth added to a year defined by trust, resilience, and remarkable beginnings.

When Birth Happened

Births at the Birth Center of Chicago this year most commonly occurred at full term, with the majority of babies arriving around their due dates. Sixty-five percent of births took place during week 40, with additional births in week 39 (29%) and week 41 (26%), while no births occurred at week 37 and 13% arrived during week 38. Births were spread steadily across the first half of the year, with March seeing the highest number of arrivals at 11, followed by April with 9 and January with 8. February, May, and June each welcomed six babies, reflecting a consistent and balanced flow of births throughout the months we served families.

The Moment of Birth

Births at the Birth Center of Chicago reflected a strong emphasis on physiologic birth, movement, and client choice. The majority of babies were born in upright or forward-leaning positions, with 61% of clients birthing on hands and knees and others choosing positions such as squatting (11%), reclining (11%), kneeling, standing, and lunging. Water birth remained a popular option, with 54% of babies born in water and 46% born on land. Nearly one-third of births (31.75%) were supported by doulas, highlighting the collaborative and supportive care environment that surrounds families during labor and birth.

Additional Support

Transfers from the Birth Center of Chicago this year were infrequent and handled with careful coordination to ensure the safety of birthing clients and newborns. There was one urgent intrapartum transfer and one urgent newborn transfer, with no urgent postpartum transfers. Non-urgent transfers included one postpartum transfer and three newborn transfers, all made with an emphasis on continuity of care and clear communication. We are deeply grateful to our transfer hospital partner, Advocate Illinois Masonic, for their collaboration, professionalism, and shared commitment to excellent care. These outcomes reflect our dedication to thoughtful decision-making, timely teamwork, and prioritizing safety at every stage of care.