Tranferring To Our Care
You are moving through pregnancy, and maybe you are curious…
Could a birth center birth be a better fit for me?
Transferring To Our Care:
The Birth Center of Chicago accepts transfer clients throughout pregnancy. While we are only able to care for low-risk clients, we invite those who are curious about birth center care to schedule a tour and explore us as an option.
If it’s possible to come into care at or before 32 weeks gestation, that allows time to develop a trusting relationship with your care providers, and to go through some of the nececessary educational steps we require for our clients.
We accept all Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO insurance plans. A verification of benefits will give us an estimate of what your personal responsiblitly will be, and that is the fee you pay to the birth center for care.
If you are planning to be a Cash Pay client, that is $7500, and is due by 36 weeks. If you enter our care after 36 weeks, we will determine a payment plan individually.
Requirements for BCC Clients
Required Tour
Benefits Verified or Self Pay payment plan organized
Completed a comprehensive childbirth class
Take the required Wrap Up Transfer Class
Have access to medical records for review with midwive - physical copy of record if after 32 weeks
Have plan for postpartum support and early return to home
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Yes! While we find it is easier for folks who transfer into care before 32 weeks, it is still possible to become a client after that point.
If you want to transfer care in the 3rd trimester, we recommend you bring a paper copy of your medical records for your current pregnancy. -
If you have a rigid schedule, getting an appointment in the same week can be hard. If you only have specific days or times that work for you, it could be two to three weeks before we can accommodate your schedule.
However, if you have a flexible schedule, we can get folks in for their initial consultation relatively quickly!
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Great! Call us at 773-232-2299 ext #3, and talk with us! We want to hear your story and knowing more details will mean we can guide you smoothly through the transfer process.
Depending on where you are in your pregnancy, the next step could be scheduling an appointment ASAP, doing a VOB, or getting you set up with a tour.
Our clinic is open Monday through Thursday, and we look forward to hearing from you!
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Great question. We require first-time birthing people to take a comprehensive childbirth education class. It doesn’t have to be ours, but it does need to cover the physiological birth process, what each stage of labor can look and feel like, and, most importantly, tools for coping through each stage.
We also recommend families work with a labor doula. You can start your search if you haven’t already found a doula to work with. We have a list of some that offered support here at BCC on our Doula Page.
Our Clients Say
Megan D. - Transferred at 30 weeks to BCC
“I transferred my care to the Midwives at around 30 weeks of pregnancy and my only regret is that I did not transfer sooner as this is how healthcare SHOULD be. The Midwives are extremely professional, respectful, caring and accommodating. I genuinely looked forward to each appointment as they take their time, ask you questions and are there to support you in a holistic way. The environment is warm- people know you by name, they see you on time and the facility itself is beautiful. I called with a concern postpartum and was able to be seen the same day! I had an extremely positive birth experience here and if you are looking to have a low intervention, unmedicated birth, this is your place.”
Hayley D. - Transferred at 37 weeks to BCC
“I transferred to the Birth Center of Chicago at 37 weeks pregnant after my previous practice unexpectedly closed. The staff was so helpful and I was able to get an appointment right away. At each appointment, the midwives really took time to ask me questions and always made me feel comfortable. I had such a positive birth experience and would definitely recommend the Birth Center to anyone considering or planning to have an unmedicated birth!”
Sarah V. - Transferred at 20 weeks to BCC
“As a first time mom and postpartum RN I knew prior to getting pregnant that I wanted to birth outside of the hospital. For the first part of my pregnancy I received care by a hospital-based midwife. Once I had my 20 week anatomy scan and everything looked good I made the decision to switch to the Birth Center! At my appointments PRIOR to the birth center I always felt rushed and like another patient they were trying push through the line. I always looked forward to my appointments at the birth center and always felt so welcomed by the amazing and supportive team. The education and resources provided at each appointment are amazing and really helped me to feel prepared and comfortable with my decision to birth outside of the hospital.”