How to Find Midwives and Birthing Services in Eugene, Oregon

The majority of babies are born in hospitals in the United States, but that hasn't stopped the increase in births attended by professional midwives, or in birthing centers, homes and other alternative birthing situations. In Eugene, Oregon, most babies are also born in the two local hospitals, but there are several options available to those interested in having a birth attended by a midwife, or in an environment that is not a hospital. Here are some of those local resources:

Midwifery Care is the name of the Eugene business providing holistic, in-home prenatal birth and postpartum care. The provider is Colleen Forbes who is certified and licensed. For more information about Forbes' services, call 541-302-8008 or try the website at www.homemidwiferycare.com.

PeaceHealth Medical Group has several certified nurse midwives available on staff. These midwives attend to births in a "home-like setting" of the Birthing Center at Sacred Heart Medical Center. To find out more about the services and midwives at the Nurse Midwifery Birth Center (511 E. 12th Avenue) or the Prenatal Clinic at 1162 Willamette Street, call 541-484-5796 or visit the website at www.peacehealth.org/phmg.

Likewise, McKenzie Midwifery & Women's Services, P.C. delivers at the Sacred Heart Medical Center in downtown Eugene. Michele Bouche and Angie Zacharek, both certified nurse midwives can be found in their office at 1632 "J" Street in Springfield, or you can call 541-746-8897 or visit the web at www.mckenziemidwifery.com.

Georganne Clark offers midwifery services and attends homebirths, water births and also provides education and prenatal care. Call 541-242-3601 or visit the web at www.FullMoonMidwifery.com.

Full Circle Midwifery is Liz Brierly, a licensed midwife. She also provides professional, holistic midwifery care, including water births. The web address is www.fullcirclemidwifery.org and the phone number is 541-968-1626.

Homebirth Midwifery Services provides complete Midwifery services, including water births, home births, prenatal and postpartum care. Call 541-943-8673 or visit www.tenmoonsmidwifery.com.

Finally, the Sacred Waters Birthing Center in Eugene is located at 2035 West 12th Avenue. Call 541-344-7974 to find out more about services and availability.

For those people interesting in finding out more about midwives and althernative births and birthing environments, it is a good idea to get started early in the pregnancy (if not prior to becoming pregnant.) The above professionals can be good places to start, as can a trip to the Eugene public library. Should risk factors or complications arise during pregnancy, it will be important to make sure that your health care team is experienced and equipped to deal with complications and/or working closely with other specialists and health care providers.