A comprehensive list of 9 free-standing birth centers in & around Seattle.

So many of my beautiful families, elect to bring their little ones into the world through the quality care of a midwife and/or in a free-standing birth center. I love hearing about what they have planned when I see them for their maternity photos. Conversly, I always love hearing their awe-inspiring birth stories when I meet their sweet bundles for newborn photography! Babies and little ones are at the very heartbeat of what I do at Fairies & Frogs Photography; so I wanted to round up all of the birth centers in Seattle through this post. Keep reading for more!

PS: Are you wondering when to schedule your newborn photos? It’s never too soon to reach out! But, if you feel like you’ve “waited too long” your third trimester, or as soon as baby arrives works just as well!

1) Center for Birth

First on the list of birth centers in Seattle is, The Center for Birth. It is s nationally accredited, freestanding, community birth center. Families and expectant mothers who elect to work with the Center for Birth, have the ability to receive high-quality midwifery care from licensed and certified professional midwives who meet the education standards of the International Confederation of Midwives. Additionally, they are licensed by the State of Washington. If you’d like to work with the Center for Birth you can also choose to work with your own independent midwifery practice for prenatal care. The Center for Birth accepts most major insurances.

You can find more information on the Center for Birth at this link.

Location & Contact Information:

• 1500 Eastlake Ave E
• Seattle, Washington, 98102
• 206.861.8300

2) Puget Sound Midwives & Birth Center 

Founded in 2010 Puget Sound Midwives & Birth Center has a commitment to providing their families with a a warm, welcoming place. Births take place under the care of a highly skilled midwife. Privileges at this center extend to qualified midwives in Seattle and the care and experience is highly personalized. Additionally, this free-standing birth center is in-network with most major insurance companies. They also accept Washington State Medicaid insurance.

You can find more information on Puget Sound Midwives & Birth Center here.

Location & Contact Information:

• 13128 Totem Lake Blvd NE, Suite 101
• Kirkland, WA 98034
• 425.823.1919

3) Seattle Home Maternity Service & Childbirth Center

As far as free-standing birth centers in Seattle, this one has been in operation for over 40 years. Their birthing suite is designed almost the same as an in law suite. It includes amenities such as a kitchenette, a deep soaking tub with a hand-held shower, and a living room area. The space is cozy and designed to keep families together when the new baby arrives. Seattle Home Maternity Service & Childbirth Center accepts almost all major health & insurance plans, including Medicaid.

You can find more information on Seattle Home Maternity Service & Childbirth Center at this link.

Location & Contact Information:

• 3830 South Ferdinand Street
• Seattle, WA 98118
• 206.722.3426

4) East Side Birth Center

Located in Bellevue, the East Side Birth Center is a gentle, natural, and supportive environment. Their focus in on providing parents with a highly personalized experience. They offer two unique birthing suites to their families. Additionally, they are nationally accredited through the  Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC). They offer their families prenatal care, luxurious and private birth suites, and a personalized birth experience that includes the option for water birth, partner involvement; as well as post-birth care.

You can find more information about East Side Birth Center, here.

Location & Contact Information:

• 14700 NE 8th St Ste 115 
• Bellevue, WA 98007
• 425.746.5566

5) The Birth House in Olympia

Fifth on the list of birth centers in Seattle is The Birth House in Olympia. It is located next to ‘Around the Circle Midwifery’, and you might even find one of my photos hanging inside! The Birth House in Olympia is nationally accredited through the CABC. Their birthing center offers two private birthing suites including comfortable tubs for water birth. The care they provide is family-centered. Additionally, they are also located less than 2 miles from the nearest hospital.

You can find more information on The Birth House in Olympia, at this link.

Location & Contact Information:

• 2120 Pacific Ave. SE
• Olympia, WA 98506
• 360.459.7222

You can find more information on working with me for your Seattle Newborn Photos, at this link.

6) Community Birth Center

Community Birth Center is a community-based, free-standing birth center. They are committed to culturally matched midwifery care options for the  BIPOC community. They focus on maintaining and preserving birth traditions through clinical care. Community Birth Ceenter also frequently provides a host of events with resources for families of all sizes.

You can view their bright & joyous birthing suite, or find more information on Community Birth Center, here.

Location & Contact Information:

• 3663 College St SE Suite C
• Lacey WA 98503
• 360.401.3343

7) The Birthing Inn

Opened in the late 1990s the Birthing Inn has said hello and Happy Birthday to over 3,000 beautiful new babies. Their space is warm, cozy, and filled with peace. They also offer families classes on hypnobirthing, lacttion & feeding, postpartum care, and how to settle in during your “fourth trimester”. The Birthing Center accepts most major insurances, but check with them for coverage & benefits.

You can find more information on The Birthing Inn, at this link.

Location & Contact Information:

• 6002 Westgate Blvd., Suite 120
• Tacoma, WA, USA
• 253.761.8939

8) True North Birth Center

Family-centered midwifery care through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Welcome your baby in a beautiful setting that feels like home. True North Birth Center has a commitment to the families they work with. They love allowing families to show up in a way that feels right to them. Whether with a group of supporters or a team of two, you can welcome your baby at their birth center in a way that is active and joyful to you.

You can find more information about True North Birth Center, here. 

Location & Contact Information:

• 20696 Bond Road NE, Bldg C Suite 110
• Poulsbo, WA 98370
• 360​.779.0004

9) Federal Way Birth Center

Number 9 on the list of freestanding birth centers in Seattle is Federal Way Birth Center. It is the first in the state of Washington to be owned & operated by a Black midwife. The owner, Faisa Farole, wanted to dismantle the statistic that black women are 3-5 times more likely to die in pregnancy-related complications. So she set out on a life mission that put the care & comfort of black expectant mothers at the forefront of all that she does within the birthing community.

You can find more information on Federal Way Birth Center, at this link.

Location & Contact Information:

• 2319 SW 320th
• Federal Way, WA 98023
• 206.705.3603

Disclaimer

“This blog provides general information and discussions about health  & related subject matter. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice. Nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.

If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your healthcare provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of written information in this blog, on this website, or any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.”

Washington State Legislature outlines rules for birthing centers set forth in Chapter 18.46

“For mothers with low-risk pregnancies, birthing/childbirth centers are an alternative to giving birth in a hospital. Birthing/childbirth center services are provided in a department-approved house or building that has a home-like setting. These centers are organized to provide necessary accommodations and staff to support a mother during her birthing process.

These services are limited to mothers-to-be who don’t have medical conditions that may complicate the birth. Women who develop complications during the birthing process must be transferred to a hospital to handle the accompanying risks for the mother and the child.

The Department of Health licenses birthing/childbirth centers to ensure care is provided within health and safety standards established by statute and rule. The department enforces the standards by conducting on-site surveys of these centers. The department may also investigate centers in response to complaints alleging violation of standards and potential harm to patients.”