Understanding the Difference Between Birthing Centers and Hospital Delivery in Katy

Pregnancy is a time during which you will have numerous decisions to make. One of the most important considerations you face is where you will give birth. There are several hospitals and birthing centers in the Katy area, each offering a unique experience to new families.

What you need to know

One of the common reasons that parents consider a birthing center delivery versus giving birth in a hospital setting is comfort. Feeling “at home” has its merits, of course, but it would be a mistake to assume that the hospital setting equates to a cold, clinical atmosphere. In most cases, hospital deliveries are private and comfortable.

Birthing centers are designed to have a home-like environment, with a bed and décor that look very much like you have at home. In addition to the physical environment, a birthing center may also give you the feeling of a home delivery by allowing family members to be present while you deliver. The staff at a birthing center may consist of nurses, physicians’ assistants, or midwives. In some facilities, a board-certified obstetrician may also be present.

While a birthing center is suited to low-risk deliveries and women who wish for a natural birthing experience, it is important to understand that this type of facility often lacks the level of medical care you will find in a hospital setting. When you deliver in one of the Katy area’s medical facilities, you have the benefit of an experienced nursing and physician staff on hand in the event of an unexpected complication that may require delivery via Cesarean section.

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New patients please call:
855-346-8610

Existing patients please call:
281-347-2600

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The hospital birth experience is likely to be more “managed” than what you can have in a birthing center. The standard delivery will involve close fetal monitoring. Pain-relieving medication is available and, if necessary, medication to move labor along. Birthing centers are designed for natural childbirth, which means no medications are used to assist with patient comfort. However, this is typically the desire of the mother-to-be who chooses such a facility.

Deciding where to give birth can take time. Patients of Dr. Taryll Jenkins are encouraged to begin exploring their options early, giving them time to visit the various hospitals in their area, as well as birthing centers if they so desire.

We are happy to assist you with pertinent information regarding Katy area facilities you may consider for your birthing experience. Call Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology, & Reproductive Medicine at 855-346-8610.

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Jenkins Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Medicine
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We offer general care, gynecology, and obstetrics services that span all stages of a woman's life. Dr. Taryll L. Jenkins, MD, received his undergraduate degree from Louisiana State University and his Doctorate of Medicine from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine, TN. He completed his residency training at the University of Texas and Hermann Hospital, TX and is Board-certified from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with years of research experience.

Having graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Chemistry in 2011, Dr. Stephanie Roy received her Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2015 from the University of Texas Medical Branch. Today, she is a leading Board-certified physician who works hard to provide you and your family with high-quality services. In addition to spending time at the practice, Dr. Roy possesses extensive volunteer experience in the community. She was also a tutor at the Medical Careers Diversity Program in 2012 and, since then, has spent her free time volunteering for the St. Vincent’s Clinic.

Dr. Tiffany Ikwuagwu is passionate about caring for the diverse communities in Katy, TX. Having completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Houston, her medical degree at the Baylor College of Medicine, and her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the McGovern Medical School, she worked as principal investigator on a research project with Dr. Nana Ankumah at UT Houston. A member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Dr. Ikwuagwu has served in several leadership roles and has made many contributions to the community.

Yara Ramirez, MD, earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Baylor University and her doctorate in medicine from the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, where she also completed her residency. She won the Resident Teaching Award from UTMB’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology for two consecutive years.
Dr. Ramirez has researched extensively on many obstetrics-related topics. She has been a Junior Fellow Representative for the UTMB Residency Program and a Medical Student Education Committee Member at the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. She has volunteered for various local and foreign community programs. Her fluency in Spanish and French is an asset to her organization.

Nadia Alexander is a Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with a Master of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Texas Health Science Center. With seven years of experience in women’s health and a focus on obstetrics and ambulatory gynecology (vaginitis, UTI, and vaginal bleeding), she provides quality, compassionate care to patients in various stages of reproductive life. She is fluent in English and Spanish and is the lead contact for our Telehealth service.