The AABC Difference
What Makes AABC Different
One of the First CABC-Accredited Birth Centers in Central Texas
The American Association of Birth Centers established the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers (CABC) in 1985 as an independent authority, after more than a decade of evaluating birth center services and promoting national guidelines for licensure.
AABC worked for nearly two years to prepare for the CABC’s three-day inspection, and we are among the longest-accredited birth centers in Texas. CABC accreditation means our staff conducts quarterly emergency drills and is held to a much higher level of accountability than a state license alone provides. It also allows us to be in-network with most major insurance companies.
A Team Approach to Midwifery Care in Austin
From our beginning, AABC has built a diverse team of professionals that includes Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), sonographers, and lactation consultants working side by side. This blend of credentials, once unconventional, has resulted in a lower transport rate and consistently high client satisfaction across nearly four decades of care.
Our midwives consult with one another during care, conduct monthly team reviews of complex cases, and draw on their collective experience to make better decisions for every family. Newer midwives work alongside more experienced midwives, building expertise over time.
We also partner with other Austin birth professionals, such as local doula groups, childbirth educators, pediatric dentists, and our transfer hospital, St. David’s.
AABC Bridges the Gap Between Hospital Deliveries and Home Births.
AABC offers traditional herbal and homeopathic supports common to midwifery practice, alongside medical interventions when needed, such as IV fluids, antibiotics, pain relief including nitrous oxide, and other prescribed therapies. Our midwives can provide antenatal fetal surveillance (AFS) and we have onsite ultrasound technicians and equipment at both locations, allowing us to evaluate the health of mother and baby in real time.
During labor, fetal monitoring is done with a handheld doppler, using intermittent auscultation (IA), which is an evidence-based approach to monitoring fetal status during labor in low-risk pregnancies.
Insurance and Affordable Birth Center Care
Whether you’re covered by health insurance or are a self-paying client, we have plans and resources available to make your natural birth experience affordable. We will help you learn what your coverage consists of and will discuss any out-of-pocket costs you might face. Come talk to us about your unique circumstances and we’ll do our best to make AABC your partner in bringing your baby into the world. Payment questions are best addressed by our front office staff or billing team.
Pioneers of Water Birth in Central Texas.
AABC has offered water birth for nearly 40 years, giving us more water birth experience than any other provider in the Austin area. Over those decades, we’ve refined our water birth techniques to ensure the safest and most comfortable experience for both mother and baby.
Every AABC birthing suite includes a deep water tub for laboring and birth – not the inflatable tubs used by some providers. These permanent tubs can be quickly sanitized and refilled during labor.
About a third of our clients give birth in the water. Nearly all find that the tubs offer meaningful relief during labor, even when the actual birth happens out of the tub.
Birthing Suites Designed For Comfort
Both AABC facilities were designed by birthing professionals and architects to provide a home-away-from-home feel during one of the most important moments of your life. Each of our six birthing suites, three at each location, has its own style, with a large comfortable bed, deep water tub, and private bath.
Both centers feature a full working kitchen for families to use during labor. The South location includes a microwave and mini-fridge in each suite as well.
Ready to See AABC for Yourself?
The best way to know if AABC is the right fit for your family is to come tour our birth center. Group tours are free and take about 45 minutes. Bring your partner, your questions, and your curiosity.
