Episode 6 of the Frontier Nursing University (FNU) All-Access Podcast features an in-depth look at birth centers and their place in the healthcare system. Frontier faculty Drs. Jill Alliman, DNP, CNM, and Diana Jolles, Ph.D., CNM, are joined by Kate Bauer, MBA, from the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC) in a discussion about a research project in which they were all involved. They share the findings of the project and what the data reveals about birth centers, including overall health outcomes and disparities, and the need for more midwives of color leading birth centers.

The conversation also includes an explanation of the differences between hospital-based birth experiences and birth center-based birth experiences. Additionally, the differences between midwifery-based maternity care and physician/hospital-based maternity care are discussed.

The trio also talks about the deep connection between FNU and the AABC, the role of the AABC, and their own roles and experiences at FNU and AABC, respectively.

What You’ll Learn From This Episode:

• The difference between maternity care in birth centers and hospitals
• The study that Kate Bauer and Drs. Jill Alliman and Diana Jolles participated in, its purpose and findings
• What the data reveals about the impact of birth centers in overall health outcomes
• The need for more birth centers led by midwives of color
• The role of the American Association of Birth Centers and how to join the organization