birthing center

[ bur-thing sen-ter ]

noun

1. a medical facility for the labor and childbirth experience in a family-friendly, homelike environment.

Word History and Origins

Origin of birthing center¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

Natasha Downing was planning to deliver her baby at a birthing center but her unborn child just couldn’t wait.

From Los Angeles Times

Downing, 34, was experiencing contractions every 30 seconds Aug. 22 at her home in Calabasas and was planning to go with her midwife to the birthing center when she realized that she was not going to make it.

From Los Angeles Times

The whole birth was captured on the Downings’ doorbell camera, which shows her squatting and delivering the newborn next to the suitcase and bag her husband had packed for her for the birthing center.

From Los Angeles Times

At Hillsdale Hospital in southern Michigan, a 65% increase in respiratory illness activity in late December triggered a limitation to visitors in the birthing center.

From Seattle Times

“I couldn’t have asked for anything better, other than delivering at a birthing center,” Hubbard said.

From Seattle Times