As you prepare for the arrival of your little one, there’s an endless number of choices. There’s no one correct way to bring your baby into this world, and Intermountain Health provides a range of birthing options to prove that. Your birthing experience is as unique as your newborn, so it’s worth considering the right way for you.

One of our specialized programs, Simply Birth, is for women with low-risk pregnancies who desire a low-intervention birth experience. It’s a way to have your baby in a space like home, but within a larger hospital space.

Erin Packer, RN, a nurse and certified childbirth educator at Intermountain Layton Hospital, provided the lowdown on Simply Birth, and how to learn more.

Conceiving your birth plan

Every expectant parent has unique preferences for their birthing experience. Intermountain’s Patient’s Choice Birth Plan allows you to customize your birth plan according to your wishes. This plan asks questions surrounding medication and external support preferences, and you can always discuss questions with your doctor or midwife.

“Moms who are expecting their first baby may be nervous about labor and delivery,” said Erin. “It’s normal to have those feelings, and your baby will love you from the beginning.”

Whether you prefer a non-medicated, low-intervention childbirth, or if you have specific desires for pain relief options such as nitrous oxide or an epidural, we're here to support you. Your comfort and preferences are our priority.

What is Simply Birth?

If you’ve reviewed options for your low-risk pregnancy and decide a low-intervention birth experience is your style, Simply Birth might be for you.

The Simply Birth program includes educational classes and a birthing suite that offers the comfort of a home birth or birthing center, all within the safety of a hospital setting. Each Simply Birth suite is carefully designed to evoke the intimacy of a home birth, and each includes a large relaxation tub.

Whether you're exploring alternative pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation strategies, or massage, or you simply want the freedom to move and labor in a way that feels natural to you, Simply Birth empowers informed choices in line with your preferences.

And if the need arises for medical intervention, Simply Birth’s hospital setting ensures immediate access to the highest quality of medical care for both you and your baby.

“It’s important to have a general idea of your birth plan and options, but sometimes things don’t go as planned and we have to adapt,” said Erin. “Our number one goal is a healthy mom and healthy baby.”

Am I an eligible Simply Birth candidate?

While all Intermountain hospitals offer moms the opportunity to choose their birth plans, the Simply Birth program is available at Alta View Hospital, Layton Hospital, LDS Hospital, St. George Regional Hospital and Cedar City Hospital and will be coming soon to Orem Community Hospital. If you’re in these areas and considering Simply Birth, here are some eligibility factors:

• Your pregnancy should be low risk, with no significant medical complications.
• You're interested in pursuing an unmedicated birth, without the use of an epidural
• You're open to learning alternative pain management techniques such as breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and massage
• You have a strong support system in place, whether it's a partner, family member, friend, or doula
• You're willing to participate in the required educational classes to prepare for your birth experience
• Your labor begins spontaneously between 37-41 weeks of pregnancy

If you’re ready to learn more about Simply Birth and how it can transform your birthing experience, visit the Simply Birth page or sign up for a free class to learn more. During this session, you'll have the opportunity to meet the Simply Birth team, explore the key principles, and get answers to any questions.

If you’re interested in learning more about childbirth options, Intermountain offers online or in-person childbirth education classes. Whether you choose Simply Birth or opt for other birthing options, know that your comfort, safety, and preferences are at the heart of everything Intermountain does.

“Your birth experience stays with you. You might not remember the exact names of the many nurses that care for you, but you’ll remember how you were treated,” said Erin.