Natural Birth at Harris Methodist HEB?

M., I work for Texas Health Resources and reached out to the director of Women's Services, Mary Lou, at Texas Health Harris Methodist HEB. Here's her response:

Yes, she can move around and even get in the tub if she wishes. We support natural childbirth. It is the mother’s choice. The only issue is that she needs to find a physician who supports her choices. Probably the only restriction is that they are required to be monitored at least a portion of the time, but that wouldn’t restrict movement or use of the birthing ball or birthing bar. I would encourage her to call me ###-###-####) so I can ask more questions to find out exactly what she would like. We are very family centered. I believe we can give her a great experience.

Have you thought of maybe using a birth center? Ann Crowell, at Gentle Beginnings, over in Hurst is absolutely wonderful. We used her & her facility to have both of our daughters. I was able to deliver in the water both times, my husband was able to catch our first & deliver our second, with Ann's help, something he really wanted. While that might be more than your husband wants, my point is that Ann will do her best to provide you with a wonderful birth experience.

The number is ###-###-####. There are other midwives there too. I believe the website is www.gentlebeginningsbc.com

If you are still interested in a natural birth in the hospital, I HIGHLY recommend hiring a doula. We had one with us & she really helped. You can find one near you at www.Dona.org

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to PM me :-)

I used the midwives at Harris (downtown Ft. Worth). A possible drive for you but I LOVED them so much!! It's more a matter of dr or midwife than where that will help you the best. Also I HIGHLY recommend doing the Hypnobabies (NOT hypnobirth) too, that was soooo much better than Bradley (which did nothing for me with my 1st). Just another suggestion that I loved :) Good luck deciding and finding a care provider that supports you, that's really the biggest issue here...have a great birth!!

I delivered twice in HEB and both times the staff was great and very supportive. You get your own birthing suite from beginning to end. It has a couch for your husband, tv, large tub if you want to do water delivery, etc. I had my first child without any anesthesia but after 72 hours of labor (not there), ri[pped totally and had to have an episiotomy. After that, the next one came very quickly without even an IV! The other 4 I had to get induced and chose to have epidurals of which the last 2 I had in HEB. It is your choice. I enjoyed the labor process more as I could still feel the contractions but they weren't as painful. I was allowed to move until I got the epidural. But even with that you can move if you choose to with help. I was induced as my babies get big and don't like to come on time. My last daughter was born 2 days after due date at 8lb 8oz and my last son, 1 day after due date, at 9lbs 9oz. I relaxed and concentrated on my breathing during the contractions and didn't need episiotomies nor did I ripped. I am small. So HEB was great and I recommend it! I'm done having kids but if I were I would go there again. Best wishes and God bless!

I've heard that Harris Methodist in downtown Fort Worth is better for natural deliveries than Harris HEB.

I gave birth at Las Colinas Medical Center and had a natural Bradley birth experience. The hospital was very supportive and followed my birthing plan. It is very important wherever you end up that your Dr is supportive of your plan because the hospital will check with them before doing what you ask.