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Florence Gomez (Co-president of the Collective of French birth centers)
The first birth center opened almost ten years ago, in France. There are nine in total between mainland France and overseas, but these establishments remain little known to women. Let’s take stock of this system with Florence Gomez, co-president of the Collective of French birth centers.
Currently, there are only nine birth centers in France, compared to 150 in countries like the United Kingdom or Germany. “This is probably one of the reasons why these establishments are so little known to French women.” notes Florence Gomez, co-president of the Collective of French birth centers. Indeed, according to an IFOP survey requested by the collective, only 27% of respondents have already heard of it.
What is a birth center?
A birth center is a structure that allows women who wish to give birth in the least medicalized way possible. They are managed exclusively by midwives, but remain located near a maternity ward.
“Women whose pregnancies occur without any particular pathology – and which is not a twin pregnancy – or who have no medical history (cesarean section, Gestational Diabetes…) can claim to give birth in these structures” adds Florence Gomez.
On the other hand, in the event of the slightest medical problem (before the birth of the child) or if, for example, there is a desire to benefit from an epidural, childbirth in this type of structure will not be possible. “Women who are excluded from birth centers for medical reasons represent approximately 25% of cases” adds the co-president of the collective.
9 out of 10 women are attracted by this type of structure
Little known, birthing centers would in theory not be shunned by women. The survey shows that after reading the presentation of this type of establishment, nine out of ten respondents would be “seduced by the idea”.
Why haven’t birth centers experienced growing growth then? “Quite simply because on a political level, they have been a little abandoned” recognizes Florence Gomez. “There was an experimental phase, during which the houses currently installed in France were made permanent after the publication of a study which proved their effectiveness, but following the various changes within the government, the projects of “opening of new houses have been a little forgotten, but things should evolve” she confides.
Two birth center projects should soon be completed
Indeed, in 2020, the government planned to open a dozen birthing centers in two years. Ultimately, these are two projects that should see the light of day in one or two years. “Two projects have just received funding from the ARS to begin work: one is located in Tourcoing, the other in Montreuil” welcomes Florence Gomez.
“The Ministry of Health is once again interested in the question, because a national working group will be launched in a few days, to regularly discuss the subject and reviews various points, in particular the precarious status of these houses, often managed by associations” adds the co-president of the collective. Decisions undoubtedly taken under the impetus of the President of the Republic and his desire to revive the birth rate in France.
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