Birthing Center Closing

Hi All.

I just got a heartbreaking letter from the Elizabeth Seton
Childbearing Center where I gave birth to my daugher Charlotte on
5/20/03. Apparently they can't get anyone to cover them for
malpractice insurance and they are forced to close their doors
September 1st, 2003.

This is the only freestanding birthing center in Manhattan. They
provide high-quality prenatal care, childbirth education classes,
breastfeeding classes, prenatal yoga classes, mommy and me classes,
breastfeeding support groups, sling workshops, baby massage, doulas,
prenatal massage, a lending library of childbirth and parenting books,
and all kinds of other services for the community.

They have 3 amazing birthing rooms with a homey atmosphere with
hardwood floors, regular beds with quilts, kitchinettes, showers, and
big bathtubs that you can give birth in (I did) and a great lounge
area for family members to wait.

It is the most amazing place, I can't even tell you how warm and
friendly and knowledgeable their staff is. Going through my pregnancy
with them was like a dream, and the midwife who attended my labor and
delivery was a pillar of strength and an endless fountain of kind
encouragement. I have met with two different lactation consultants
there, who were both very warm and who really know their stuff.

Is there anything they can do? Does anyone know of any other birthing
centers that faced this sort of situation and somehow remained open?
Does anyone know of any lesser-known insurance companies that might be
willing to cover them? They say they have explored all of their other
options, and none were viable.

I am planning to write to them to ask if there is anything I can do to
help. I also considered writing a letter to be distributed to all
women who are receiving prenatal care there currently to urge them to
consider a home birth attended by one of the Elizabeth Seton midwives.

If anyone has any ideas please let me know.

-V.