Chapter VIII: Birthplace

The birthing centres referred to in article L. 6323-4 have premises, equipment and bio-cleaning procedures to ensure that patients are accessible, safe and hygienic in accordance with the standards in force. The premises are of sufficient size to ensure the quality of reception and care for registered pregnant women, as well as support for parenthood.

Birthing centres are organised and equipped so that parturients and newborns can be transferred in an emergency, if necessary lying down. They also have an emergency trolley adapted to the various complications that may arise.

Birthing centres are required to have an operating charter, the content of which is set by order of the Minister for Health, and which includes, in particular, the arrangements for medical monitoring of women and the organisation of the availability of professionals.

Midwives working in a birth centre must have at least two years’ experience of childbirth prior to starting work in the centre. The number of midwives working in the birthing centre is sufficient to guarantee the quality and safety of the reception and care of registered pregnant women. A midwife must be able to intervene at any time, every day of the year, within a timeframe compatible with the conditions…

Birthing centres ensure that their professionals receive appropriate and regular training, particularly in the management of maternal, foetal and neonatal paediatric emergencies.

The health professionals at the birth centre are committed to continuous improvement in terms of quality, care safety and risk management.