Columbia Birth Center is one of only 52 nationally accredited birth centers, and the only accredited birth center in Washington State. It is also licensed by the State of Washington's Department of Health. Columbia Birth Center is minutes away from Kennewick General Hospital and two other major medical centers should a transfer be required. Our services are covered by most insurance carriers.

Cynthia Flynn, director of Columbia Birth Center, is a Certified Nurse Midwife with a Ph.D in Sociology.

Our Mission is to provide comprehensive care to a diverse group of women and families through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood in an environment that is both physically and emotionally safe.

Our owner, Cynthia Flynn, travelled to Sri Lanka in January, 2005 to provide humanitarian relief to the victims of the tsunami. Her journal with pictures is available at http://www.mytripjournal.com/TsunamiFlynn1-05. Use the password Cynthia to access the site. New pictures are being added every day.

Why would you want to give birth in a birth center instead of a hospital?

The birth center is:

small, intimate, calm and home-like

warm and supportive, welcoming of your family and friends

attended by people you know (your midwife and doula)

free from routine or unnecessary procedures that carry some risks for healthy women

free from infectious disease

less expensive - especially important for those requires a co-pay

a place where birth is celebrated as a major life transition rather than a medical event