As Brittany Catton grew closer to welcoming her second child, she thought a lot about the kind of birth experience she wanted. Natural and personal, but close to the Nebraska Medicine maternity services.

When she heard about Holistic Birth Place at Nebraska Medical Center, she knew she had a plan.

“It was perfect,” Catton explains. “It’s kind of like a home birth in a hospital.”

Catton gave birth to the first baby in the new space. Daughter Scarlett arrived Nov. 17, 2025, at 3:14 p.m.

The Holistic Birth Place is designed to offer a serene, home-like environment for a natural birth experience. It is a separate space from the main Labor and Delivery unit, yet fully integrated into maternity services. Expectant parents must complete classes and meet low-risk pregnancy criteria to deliver in this space.

“You can set up the room however you want. They have a really big bed in there, and there’s a birthing tub in there.  It’s low stimulation,” Catton says. “Only your nurse and your midwife come in, so you don’t have a lot of foot traffic coming in and out of the room.”

Families are allowed up to four guests and a doula if they would like. Siblings are also welcome to be part of the experience. Catton’s 5-year-old son, Oliver, was in the room when his baby sister arrived. Catton says he stayed distracted by building a fort in the corner of the room.

“The care team was really great with him being there,” she says. “He was kind of in his own little world.”

Midwife Alyssa Fischer, APRN-CNM was there to encourage Catton through delivery and to oversee Scarlett’s delivery.

“It was such an honor to be with Brittany and her family for the birth of their daughter and sister,” Fischer says. “Brittany and her family were wonderful. Her birth experience is one that I hold close, as proof that birth can be undisturbed and so powerful for all involved.”

Families who opt for delivery in the space can also choose to leave as soon as six to twelve hours after their baby’s birth.

“I gave birth in the tub and everything was smooth,” Catton says. “We left after we were cleaned up, and I was feeling good. I made it home at around 10:30 that night, and she was born just after 3. It’s really nice to be back in the comfort of your own home.”

While Catton knew she wanted a delivery that was as natural as possible, one of the most appealing aspects of the Holistic Birth Place was knowing additional medical resources were right there, had she needed them.

“I would highly recommend this to anybody who’s wanting to try an unmedicated birth and wants the experience of being at home, but you’re in a safe place,” Catton says. “If anything were to happen, you’re right there where you can get the proper help if things don’t go as expected.”