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Amy Polk pointed out the lack of a birth center in the county, but I don't think she should discount the former Maternity Center ("In Takoma Park, add a birth center," Oct. 1).

When the Maternity Center in Bethesda closed, the midwives merged with an OB-GYN practice called Simmonds & Simmonds, Chartered, and is now called Midwifery Care Associates. I gave birth to my two older children at the Maternity Center and was pleased with my pre-natal care and birth experience. I decided to go with Midwifery Care for the birth of my third child. I couldn't be more pleased with my experience.

I was able to have a natural, drug-free birth at Shady Grove Adventist Hospital the same as if I was at the Maternity Center. I wasn't pressured to accept pain medications, I was able to nurse the baby immediately after birth, and the hospital accepted my wishes to refuse circumcision on my son.

In many ways having a hospital birth was easier. The hospital took care of the Hepatitis B shot, hearing test, PKU test, and any other newborn screenings. The Maternity Center was not set up for this so I had to spend time taking my older children to extra doctor appointments. My oldest son never did get a hearing test.

There are still birthing options for low-risk mothers that want to have their babies without interventions. I love the midwives at Midwifery Care and will continue see them for preventative care. I am grateful that there is an OB-GYN practice willing to charter such an establishment.

Toni Ellison, Gaithersburg