The Savannah Birth and Wellness Center will cease operations in February, significantly impacting families who depend on its services for maternity care in the region.

The center will continue to provide care for its existing patients until February 13, with its official closing set for February 20. During this period, staff are assisting families in transitioning to alternative healthcare providers.

This closure highlights the diminishing access to maternity care in the area, prompting concerns over how families will access personalized prenatal, delivery, and postpartum support.

Birth doula Kaitlyn Johnston expressed that the center’s shutdown represents a significant loss for the community.

“It was an excellent resource for women seeking low-intervention, holistic care without opting for a home birth,” she remarked.

Current patient Rebecca Gawley described the center as more than a place to give birth.

“I am a patient at the birth center. I delivered my daughter there two and a half years ago. I received all of my prenatal and postpartum care, as well as general women’s health,” she said.

Gawley added, “For somebody such as myself, I am now losing my primary care. If I need a prescription or lab work, I won’t have the same support. Losing that in the world of women’s health right now is devastating.”

In a statement, Lilac Health said:

“It is with great sadness that Lilac Health has made the decision to close Savannah Birth Center. Despite a deeply committed team of midwives, nurses, and staff, we were unable to overcome systemic and financial barriers that continue to challenge the sustainability of birth centers in Georgia.

Serving families through the midwifery and birth center model has been a privilege, and our focus right now is ensuring every patient is supported through a safe and seamless transition of care.

Lilac Health continues to operate strong, thriving birth centers in Charleston and Asheville, where the model is better supported. We hope the Savannah community will one day be reintroduced to a birth center, and we remain committed to advancing access to this model of care wherever possible.”

A free event for families and the birth community will take place on May 17 from 1-4 p.m. at Peacefully Rooted, 1010 E. Victory Dr. The event will feature education vendors, including lactation consultants, midwives and other prenatal and postnatal professionals. Speakers will provide resources and guidance for families navigating pregnancy, birth and postpartum care.