• A sense of control and involvement. You won't be subjected to any routine medical interventions.
For example, you won't automatically be hooked up to an IV. And instead of continuous electronic fetal monitoring, which often requires you to stay in bed with a belt strapped around your middle, a midwife or nurse will monitor your baby's heartbeat intermittently with a handheld Doppler, like the one your caregiver uses during prenatal visits.
IVs, oxygen, medication, and infant resuscitation equipment are available in case they're needed. And after you give birth, no routine policies or procedures require you to be separated from your baby. All of his examinations and his first bath take place in your room.
• A network of services All accredited birth centers have arrangements with laboratories for prenatal screening and other testing, with specialists for consultations if necessary. They're also connected with obstetricians and a nearby hospital in case you need to be transferred there during labor, birth, or postpartum.
Fitness
