• A sense of control and involvement. Birth centers never routinely use interventions. 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, we 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 examinations take place in your room.

• Lots of encouragement to have a drug-free birth. Midwives are trained to help coach you through labor and we are committed to helping you have a drug-free birth. We use many coping techniques and years of experience to help you reach this goal.

• Freedom of movement and more. You can move around freely, choose the position you’d like to be in for labor and birth, and eat and drink anything you choose during labor.

• Breastfeeding help and encouragement. Midwives make it a priority to provide breastfeeding education and support during the prenatal period, for the duration of your stay after you give birth, and in the postpartum period.

• A warm and comfortable physical environment. Our birth rooms look much like a Bed and Breakfast. Clients are welcome to bring music and candles from home or we can provide these. Coming to the birth center for your prenatal care helps you get familiar with your surroundings and feel fully “at home” in the birth center.

• Speedier checkout.