A<unk>  or<unk> e is a healthcare facility, staffed by nurse-midwives, midwives and/or obstetricians, for mothers in labor, who may be assisted by doulas and coaches. By attending the laboring mother, the  doulas can assist the midwives and make the birth easier.  The midwives monitor the labor, and well-being of the mother and foetus during birth.  Should additional medical assistance be required the mother can be transferred to a hospital. Some hospitals are now adding birth<unk> s to their facilities as an alternative to the high tech maternity wards commonly found at most hospitals.
A birth<unk>  presents a more home-like environment than a hospital labor ward, typically with more options during labor:  food/drink, music, and the attendance of family and friends if desired.  Other characteristics can also include non-institutional furniture such as queen-sized beds, large enough for both mother and father and perhaps<unk>  tubs or showers for water births.  The decor is meant to emphasize the normality of birth.  In a birth<unk> , women are free to act more spontaneously during their birth, such as squatting, walking or performing other postures that assist in labour.  Active birth is encouraged.  The length of stay after a birth is shorter at a birth<unk> ; sometimes just 6 hours after birth the mother and infant can go home.
Birthing center
Birth control
Children's hospital
Forensic pathology
EMT basic skills
Hospital
Pre- and perinatal psychology
Geneticist