Many communities now offer the availability of free-standing birth centers to provide care for low-risk women during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. When counseling the newly pregnant patient regarding this option, the nurse should be aware that this type of care setting includes which advantages? (Select all that apply.)

Question

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Patients who are at low risk and desire a safe, homelike birth are very satisfied with this type of care setting. The new mother may return to the birth center for postpartum follow-up care, breastfeeding assistance, and family planning information for 6 weeks postpartum. Because birth centers do not incorporate advanced technologies into their services, costs are significantly less than in a hospital setting. The major disadvantage of this care setting is that these facilities are not equipped to handle obstetric emergencies. Should unforeseen difficulties occur, the patient must be transported by ambulance to the nearest hospital. Birth centers are usually staffed by certified nurse-midwives (CNMs).

Many Communities Now Offer the Availability of Free-Standing Birth Centers