Every pregnancy and birth is as different as the woman who is pregnant. Some women begin their pregnancies with health conditions that put them at high-risk and so need extra monitoring and possibly medical interventions. Other moms-to-be may choose a conventional western birth, while still others choose an all-natural birth but would like to have that experience in a hospital environment.

There is no wrong answer. If you desire an all-natural birth in a hospital, Mothering, an online site for natural childbirth and parenting, recommends asking these 10 questions of the hospital you are considering:

1. Are there any restrictions on who is allowed in the room?
2. Can I eat and drink during labor?
3. Can I walk and move around during labor?
4. What are the rooms like?
5. Will I have to change rooms during my stay?
6. Are there rules about what I can wear and what I can bring?
7. Do I have to deliver lying flat on my back?
8. Can I nurse my baby immediately?
9. Can my partner stay with me after the baby is born? What accommodations are available?
10. How does the hospital support breastfeeding?

You also may want to ask what equipment and services are available for mothers who want to deliver naturally. At The BirthPlace at Littleton Hospital, we welcome natural births. Here are some of the accommodations we provide:

• Spacious labor and delivery suites, with rooming in options for babies and members of your support team
• Natural childbirth tools, including birthing balls, hydrotherapy, and aromatherapy
• Support for midwives and doulas
• Breastfeeding support