To receive CIMS designation as "mother-friendly," a hospital, birth center or home birth service must carry out our philosophical principles by fulfilling the 10 Steps of Mother-Friendly Care:

A mother-friendly hospital, birth center, or home birth service:

1. Offers all birthing mothers:

• Unrestricted access to the birth companions of her choice, including fathers, partners, children, family members and friends.
• Unrestricted access to continuous emotional and physical support from a skilled woman-for example, a doula, or labor-support professional.
• Access to professional midwifery care.

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