To monitor or not monitor: that is the question.  More specifically, how to best monitor your baby in labor without causing undue worry and intervention is the question of today's episode.  Author, midwife, and researcher Amy Romano MBA, MSN, CNM tells us that a large body of evidence on fetal heart rate monitoring indicates that we are likely looking for and finding problems that don't actually exist when it comes your baby's heartbeat in labor.  And there is a significant cost to both mom and baby including higher rates of cesarean section, more forcep and vacuum deliveries and fewer vaginal births.  In today's episode you will learn:1. The difference between Intermittent Auscultation (IA) and Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring.2. The evidence or lack thereof to support Continuous Electronic Fetal Monitoring (CEFM) and the risks of EFM.3. How to ask your hospital and care provider for Intermittent Auscultation for fetal monitoring in labor.Amy Romano MBA, MSN, CNM#5 | Preterm Babies & the Case for Midwifery Care: Interview with Midwife/Author Amy RomanoOptimal Care in Childbirth: The Case for a Physiologic Approach Institute for Perinatal Quality Improvement* * * * * * * * * *If you enjoyed this episode of the Down To Birth Show, please subscribe and share with your pregnant and postpartum friends.Between episodes, connect with us on Instagram @DownToBirthShow to see behind-the-scenes production clips and join the conversation by responding to our questions and polls related to pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood. You can reach us at Contact@DownToBirthShow.com or call (802) 438-3696 (802-GET-DOWN). We are always happy to hear from our listeners and appreciate questions for our monthly Q&A episodes. To join our monthly newsletter, text "downtobirth" to 22828.You can sign up for Cynthia's HypnoBirthing classes as well as online breastfeeding classes and weekly postpartum support groups run by Cynthia & Trisha at HypnoBirthing of Connecticut. Please remember we don’t provide medical advice, and to speak with your licensed medical provider related to all your healthcare matters. Thanks so much for joining in the conversation, and see you next week!Support the show