What is the purpose of a midwife?

Question

I really have no idea what a midwife is, what is their purpose?

Answer

My midwife is my care provider throughout my pregnancy. I have all of my prenatal appointments with her and she will deliver my baby. I do not have an ob nor will I be giving birth in a hospital.

Answer

Since 24 weeks I have been seeing a group of midwives for my prenatal appointments. I was referred to them by my OB because I am certain that I want a drug-free, natural birth, and he said they have more experience with achieving that outcome. Whichever midwife is on duty when I arrive at the hospital will help me deliver my baby.

Answer

Basically they're there for any problems you may have, any concerns you can call them & they will help you. They make sure you are having your blood tests done, getting all of the scans you need, they track your weight & blood pressure, they measure your fundal height and listen in to babies heart beat to make sure everything is okay. They help you with your birth plan, and they go to your birth to help have your baby delivered safely! At least that's what they do in New Zealand :)

Answer

I'm with a midwife because I'm not high risk and because I wanted my health care provider to to develop a relationship with. The practice I go two has 3 midwives and depending on when I go into labour, one of the three will be at the hospital with me. And they continue their care 6 weeks after I've given birth making home visits.

My midwife orders blood work, urine samples, prescribes medications related to my pregnancy (to be ordered and picked up at a pharmacy) and orders ultrasounds to be done at other clinics. If there's anything that's not pregnancy related (if I get a cold or I break a bone) then I have to go see my family doctor or go to a walk-in clinic.

What is the purpose of a midwife?

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