Midwife?

Question

Should I transfer my care to a midwife? I want to have a natural birth or atleast attempt one. I found some midwives in my area that deliver in my preferred hospital and take my insurance. I know midwives give more information and more guidance for birthing without pain medication. However mostly I'm just so very confused; there is so much information out there! Can you please tell my why you did or did not choose to have a midwife and how necessary one is to the natural birthing process? And just anything else you think will be helpful for me to know!

Answer

I'm going with a midwife. I'm low risk and want to have a no meds birth if possible, and midwives are much more likely to support that goal than obgyns. I love doctors (am related to like 20 of them!), and I'm definitely not opposed to modern medicine in any way, but after doing research on the reasons for so many interventions in American births (pressure from insurance companies, wanting women to have their babies quickly so the hospital can turn over the room and make more money, letting surgeons go home when their shifts end, etc), as well as the risks to mother and baby that those interventions carry, I realized that I wanted to do it this way. I suggest watching The Business of Being Born and reading up on the history of midwifery care in the US and elsewhere to help make your decision. Obviously if you are high risk you should go with an obgyn, but the midwife will tell you the same thing.

Answer

I think it is possible to find a doctor that supports natural birth. My obgyn with my first was a god send. No pressure or rushing in any regard. (I didn't have an option for a midwife with my first so I'm glad I found such a great doctor!)

This time I've decided to go with a midwife. I'm due with twins and want to avoid a csection if at all possible. I feel like there will be a better chance to go naturally (not necessarily without pain meds) with a midwife than a doctor this time. If I had the option for the same doctor I had the first time I totally would have stayed with her but we've moved since then!

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I'd go with a midwife. I do not trust ob/gyns. That's after 2 babies. I'm just saying.

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I have a midwife, they are a team of three so one will be on call for when my time comes.  They are great way more mother centred and educational and understanding.  They allow  you the educational decisIons so that you feel empowered.  They will tell you when you need medical intervention rather than trying to progress the labour fast and efficiently.   I HIGHLY recommend getting the book ' Birthing from Within' it talks about preparing yourself mentally for a natural birth. Rather than modern ways where they tell you about the external stages they view while you are on labor it opens you up to thinking about labour in a safe place.

Answer

Obgyns are completely capable of assisting a natural birth, and can actually intervene if you or baby is going to die. A certified professional midwife doesn't even need a GED, much less a college degree, to train or practice. They do not get enough experience with emergency interventions. I would go with an OB 100% of the time.

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I had a midwife for my first 2 and have one with this pregnancy. They are more personable and tend to spend more time with you. From what I've been reading, regular Dr's are more likely to suggest c-sections and other not necessarily needed solutions. I have loved all 3 of my midwives!!

Answer

I don't think you need one to have a natural birth. If you want support, your best choice might be a doula but it is expensive.