This blog is the first in our ‘All About Obstetrics’ series, where we will introduce you to all the health professionals and services that you can expect to encounter on your journey towards building a family.
This post spotlights the midwives – who have been by the side of women, pretty much since the beginning of time. Midwifery is considered one of the oldest professions, tracing back to ancient civilizations where women in communities, usually with experience or special knowledge, took on the role of helping other women give birth. The root word “obstetrix” (Latin) means “one who stands opposite” and became the English word “midwife” - “with woman”.
Midwives are an increasingly popular choice for women seeking natural birthing experiences and more personalized, holistic care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. Their role is also credited with improving disparities in maternal health care, particularly among underserved communities. The evidence suggests that midwifery care improves maternal and infant health outcomes, reduces medical interventions and fosters more respectful and tailored care practices.
Understanding Midwives: Who They Are and What They Do
Midwives are trained health professionals specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and women's reproductive health. In the United States, these include:
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs): Registered nurses with advanced training in midwifery, CNMs can practice in all 50 states, often in hospitals, birth centers, or home settings.
- Certified Midwives (CMs): Professionals with similar training to CNMs but without nursing credentials. Their practice is recognized in select states.
- Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs): Specialists in out-of-hospital births, CPMs are trained through various educational routes and are licensed in several states.
Each type of midwife provides comprehensive care, including prenatal visits, labor and delivery support, and postpartum assistance.
The Difference Between Midwives And Ob/Gyns
Midwives and Ob/Gyn doctors often work together, but for low-risk pregnancies it is generally acceptable to opt for midwife support. In addition to not performing surgeries, midwives offer:
- Less intervention during labor: Midwifery care has been found to lower the rates of C-sections and the use of vacuum or forceps for delivery.
- More time spent in conversation and education: Midwives specialize in low-risk pregnancy care, as such it allows them to invest more time than obstetricians who are often balancing many patients at various levels of risk.
- A focus on shared decision-making: While midwives operate in the medical system, their training is more holistic and patient-centered. Their work focuses on empowering through knowledge and providing very practical support in the leadup to and during birth.
The Midwifery Model of Care: What to Expect
Midwifery care emphasizes a patient-centered approach, focusing on the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of the mother. Here's what moms can anticipate:
- Personalized prenatal care: Regular check-ups that include physical assessments, nutritional guidance, and emotional support.
- Labor and delivery support: Continuous presence during labor, offering techniques for pain management, encouragement, and monitoring of both mother and baby.
- Postpartum assistance: Follow-up visits to ensure recovery, breastfeeding support, and newborn care guidance.
They spend time with you and your partner in the lead-up to birth to understand who you are, what’s important to you and what kind of birth experience you want. They will walk you through your options, arm you with knowledge to make the best decisions for you and your little one, and support you when you need to be flexible. They are trained to provide practical emotional support and ensure that stressful situations are handled with love and sensitivity.
Midwives often collaborate with obstetricians, ensuring that if complications arise, appropriate medical interventions are available.
Benefits of Choosing Midwifery Care
Research suggests several advantages to midwifery-led care:
- Reduced interventions: Lower rates of cesarean sections, episiotomies, and use of epidurals.
- Enhanced birth experience: Greater sense of satisfaction and empowerment, due to personalized care and involvement in decision-making.
- Improved outcomes: Decreased instances of preterm births and low birth weights.
- Improved breastfeeding rates.
Over time, the midwifery model of care can reduce costs in the healthcare system and lower the volume of medical interventions, especially for low-risk pregnancies. Taking this pressure off the system frees resources for more preventative care and complex cases.
Considerations for American Moms
While midwifery offers numerous benefits, it's essential to consider the following:
- State regulations: The legality and scope of midwifery practice vary by state. Ensure your chosen midwife is licensed and recognized in your state.
- Insurance coverage: Not all insurance plans cover midwifery services, especially for home births. Verify coverage details beforehand. Midwifery care is often an out-of-pocket expense.
- Risk assessment: Midwifery care is best suited for low-risk pregnancies. Those with high-risk factors should consult with healthcare providers to determine the best care model.
How You Can Support Midwives
At Emulait we love connecting people who want to do good. Our partners at BirthFUND are committed to creating a safety net of resources to expand immediate access to quality, life-saving maternal health care for all families. Using an ‘each one reach one’ community care model, they match funders with families in need of quality midwifery care and birth support. Emulait has set up a BirthFUNDing Circle – join us and support families in need who can't afford the out-of-pocket costs needed for midwifery services.
Making an Informed Choice
Deciding between a midwife and an obstetrician depends on personal preferences, medical history, and the kind of birth experience you are hoping for. Make sure to do your research, ask questions, and choose a provider who aligns with your values and needs. For many moms, this model provides a fulfilling and empowering birth experience. And at Emulait, that’s what we wish for you – whichever support you choose!
