If you are expecting a child, you have several types of health care providers to choose from. Most pregnant women receive their treatment from an obstetrician, but using the services of a midwife is also a good choice in many instances. About 8 percent of all births in the United States are performed by midwives, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. This article examines some of the reasons you might want to consider a midwife for your pregnancy care.
Natural
Some women prefer to focus on natural methods during pregnancy and delivery. They prefer to avoid high-tech medical devices and powerful medications during their labor and delivery if possible. Midwives tend to focus on natural health care methods, such as the use of fewer pain medications like epidurals. They often reduce pain by means of message and birthing balls rather than drugs.
Home
Not every pregnancy needs to occur at a hospital. Woman who prefer to give birth in less clinical and impersonal surroundings, such as their home, will typically require the services of a midwife. Few obstetricians are going to deliver a child outside of a clinical setting. Another choice is to have a midwife deliver your child at a birthing center. These facilities have a more home-like atmosphere than hospitals, while also providing greater medical support than a home delivery.
Personalized
A professional midwife generally offers more personalized care than an obstetrician. The obstetrician may not have the time to give you as much individual attention as you would like. Midwives are trained in all aspects of pregnancy and delivery. This includes instructing pregnant women about the best prenatal nutrition and exercise programs. Midwives also stay with you throughout your labor to offer guidance and support, while an obstetrician may have other patients to treat at the same time.
Exceptions
In certain cases, the use of a midwife as the main caregiver during pregnancy and delivery is not recommended. High risk pregnancies, such as those where the woman has diabetes or high blood pressure, need the care of a physician. Fortunately, only about 6 to 8 percent of all pregnancies are high risk, so most women are able to engage the services of a midwife without any undue concerns about their health or safety.
Although using a midwife is still somewhat unusual in the United States, is a reasonable choice that has several benefits. Contact a licensed midwife for more information.
Share20 February 2015
Menopause took me by surprise. I thought only women in their 50s and 60s went through it, but I was in my late 30s when I entered this stage in my life. After talking to my OB/GYN, I discovered that my mother's early menopause played a major role in why I started so early. It was challenging to unexpectedly find myself dealing with the emotional and physical aspects of menopause. I soon discovered that I was not alone. There are many other women who started menopause at an early age and they were just as nervous as I was. I started this blog to give voice to those women and to provide emotional support.
