The first recorded use of the word 'midwife' comes from around 1300, the Middle English 'midwif' meaning 'with woman' or 'with wife'.
Although the traditional midwife was regarded unfavorably by the medical establishment throughout most of the twentieth century, midwives are now returning to the hospital, and they are being welcomed enthusiastically by the doctors and nurses. There are three types of midwives you may encounter during your pregnancy: the certified nurse midwife (CNM), the certified or independent midwife (CM) and rarely the lay midwife.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
A certified nurse midwife is a trained nurse who has received additional specialized training and certification in midwifery. Certified nurse midwives work in partnership with a doctor who is available to supervise any complications that may arise. In many cases this means that all of your prenatal care including your prenatal exams and testing may be performed by your certified nurse midwife and you may only need to consult your doctor if there is a problem.
Many hospitals have certified nurse midwives on staff. The cost of a midwife may be covered by your health insurance plan and you may be allowed you to choose your midwife as you would your doctor.
Like the certified nurse midwife, the certified or independent midwife has received specialized training in midwifery. Although certified midwives do not have training as nurses, they have passed university courses and residency or internships before receiving oral and written tests.
Certified midwives are qualified to perform all of your prenatal care, working in partnership with a doctor who will supervise complications if any problems arise during your pregnancy. A certified midwife will refer you to a specialist if there is a need during your pregnancy. Certified midwives are not covered by most health insurance plans and while they may be cheaper than a certified nurse midwife you will probably have to pay for it out of your own pocket.
Some states recognize a lay or direct entry midwife. Lay midwives receive their training through apprenticeship with another lay midwife. Although the lay midwife has received no formal training as a midwife, many supplement their apprenticeship with additional classes. There is unfortunately no certification process to determine the amount of training and experience held by a lay midwife, and many women prefer instead to work with a certified midwife.
Midwives are uniquely able to offer pregnant women a level of care and attention unavailable from most doctors. Many midwives enjoy the friendship they develop with a pregnant mother and are available to provide both medical and emotional support. Unlike doctors who are busy and not always available on call, a midwife is likely to be present when you go into labor, and if you receive bad news during your pregnancy your midwife will be able to give you comfort and emotional support.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
If you choose a midwife to provide your primary prenatal care she will provide most of the same services as an ob-gyn. Any complications that arise will be referred to a qualified obstetrician. Your first prenatal visit will include a thorough patient history and early tests. A midwife will be more able to provide you with advice about nutrition, exercise and emotional well-being throughout your pregnancy. Many midwives are also trained to provide various massage treatments and natural pain relief methods. Midwives can provide you with emotional support during your pregnancy, something that will be very important if your partner is unable or unavailable when you need them most, and something most doctors are unable to provide.
If you choose to have a home birth a midwife will include other members of your family as part of your prenatal care. If you have other children they will be able, along with your partner, to ask questions and listen to the fetal heartbeat.
Many women like the support and availability a midwife can offer. Others are concerned that midwives may not be covered by their health insurance or worry about the level of professional training undertaken by most midwives. If you feel more comfortable having your pregnancy supervised by a doctor you should probably choose an ob-gyn to manage your prenatal care.
Many malpractice insurance companies will not cover a midwife unless they can demonstrate professional affiliation with a physician. If your primary care physician is part of a group practice there may already be a midwife on staff. Similar to the role of a dental hygienist, her salary, benefits and malpractice insurance are paid for by the practice. Midwives who choose to work independently will contract their services with doctors individually. If you plan to give birth in a hospital or birthing center they may already have developed relationships with midwives.
If you are planning to have a home birth you may need to find an independent midwife. You should get recommendations from your doctor who will have a list of midwives available. Just like choosing a doctor, finding a midwife is a personal experience and you should interview several to find one you who you are comfortable with and can afford.
No results found. Click here for amazon.com
