Midwifery |

What is a midwife?

The word midwife literally means "with woman" and refers to a (usually
female) caretaker who provides support during pregnancy and birth, and often postpartum. Midwives are trained either through certification, apprenticeship, or both, and Certified Nurse Midwives often work with an obstetrician or physician to provide care for pregnant women.

• Have you used a midwife for the birth of your child or children? Share your experiences.
• Talk with other moms who have chosen a midwife to manage the birth of their child!

Nurse-midwives

Nurse-midwives are nurses who practice midwifery. They are often attached to a hospital or birthing center. (Laws for midwifery vary by state. Visit the American College for Nurse-Midwives for more information.)

Licensed midwives

Licensed midwives are not nurses, but are licensed to practice in their state. To learn more about the Certified Professional Midwife, Midwifery Education and the North American Registry of Midwives visit the following websites:

• MANA- Midwives Alliance of North America
• NARM- North American Registry of Midwives
• MEAC- Midwifery Education Accreditation Council
• Citizens for Midiwfery
• Foundation for the Advancement of Midwifery
• National Association of Certified Professional Midwives
  

Lay midwives

Lay midwives are not licensed or certified. This does not necessarily mean that they are not trained to perform the duties of midwifery, though it may; either way they are not legally able to practice in some states.

Note: In most European countries including the UK, midwives are the primary caregivers for all pregnant women.

Why choose a midwife?

Perhaps you are at low risk for complications in your pregnancy. Perhaps you do not believe that extensive prenatal testing is necessary, or that it may even be dangerous. Perhaps you wish to have a relaxing pregnancy and find that being at home makes you feel safe and comfortable. Perhaps you do not wish to risk intervention during birth except in the case of a true emergency, and just don't trust the statistics to be on your side.

(After all, a 35% C-section rate seems awfully high.) Maybe you don't want to be forbidden to eat or drink during labor, and while you're at it you'd like to be able to walk around and give birth in whatever position feels the most natural. Perhaps you do not want to have labor induced, preferring to wait until the baby decides to be born (even if it is past your due date, as most first births are).

Whatever your reason, read on to see if a Midwife is for you.


See also:

How to Choose a Midwife
Prenatal Visits
Who Should Manage the Birth of Your Baby?
Can Home Remedies Really Help Induce Labor?