Should You Use A Midwife?

During your pregnancy, one of the most important decisions you will make is deciding on whom you will use as your primary care giver. The use of a midwife is becoming increasingly popular among pregnant women. Before deciding whom you would like to care for you during your pregnancy, you might want to look into the options available to you and decide what would best benefit you and your baby.

A certified midwife, or CNM, is a registered nurse with a master's degree or certificate in midwifery. Midwifery is the art of delivering babies by using both natural medicine and modern technology. Some mothers opt to use a midwife in a home birthing environment instead of a hospital. If the pregnancy is uncomplicated without any risks, then most likely, if you choose, a home birth with a midwife is a wonderful option that you can explore.

According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives in Washington, CNMs helped to deliver more than 270,000 births in 1997 a drastic increase considering that only 20,000 births were delivered by CNMs in 1975. Many midwives choose to deliver in birthing centers instead of a hospital. Birth centers were once used to help provide care for lower income families but, today, birthing centers are popular among pregnant women from different economic stand points.

During the natural birth movement of the 1970's, midwives were mostly direct-entry meaning that they learned the trade through non degree programs and apprenticeships. During that time, midwives mostly participated in home births. Today, there are more practicing CNMs than direct-entry midwives. CNMs are trained in a wide range of laboring/birthing methods and procedures.

According to recent research, those women with low risk pregnancies, who used a midwife, have had to undergo fewer inductions, cesarean sections and episiotomies. It is also important to note that most women who use a midwife have a more fulfilling pregnancy and have quicker recovery periods.

In addition to being able to cover the prenatal basics, midwives tend to take a more personal interest in their patients personal lives. Their patients feel comfortable in discussing thier options and fears concerning all aspects of pregnancy and delivery. Because midwives form a personal bond with their patients, they can benefit both the mother and baby in the delivery room.

Perhaps the main reason why midwives have increased in popularity is their wonderful way of helping mothers through the labor and delivery of their precious newborns. Because midwives view pregnancy as a natural occurrence that can be accomplished without excessive medical intervention, a midwife works to keep the mother motivated and comfortable during labor and delivery.

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