If you are a mother- to-be, one of the most familiar and familiar figures you will hear about during this journey is the midwife. Simply put, a midwife is someone who takes care of you and your baby before, during, during and after pregnancy. Her role is to look after your physical, mental and emotional needs and provide the support you need to have a successful pregnancy.
What are the different types of midwifery?
In our country, we all know about the 'Family Health Midwife' who is appointed by the government and comes to our homes to check on us. It is a very important and appreciated service. But, did you know that around the world, especially in other countries and in some private sectors in our country, there are people who provide this midwifery service at different levels, with different qualifications and training? Let's find out a little about it. This knowledge will help you make better decisions about your pregnancy care.
Simply put, while all midwives have the same primary purpose, they can be divided into several types based on their training, level of education, and how they work.
| Midwife Type | A description of qualifications and training |
|---|---|
| Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) | These are people who have received basic training as nurses and then pursued a degree or postgraduate degree in midwifery. They have extensive medical knowledge. They usually work in hospitals and clinics and are also allowed to prescribe some medications if necessary. |
| Certified Midwife (CM) | Although they are not nurses, they have completed a specialized degree in midwifery and have obtained relevant certifications. Their knowledge and service are very similar to a CNM. |
| Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) | Their specialty is assisting with deliveries outside of the hospital, either at home or in specialized birth centers. Their training is often focused on normal, low-risk pregnancies. They guide mothers to a natural birth with as few technical interventions as possible. |
| Direct-Entry Midwife (DEM) | They enter midwifery without nursing training, through other routes (e.g., specialized school, training under an experienced midwife). A CPM can also be a DEM. Their qualifications and licensing laws vary from country to country. |
| Lay / Traditional Midwife | These are people who have come into this field without any formal education, certification or license, through lineage or experience. Their knowledge is based on experience. Although they are highly respected in some communities, their services are not legally recognized in many countries. |
How do you choose the right care for you?
Now you might be thinking, "How do I choose one of these people?" In fact, a midwife will take a much closer look at your nutrition, pregnancy education, and mental health than you would at a regular check-up with a doctor. It's like having someone of your own on this journey with you.
Before choosing the right person or service for you, ask yourself these questions:
- Where do I want to give birth? Do I want to give birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home? ( Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits before deciding on a home birth.)
- What kind of birth do I want? Do I need pain medication and medical intervention? Or do I prefer to have a natural birth with minimal intervention?
- What kind of educational background should my provider have? Do I need someone with extensive medical knowledge and a hospital affiliation? Or someone who specializes in natural childbirth?
Based on your answers to these questions, you can get a clear picture of what kind of care you need.
When will midwifery become safe?
Remember, if there are no complications or risks during your pregnancy, it is very safe to seek the services of a trained, qualified midwife. In fact, it can be a very good option for a healthy pregnant mother.
However, if you have the following risk factors , you can only seek the services of a midwife under the supervision of an obstetrician and gynecologist, with the support of both of them.
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Pregnant with twins or more than one baby
- If you have previously undergone a cesarean section
- Other chronic illnesses
Simply put, in high-risk situations, it is best and safest to have a doctor and a midwife working together to care for you as a team. This team care is very well implemented in our country's public hospital system.
Your pregnancy is a special time in your life. Therefore, it is important to choose a healthcare professional who can support you with knowledge, kindness, and understanding throughout this time. Never be afraid to talk openly with your midwife and doctor and tell them your needs and hopes.
Take-Home Message
- A midwife is a health professional who supports you during pregnancy, childbirth, and after birth.
- There are different types, such as Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) and Professional Midwives (CPM), depending on their training and qualifications.
- If you have a risk-free, healthy pregnancy, the services of a qualified midwife are a very safe and appropriate option.
- If you have risk conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, your care should definitely be under the supervision of an obstetrician and gynecologist .
- It is very important to have an open conversation with your doctor and midwife about your preferences regarding your delivery (e.g. hospital, use of pain medication).
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