Who is a midwife? Help during your pregnancy and childbirth!

Are you a mother-to-be? Or are you thinking about starting a family? Then you've probably heard the term 'midwife'. Some people may also know her as a "midwife." But who is a midwife? How can they help you? Let's talk about this in a little more detail today, just like talking to a friend.

Who exactly is a midwife?

Simply put, a midwife is a health worker who looks after your health during pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care, and after the baby is born. Some midwives also look after your general reproductive health, such as pelvic exams and Pap tests, and advise you on family planning methods.

Midwives often provide more holistic support for natural childbirth and throughout pregnancy. If you want to have a more natural, medication-free birth, or if you want to give birth at home, many people choose a midwife.

But remember, midwives are not usually doctors. But they often work alongside Obstetricians and Gynecologists (Ob/Gyns), especially in hospitals. This means you can get specialist care whenever you need it. A midwife is best if your pregnancy is low-risk or has only minor complications.

Pregnancy and childbirth are very personal experiences. You have the right to choose the type of care you want. That's why it's important to know the differences between a midwife and an obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn).

What does a midwife do?

The services a midwife provides can vary depending on their qualifications, certifications, education, and location. Certified midwives and certified nurse midwives are able to provide the most services. Midwives without certification can provide limited services.

These are some of the health services you can receive from a midwife:

• Having prenatal clinics and monitoring you regularly throughout your pregnancy. That means checking things like your weight and the baby's heartbeat.
• Performing things like ultrasound scans and blood tests needed during pregnancy.
• Assisting during childbirth and providing basic care for the newborn.
• Postpartum care. This means looking after your well-being after you have your baby.
• Educating you about nutrition, breastfeeding, fertility, and other issues related to reproductive health.
• Providing advice on family planning methods and birth control.
• Things like Pap tests and breast exams.
• Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and other vaginal infections and diseases.

A certified nurse midwife can work in hospitals, clinics, birth centers, or even in your own home. However, there are limited places where uncertified midwives can work. It is best to ask about the qualifications of a midwife before you choose one and to find out what the rules and regulations are for midwifery care at the hospital or birth center where you plan to deliver your baby.

Are there different types of midwives?

Yes, there are several types of midwives. These classifications and names may vary slightly from country to country, but the basic idea is this:

• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs): These are people who have completed nursing school and earned a degree in midwifery. In addition to providing prenatal care and delivering babies, they can provide general reproductive care, prescribe medications, order lab tests, and diagnose illnesses. They are qualified to work in hospitals, homes, and birth centers. For example, in the United States, they are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board.

• Certified Midwives (CMs): These are midwives who have a master's degree in midwifery, but they have not completed nursing school. Their primary degree may be in a subject other than nursing. They can also prescribe medications. They are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board, but they are only licensed to practice in certain countries/states.

• Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs): These midwives usually work in birth centers or homes. They have completed relevant training and are certified by an organization, such as the North American Registry of Midwives, in North America. They are not licensed to practice in all countries/states, and they cannot prescribe medications.

• Unlicensed or lay midwives: These midwives do not have a specific certification or license to practice. They may have acquired this knowledge through self-study or other training (perhaps by working as an apprentice). Unlicensed midwives mostly work in homes.

Important: No matter what type of midwife you choose, it is extremely important to check that they have the relevant qualifications, training, and licenses, and that they operate in accordance with the laws of your country/region.

Are midwives doctors?

Most midwives are not doctors, but some may have doctorates in nursing practice. However, they do not have a medical degree from a medical school.

What is the difference between a midwife and an obstetrician and gynecologist (Ob/Gyn)?

The main difference is in the way they provide education and care.

Midwives are often very supportive, and they prioritize natural methods to help with pregnancy and childbirth. They see pregnancy and childbirth as a natural process, not a medical condition to be managed. They are more inclined to use non-traditional birthing methods. Those who want a more relaxed, less stressful birth are more likely to choose a midwife.

However, because midwives are not trained in medical school, they cannot provide all the services that an obstetrician and gynecologist (Ob/Gyn) can. They cannot treat high-risk pregnancies or complications during childbirth. Obstetricians can perform medical or surgical interventions that midwives cannot if complications arise.

This is not to say that Ob/Gyns are not supportive, personal, or open to alternative approaches. They are not. If you are having a hard time making a decision, it is best to meet with both a midwife and an Ob/Gyn to decide who best fits your personality and your expectations for pregnancy and childbirth.

Is a midwife better than a doctor?

It really comes down to personal preference. Some people prefer midwives, others prefer Ob/Gyns. A midwife is usually only recommended for low-risk pregnancies. Most pregnancies are low-risk.

Here are some of the benefits of choosing a midwife:

• Reduced chance of induction or assisted delivery.
• Reduced chance of having a cesarean birth.
• Reduced use of epidurals or other pain medications.
• Reduced risk of severe (grade 3 and 4) perineal tears during childbirth.
• Having more flexibility to deliver the baby at home.
• You have more control over your care.

However, midwives are not usually trained to perform surgery. If your pregnancy or delivery is complicated or you are in a high-risk situation, midwives will refer you to an obstetrician and gynecologist (Ob/Gyn).

Do I need to choose a midwife?

If you have a low-risk, normal pregnancy, and you're looking for a more personal, close relationship with your healthcare provider , a midwife may be right for you.

However, if you have a health condition that could cause complications during your pregnancy or delivery, it is best to have close collaboration between your midwife and obstetrician. Some of the conditions to watch out for include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• If you have had seizures before (History of seizures)
• If you have had a previous high-risk pregnancy
• If you are expecting twins or more children (Expecting multiples)

If you decide to choose a midwife, we recommend finding one who is licensed and certified to work in your country/region.

Are there any risks in receiving services from a midwife?

Midwives work with obstetricians and gynecologists (Ob/Gyns), maternal-fetal medicine specialists, and other healthcare providers to reduce the risks of your care. If you have concerns about childbirth, it is usually recommended that you work with a midwife who works in a hospital setting. This will help you feel more secure if complications arise.

What is the difference between a doula and a midwife?

The word `Doula` is Greek for "woman's helper." A doula is someone who is trained to provide support during labor and delivery. They can help you manage contractions, bring you fluids to drink, suggest positions that can ease labor pains, and cheer you on. However, they are not medically trained. The care they provide is emotional and informational support, not medical care. A midwife is a medically trained person who provides medical care.

Do midwives perform cesarean sections (C-sections)?

No, midwives cannot perform C-sections. But they can assist with them. If you need a C-section, a collaborating physician will be called in and will take over the care.

Do midwives give epidurals?

Some midwives can prescribe pain medication, such as epidurals. However, midwives cannot administer epidurals. They will discuss this with an anesthesiologist or a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). Anesthesia providers are usually only available in a hospital setting.

What questions should you ask before choosing a midwife?

Many people interview potential midwives before they start working to see if they are a good fit and feel comfortable. Here are some questions you should definitely consider before choosing a midwife:

• Where will I deliver my baby? (Hospital, birth center, or home?)
• What kind of training do you have? (Ask about certifications, licenses)
• How long have you worked as a midwife?
• How many births have you attended?
• What are your views and values ​​regarding childbirth?
• What tests or screenings do you do during pregnancy?
• Will insurance cover the costs?
• Do you work with Ob/Gyns in your area? (Is there a doctor you can refer to in an emergency?)

These questions will help you make a good decision.

Finally, let's remember this.

A midwife is a valuable addition to your reproductive health team, especially during pregnancy and childbirth. They are ideal for low-risk pregnancies and births, or if you are looking for a more natural approach.

But remember, not all midwives are the same. When looking for a midwife, be sure to research their certifications, the settings in which they are licensed to work, and whether they have a healthy relationship with a physician partner.

Whether you choose a midwife, an obstetrician/gynecologist (Ob/Gyn), or a combination of both, your healthcare providers will work together to help you get the best possible outcome. We wish you a healthy pregnancy and a safe birth!

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