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Choosing a Midwife or Doula
Learn How a Midwife or Doula
Can Help Enhance Your Natural Birth Experience
When you are expecting one of the decisions you will have to make is the type of
healthcare provider you would like to attend to your during and after your
pregnancy.
Many women opt for natural births, particularly with their second or subsequent
children. Natural births can be performed in the home or in a medical care
environment, with as few medical interventions as possible.
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If you are considering having a natural birth, then chances are you are
interested in learning more about midwifery and doula practices.
A midwife or a doula can tell you that there are many differences between a
traditional or more medically managed birth than a natural childbirth either at
home or in the hospital. Some of these differences are discussed in greater
detail below.
A midwife might delivery your baby in your home, in a medical care facility or
in a hospital. Accredited midwifes are certified and generally have the option
of delivering in the home or at a hospital. Non-accredited midwives
traditionally will delivery your baby within your home or theirs.
The primary difference between a midwife and an OB/GYN is the parents. It really
depends on who you are most comfortable with. Some women prefer to seek the care
of a well qualified physician, whereas others are more comfortable utilizing the
services of a nurse/midwife.
Women have been birthing babies since the dawn of time. Usually women who have
had more than one child are more comfortable using the services of an
alternative health provider such as a midwife.
Doulas
Doulas are labor assistants. They have been credited with relaxing and soothing
many moms to be during and after the labor process.
A doula might serve a variety of functions during the labor process, including
working with you to reduce your stress level, and hopefully helping reduce the
complications and problems associated with a high stress or anxious birth
process. Most doulas will continually attend a mother during the birthing
process.
There services include but are not limited to the following:
A doula will not take the place of your husband during the birth process,
however they will provide invaluable support to you and your partner should you
need it during labor and delivery.
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Deciding on the Right Caregiver for You
Deciding on the type of caregiver that is best for you depends on the type of
birth experience you are looking for. Remember that it is just as possible to
have a natural childbirth with an OB/GYN attending as it is with a midwife.
A doula can also work in conjunction with an OB/GYN to assist you during the
birth process.
If you have a high risk pregnancy, your best bet might be to go with a
traditional OB/GYN particularly if you require monitoring during the entire
pregnancy. If however you have a low risk pregnancy, you might look into
midwifery as an option when seeking out a health care provider.
What to Expect at Your HealthCare Providers Office
Your first visit to midwifery practice will be similar to that of a
traditional medical establishment.
You will go over your medical history, including any medical conditions you have
or previous pregnancies.
You might also discuss your birth plan, and practice labor and delivery
positions as well as relaxation techniques later in your pregnancy.
When selecting a practitioner, you should come to your first appointment armed
with a number of questions, the same type of questions you might ask a
prospective OB/GYN.
Still not sure what type of practitioner is right for you? Consider the
following questions:
- Are you comfortable with the idea of birthing in your home?
- Do you want to use medication for pain relief during the labor process?
- How important to you are interventions such as routine ultrasounds?
- Are you willing to cover part of the costs incurred by delivery?
- Do you prefer to deliver in privacy?
- Do you prefer to have someone familiar at your side at all times during
delivery?
Remember that the decision to select a healthcare
provider is a personal one. Ultimately you will make the decision that is best
for you and your baby. Selecting a midwife or doula can be a rewarding
experience for you and your baby!
Resources:
For additional information check out:
Midwives
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MANA - Midwives Alliance of North America
www.mana.org
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NARM - North American Registry of Midwives
www.narm.org
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ACNM - American College of Nurse Midwives find a
midwife
www.acnm.org/find/
Doulas
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