The state of maternity care in the United States is at a crossroad. More women are turning to home birth and other more natural frameworks for approaching pregnancy. At the same time, the c-section rate is rising and many women receive unwanted and unnecessary interventions during labor. In rare cases, women even experience post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of birth experiences that they perceived to be invasive, frightening or exploitative. Regardless of whether you want a completely natural birth or prefer a birth in a hospital setting with lots of painkillers, a midwife could be the right choice for you. Here are five reasons to consider choosing a midwife:
Safer Deliveries
Many women worry that, without a doctor, their deliveries will be unsafe. This couldn't be farther from the truth. Several studies have indicated that a delivery with a midwife can actually be safer than one with an obstetrician. There are a couple of reasons for this. First, midwives tend to spend more time with their patients so they're more likely to spot trouble early. Second, midwives are less likely to pressure women into c-sections unless they're absolutely necessary, which can reduce complications. Finally, midwives are frequently aware of alternative treatments for common labor concerns such as tearing, dehydration, diarrhea, etc. These treatments can prevent these problems before they happen, further reducing the rate of complications.
Fewer Interventions
Modern maternity medicine has absolutely saved thousands of lives. Unfortunately, many interventions that occur during a typical pregnancy are unnecessary and even dangerous. Episiotomies, for example, are almost never warranted, and the C-section rate in the United States is about 10 times higher than it should be. All of these interventions carry risks, and can interfere with a woman's ability to bond with her baby. Midwives are unlikely to push unnecessary interventions and will allow you to have more control over your childbirth experience if that control is important to you.
Lower Cost
Despite their intensely personal care, their ability to prevent common complications and their many years of training, midwives are typically substantially less expensive than physicians. Certified nurse midwives are also normally covered by health insurance.
Informed Consent
Although it's technically not legal, many doctors push patients into procedures without obtaining fully informed consent. A doctor might say you "need" a procedure without explaining its risks, its alternatives or why you need it. The rates of obstetrical malpractice are steadily rising, partially because of the cascading effect these sorts of incidents have. A snap decision leads to another intervention and another, which increase the odds of complications. Midwives, however, tend to take more time with their patients and ensure they are fully informed before they make a decision.
Postpartum Help
If a doctor is your primary care provider, after your baby is born you likely won't talk to the doctor except for a follow up exam. Midwives, however, are trained in postpartum care, common newborn illnesses and breastfeeding, so you can count on your midwife to be available to help you in the weeks after your baby has arrived.
Although midwives aren't for everyone, and some births require obstetrical care, midwives are excellent caregivers who can help many women have healthier, happier pregnancies and deliveries.
