Should You Consider a Mid-Wife?

When it comes to selecting the person you want to deliver your baby, there are many things which you should keep in mind.

What is your personal philosophy of childbirth? Do you trust physicians to make the best decisions on your behalf, or do you prefer to advocate for yourself and make many of your own decisions? Do you tend to view pregnancy as a medical condition requiring care, or as a natural process which your body basically knows how to conduct? Are you fairly certain that you would like medications during childbirth, or are you interested in pursuing a natural, drug-free labor? If your feelings tend to lean towards the natural, self-advocating style of pregnancy, a Certified Nurse Midwife may be for you.

Certified Nurse Midwives view childbirth as a natural process. They firmly believe that a woman's body knows how to go through labor and that she seldom needs medical intervention. CNMs are Registered Nurses who receive additional education in Midwifery. They are able to do all of the things during labor and delivery that a doctor can, with the exception of Cesarean deliveries.

Nurse Midwives can perform episiotomies, though they are much less likely to need to do so. Most CNMs, instead, will use techniques of stretching the vaginal tissue with oils to reduce the possibility of tearing.

Midwives are also very supportive of, and educated about, breastfeeding. If you have a midwife, she has likely been a breastfeeding mother herself and knows how to get through the trying first days and weeks successfully.

CNMs allow you to advocate for yourself. They do not order an entire round of tests complete with a non-stress test and biophysical profile simply because you have been experiencing mild symptoms. Most do not require you to urinate in a cup at every pre-natal appointment. They are laid-back and centered around you. Midwives also do not request you to be hooked to an I.V. or to have blood work done during labor. They also will allow you to drink liquids and eat light solids while in labor.

When it comes to pain control, most midwives are supportive of you if you should choose to avail yourself of the available methods. However, most like to take a "wait and see" approach. They would rather not plan on giving you an epidural based on your wishes before you go into labor. Their ultimate goal is natural childbirth, though they will not insist on this if you should decide otherwise. Remember: They see you as the decision-maker for your labor.

CNMs are also more adaptable when it comes to pushing during labor. They will encourage a woman to push in any position that is comfortable for her, including in a squatting or standing position, or while sitting on a stool. Most doctors insist that you be on the bed, perhaps sitting up, so that they have an easier time of delivering the baby.

If you feel empowered to make your own decisions during pregnancy and labor, and view childbirth as a natural process, your best bet is to seek out a Certified Nurse Midwife in your area. Most insurance providers accept CNMs and most hospitals work willingly with them as well. Make sure your childbirth experience is what you envision it to be.