The Rising Trend of Home Births and Midwives

Over the past 20 years, the number of women in the United States who choose to give birth using a midwife has doubled. The reason being that obstetrician births are becoming increasingly more expensive and the general public is viewing this expense as unnecessary. Many expecting couples feel that this type of birth is also more relaxing and healthier for the baby. Over the last decade, the number of women who have died during childbirth has more than tripled. Some major complications include obesity and complications from cesarean sections. Because of this, vaginal births are looked upon more kindly.

Many women are choosing to have a more natural birth with a midwife. In the United States, most births are in hospitals with doctors and midwives are not used as often, whereas in Europe, women deliver with midwives and a doctor is only called in case of an emergency. European births are considered to be very successful. The number of women successfully giving birth using a midwife has steadily increased since the 70s.

Popularized in the 70s, spiritual midwifery is a holistic approach to labor and delivery. The focus is the same as with regular midwifery, to keep the birth as natural as possible. Spiritual midwives work with the mother to create a positive birthing experience. Massage and acupressure, as well as meditation are sometimes used in spiritual midwifery.

For families thinking about using a midwife, it's best to look up available midwives in the area and also to ask around. Looking in the phonebook may not be the best option, because many midwives are not listed. Instead, do a Google search for your area. Make a list of local midwives and call to check on their availability. Make an availability list. Set up consultation meetings with midwives who give you a good feeling and are available to take you on as a client. It's best to narrow your search down to two or three consultations and set aside one or two hours for each consultation.

During the consultation, discuss with the midwife her philosophy regarding childbirth. Go over her list of certifications and find out whether she is a certified nurse midwife or a certified professional midwife. Some midwives will hold no certifications, but may have a long history of practicing and may have excellent references. It is also important to find out if the midwife has a backup midwife. Choose a midwife that gives you a good feeling and shares a similar philosophy with you.