The Benefits of Choosing a Midwife for Your Pregnancy and Birth
When preparing to welcome a new addition to your family, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is who will guide you through pregnancy and birth. Choosing a midwife is an option more families are exploring as they look for a supportive, personalized approach to pregnancy. But what exactly does a midwife do, and how can they support your journey to parenthood? We’ll answer all of your questions and more below.
What Is a Midwife and How Are They Different from Doctors?
Midwives are trained health professionals who specialize in helping expectant mothers through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. Unlike doctors, midwives often take a more holistic approach, prioritizing a close relationship with the family and focusing on the body’s natural abilities during childbirth.
“Midwifery is about empowering families to trust in their body’s strength while offering gentle support every step of the way,” says Dr. Meredith Delp, DO.
One common misconception is that midwives only attend home births. In reality, many midwives are certified to work within hospitals, giving families the option of a hospital birth with the compassionate, personalized care midwives are known for.
What a Midwife Does During Labor
Midwives play an active role in labor, providing emotional support, encouragement, and practical care. They help mothers manage discomfort, offer natural pain relief techniques, and work closely with you to develop a birth plan that aligns with your preferences and goals. Whether it’s breathing techniques, movement, or other methods, midwives are skilled at helping mothers navigate the stages of labor in a calm, supportive environment.
Can a Midwife Deliver a Baby in a Hospital?
Yes! In fact, many midwives work directly within hospitals and birthing centers. When you choose a midwife, you’re not limited to a home birth; instead, you have a range of settings where you can receive midwifery care. Having a midwife in a hospital setting can offer the “best of both worlds”—the natural, personalized approach of a midwife, with access to hospital facilities and staff if needed.
Is a Midwife a Nurse or a Doctor?
The title “midwife” can sometimes cause confusion since the term is neither doctor nor nurse. However, many midwives are trained as Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), meaning they have both nursing and midwifery credentials. These midwives combine the clinical skills of nursing with specialized training in pregnancy and childbirth. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and other licensed midwives may not be RNs but are still trained and licensed to provide excellent care.
Can a Midwife Deliver a Baby Without a Doctor?
Absolutely. A midwife is trained to deliver a baby independently, though there are often doctors or hospital staff available should any complications arise. In many cases, midwives collaborate with doctors, especially if the mother has a higher-risk pregnancy or requests additional medical support. However, many healthy pregnancies can be fully managed by a midwife alone, with no need for a doctor’s intervention during labor.
Our Midwives are experts in low-risk pregnancies and births, and they play an important role in patient-centered care.
How Midwives Support Family Planning
Midwives don’t just support pregnancy and birth; they’re also knowledgeable in family planning. Many people turn to midwives for guidance on reproductive health, contraception options, and even preconception planning. Because midwives often have an ongoing relationship with families, they can provide comprehensive support that extends beyond pregnancy, helping parents make informed decisions about their reproductive health for years to come.
“Family planning and reproductive health are part of the ongoing care we provide, supporting parents in making the best choices for themselves and their families,” explains Dr. Meredith Farrow, MD, FACOG.
How to Know if a Midwife is Right for You
Choosing a midwife is a deeply personal choice that depends on your own health needs, birth preferences, and the level of care you desire. Midwives are known for their ability to listen, support, and honor the birthing person’s preferences. If you’re looking for a provider who will offer personalized attention and view birth as a natural and empowering process, a midwife may be the perfect fit.
Schedule a Midwife Consultation With Covington Women’s Health Specialists Today
Our midwives are trusted experts in pregnancy, labor, and family planning, and their approach can be both empowering and calming for expectant parents. Whether you’re looking for guidance through labor or planning for future pregnancies, the Covington Women’s Health Specialists midwife team offer holistic, patient-centered care that can make the journey to parenthood a more positive experience. If you’re considering a midwife, reach out and explore the unique ways we can support your family during this special time..
