In the United States, most people picture an OB/GYN when they think of labor and delivery. That’s because the OB/GYN model has been dominant in this country for decades when it comes to pregnancy and childbirth.
However, in other western nations, such as England, France, and Australia, Midwives also play a large role in pregnancy and childbirth. But, it’s catching on here, too, as 8% of U.S. births are now being attended by Midwives. Why? Because many women are realizing the health benefits of Midwifery for them and their children.
In this blog, our providers at Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery explain the different types of Midwives and the services Midwives offer.
The term “midwife” is an old English term that combines the word for with — “mid” — and the word for woman — “wife.” The central goal of Midwifery is to provide women-centered, individualized care for patients and their families.
Midwives are trained to offer women gynecological care throughout their lives, and they view pregnancy as a natural part of a woman’s health journey.
There are many types of midwives. They range from midwives with full-nursing degrees and accreditations to those who have learned through informal apprenticeships and self-study.
At Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery, we have Certified Nurse Midwives. Our Midwives are registered nurses who have also completed Midwifery training programs and are able to administer the highest levels of care.
Midwives offer so much more than childbirth care. Women’s health services provided by midwives include:
OB/GYNs are great at providing care during pregnancy and childbirth. However, midwives can fill in any gaps and focus on your overall health and wellness.
Midwives can play a large role in labor, especially for low-risk pregnancies or women who desire a home birth. In fact, many home births can be performed by a midwife or team of midwives.
If you have a high-risk pregnancy or want to give birth in a hospital, a midwife can monitor your baby, help keep you calm, and assist in case of Cesarean. After delivery, a midwife can help you with breastfeeding, show you the basics of newborn care, and perform routine tests on your baby.
At Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery, we maintain a relationship with Pascack Valley Hospital to ensure that you can receive the best care from your birth team.
To learn more about midwifery and to see if it could help you, book an appointment online or over the phone with Holistic OB/GYN & Midwifery today.
