What is midwifery care?
Midwives and doulas are often compared and share many similarities. Midwifery aims to give expecting birthing women with low risk an experience with a medical professional through a heightened level of care. They can address your physical needs and your emotional needs as well.
What is midwifery care?
According to WebMD, “A midwife is a trained health professional who helps healthy women during labor, delivery, and after the birth of their babies.” In the United States there are two types of midwives, professional midwives and nurse midwives. They both have the same goal of providing optimal maternity care.
Midwifery care involves the following:
- Primary care for women in the reproductive years and during pregnancy
- Providing prenatal exams and ordering necessary tests
- Education and preparation for new parents
- Collaborative work with physicians
- Managing labor and delivery
- Caring for mother and newborn during the postpartum period
Why is having a midwife beneficial?
Women who receive midwifery care have better birth outcomes. They are less likely to have a preterm birth or baby who is has a low birth weight. Additionally, midwifery care has been show to increase a women’s chances of breastfeeding. Midwifery care also leads to lower cesarean rates, induced labors, and tearing during childbirth. Midwives can also help you understand what birth options may be best for both you and your baby.
If you are pregnant and considering what type of care would be helpful during childbirth, then consider midwifery care. It could result in just the birth experience you are hoping for.