When I was pregnant with my first child, I couldn’t imagine seeing anyone but an OB/Gyn for my pregnancies. In fact, I’m pretty sure I thought that anyone who didn’t was nuts.
I read the typical pregnancy books, especially the one that was given to me by my OB (incidentally that was the last pregnancy in which I read this specific book) and skimmed over the parts which explained the difference in care providers–OB, Family Doctor, and Midwife.
A favorite picture. I remember the Midwife saying, “She’s 8 cm and texting!” |
The idea of seeing a Family Doctor or a Midwife felt very outdated to me and I figured they included it for those folks who hadn’t gotten with the times.
I felt my first birth was a fairly typical hospital birth. I went in with no birth plan (I thought women with birth plans were pretentious), and figured all would be well.Β
Having his first “check-up” with the Midwife. |
When my 2nd child was born (a Doula assisted birth), my husband said he was shocked at how alert a baby and Mama could be. Was it because I was healthier? Or because my body was left alone? A little bit of both?
Since my first three births, I’ve gone on to use a Family Doctor and a Midwife! So I feel as though I have a variety of experience. π
Matthias visiting with our Midwife, at our one-week visit. |
Because I myself didn’t realize that Midwives were currently attending births, I wondered how many other women knew they had options?
On April 30th, I plan to hold a week-long Q&A among four Midwives, with the questions submitted by the blog visitors.
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Jessica Heights says
This sounds like a very interesting series! I’ve always been curious…do midwives have to obtain some sort of certification to practice?
A Mama's Story says
It depends on the state and even the country. π In England, it’s typical for women to see Midwives unless they are high risk.
Jenn says
I found you through Growing Home and am so happy I did. I do have many questions but will start with these:
1. We have two children and both were born at 36 weeks. I was induced with both as my body would not carry to term (my OB stated it may have a lot to do with my cervix, but again, not 100% sure). Both were also admitted to the NICU right after they were delivered because their lungs were not fully developed. Our son had a collapsed lung. How would this sort of situation be handled with a midwife? Could this also have been avoided entirely? We want to try for a third, but are still nervous.
2. What are the costs of a midwife? Are there payment plans? Do most insurance cover/contribute to the costs?
Really looking forward to the Q&A!
Blessings,
Jenn
A Mama's Story says
Wow, Jenn! Great questions! I will add them to the list.
whitlow6 says
Our second baby was born using a midwife and it was by far the best experience of all 3 that I’ve had!
The problem here in AL is that the only legal midwives are CNM’s that have to deliver in a hospital under a physician’s “care”….so there aren’t many who choose to practie like that. The CPM’s aren’t certified in our state to attend homebirths….even though it’s actually not illegal to have one yourself. It’s just illegal for the midwife to get paid to assist you! Crazy. So anyway driving to TN (nearest state that they are legal in) is a hassle and is why our 3rd ended up being a local hospital birth after all. Not to mention that our insurance doesn’t cover any of it either.
They are working hard to get the law changed this year but since our 4th is due in August it isn’t looking like that will happen in time. I’m so torn on whether to take a chance on making the long drive in order to have the birth I want or just trying to make the best of it in the hospital again.
I look forward to reading this series since this is a subject so near to my own heart!
Tyra
A Mama's Story says
Tyra, I’m from Alabama and my friends who wanted homebirths often say they either go across the state line or have to attempt a home birth and invite over a Midwife while in labor. To me, this just sounds as though it’s inviting problems.
Joy says
I LOVE midwifery. I have given birth to all 5 of ours at home with a midwife, and I’m so thankful to have that experience. I also just love knowing I can call my midwife when I have other needs.
Your blog looks great! I’m a friend of Emily’s, and I found you through her. π
A Mama's Story says
Thanks for visiting, Joy! If you can think of any good questions that you find other women may find interesting, please send them on to me. π
hannahw says
Oh wow! After a rather traumatic hospital birth with Bunny, I am now working with a lovely midwife and planning for our 1st homebirth!
https://likemamalikedaughter.blogspot.com/
A Mama's Story says
Hannah, thanks for sharing. π My first birth was also quite traumatic for me and made me do some research to learn my choices. π
Melly Lane Rohrbach says
My first baby was born via c/s @ 38.5 wks (prolonged rupture membranes, lack of progression) In july 2007.
My second child was born via repeat c/s @ 39 wks in Oct 2010, granted it was a repeat, he weighed 9.11 with the cord around his neck 3-4 times. He possibly would have been difficult to vbac. But at the time vbac’s were a no-no at my hospital.
I am due May 24th, schedule once more for a c/s. Doctors will not allow me to vbac (even though they are okay for one prior c/s) because I’ve had two prior c/s’s and the spacing is close with these babies.
So my question is, would a midwife see me as a patient for a homebirth?
And since I have a history of large babies, would the success of the homebirth be minimized because of that?
At what point is a woman too far along in pregnancy to be considered for a homebirth? For example, many doctors will not take on a new patient, say after 36 weeks.
Is it possible to not commit to any one particular birthing method, and rather make a game-day decision based off the information available at “go time”?
A Mama's Story says
Awesome questions, Melly. π Thanks for sharing. π
Anonymous says
Im from Ontario, and am blessed that here Midwives are fully legal and covered just the same as OB’s would be. Though we were seen for care through our first pregnancy we were forced to have a C-section due to breach presentation, and estimated size above the guide lines for attempting a vag breach birth. Our second, born just 13 months post section was delivered VBAC. Our Midwives fully supported us, but the regulations set out by the Hospital required that an OB take over my care if I chose delivery over surgery… we knew with the local OB’s we wouldn’t get our VBAC so while in labor we drove to a different hospital and welcomed our son naturally. Its so sad that women in general have come to think of pregnancy as a sickness the doctor must ‘deliver’ us from. God designed us to cary children and birth our own babies. Midwives seem to understand that.
Thank you for opening a forum where women can ask their questions, and hopefully realize its not the fringe element that’s seeing a midwife, its the women who don’t know better that see OBs.
Kasey @ TFOMplus2 says
Looking forward to this! I love the idea of a homebirth, but I’ve always been concerned about the “what if’s”. Very interested to read in on this Q & A!!
A Mama's Story says
Be sure to check in next Monday, Kasey!! I’m excited, myself!!! π