3 Ways Midwives Can Help You Through Pregnancy And Delivery
Posted on: 3 October 2014
Decisions involved with pregnancy can be overwhelming. In addition to finding new clothes that work with your ever-changing body and decorating your nursery, you also have to choose a medical provider. Here are three ways that midwives can help you through your pregnancy and delivery, and why they might be the right choice for you.
1: Midwives Have Time to Talk
When it comes right down to it, pregnancy can be scary. Women frequently encounter new or unusual symptoms, struggle with managing their everyday lives, and worry about how the delivery will go.
Unfortunately, if you have lots of questions about your pregnancy, you might be frustrated when your obstetrician cuts your appointment short to attend to another delivery, or answers all of your questions with a simple "Yep! That's normal." Although a brief approach might be fine for second-time moms or people with a busy schedule, if you need to talk, using a midwife might be a better alternative.
When you work with a midwife, you can expect to enjoy an average of about 30-60 minutes of attentive, customized care each time you have an appointment. To put that timeframe into perspective, most family doctors spend between 10-15 minutes with their patients, and your OBGYN visits might be even shorter. If you want to sit down with a professional and discuss your concerns, midwives are your best bet.
2. Midwives Customize Your Care
Oftentimes, traditional doctors can have a one-size-fits-all approach to maternity care. Because doctors generally have less time with each patient, they might give out quick prescriptions for anti-nausea medications or issue you a pamphlet for what to expect in the coming month. Unfortunately, because every pregnancy is a little different, what works for another person might not be the right solution for your needs.
One thing that midwives want you to understand is that your pregnancy is unique, and it needs to be treated that way. Because different women have different beliefs, medical conditions, and preferences, your care needs to be customized for your case. Fortunately, because midwives have the time to sit down with you and discuss your situation, they can tailor their treatment to match your birth plan.
For example, if you prefer natural methods to handle nausea, your midwife might be able to recommend meditation techniques to help you to cope, instead of writing you a quick prescription. If you love the water and want to deliver your baby in the comfort of a warm tub, your midwife might be able to track down a hospital with water birth rooms.
When it comes to your pregnancy and delivery, you should be able to get what you want. A midwife who is willing to listen to your needs can help to make your pregnancy and the birth of your child the experience that you have always dreamed of.
3: Midwives Can Treat Your Pain
Because most people assume that midwives encourage natural births, they frequently decide to use an OBGYN so that they don't have to deal with a grueling delivery. Contrary to popular belief, your midwife won't deny you the comforts of modern medicine.
Long before you give birth, your midwife will talk with you about your pain relief options. In addition to offering you information about natural pain relief methods such as breathing techniques and massage, your midwife might also talk with you about medications that can help you through delivery.
Believe it or not, you can still decide to get an epidural or enjoy the benefits of pain medications like Pethidine, even if you decide to work with a midwife. Because most midwife-assisted births are performed in hospitals, you will even have the opportunity to receive these treatments from a trained anesthesiologist. The only difference to working with a midwife is that they will take the time to listen to your needs, explain details, and help you to make the decision that works best for you.
By working with a midwife from places like Women's Healthcare Associates LLC, you can enjoy an excellent level of care without compromising your preferences.
Share