Can a midwife give an epidural, or is the midwife just for natural births?

Question

Someone told me that midwives could give an epidural but I didn't believe her. What is the truth about this?

Answer 1

No. If you're seeing a doctor, like an OB/GYN, they won't give you an epidural either. They call in an anesthesiologist to give an epidural.

Also, your midwife will still be present if you choose to do an epidural. Midwives are for women who are pregnant with no complications, having a vaginal delivery, and make it at least to their 37th week. The only time you need an actual doctor if you're pregnant is if you're having a c-section, or if there's some type of complication with the baby, I.E. the baby's breach, the placenta is blocking the birth canal, things like that. Otherwise, midwives are great! I had two different ones I saw during my pregnancy, and I loved them. I prefer them over doctors. They're more personal, and know just as much as a doctor does about pregnancy and giving birth. (plus they're with you the whole time you're in labor, they don't just show up to catch the baby :o) That's a bonus in my opinion.

Also, don't believe what everyone else is saying about midwives. They let you choose how you want your labor. They do not, in any way, push natural labor (meaning without drugs) onto their patients. These people need to do a little more research.

Answer 2

Midwives and OB's do not give epidurals. An anesthesiologist would give you an epidural if you want one.

Most midwives will encourage you to have a natural birth and remain active during labor. BUT she would also understand that it is YOUR choice and you have to make the decision about your pain threshhold and when/if you need some pain relief. You CAN have a hospital birth with a midwife and get an anesthesiologist to give you an epidural.

Answer 3

Nope..they cannot give epidurals..even your OB can't do it. Can only be performed by a anestheologist and someone else (can't remember how to spell/pronounce.)

Midwives are mostly for natural births but I had one prior to my last C-section. Basically just there for moral support and reassurance. I was in labor but my fluid was almost non existant so I wasn't allowed to deliver naturally. She helped through everything until my Fiance arrived and was there afterward to help me with the baby a little. They are really wonderful and the list of things they do is endless.

Answer 4

no a mid wife can't give an epidural....they can deliver a baby after you get an epidural from an anestesiologist at the hospital....midwives also will go to your house to help you during labor if you want to have an at home natural birth.

Answer 5

Nurse midwives deliver O'Natural. Usually.
Nurse anesthetists May insert epidurals. Nowhere does it say it must be an MD or DO.

Midwives and nurse anesthetists both hold masters degrees.


I have also seen nurse midwives in the hopital setting.

Answer 6

a midwife cannot give u an epidural...thats playin with the spine and im sure uwould want the right professional to do that, let the midwife deliver the child

Answer 7

An anesthesiologist can give you an epidural, but the midwife can still deliver your baby. Not even your ob/gyn could give you an epidural.

Answer 8

No mid-wives cannot give epidurals. This can only be done by a trained anestheologist and they will only do this in a hospital setting so that if something goes wrong they have everything at their fingertips to help you.

Answer 9

I beleive the epidural is acctually only given by the anethietist....im a nurse i have never been authorised at any time during a labour procedure to do so.

Answer 10

Midwives are for natural births only