Once mid-wives were the folks who delivered babies, now it seems to be mostly doctors...?

Question

What do you think drove this trend?
Are we now as a culture leaning more in the other direction?
My 30 yr old friend is pregnant with her first and is having her pre-natal care done by a midwife. Not much dets, she's in SD - I'm in NC.
Was wondering what praise or caution would be given by my fellow YA'ers...
What story might you share, so we all might gain from your experience?

Answer 1

Hello, my friend! :)

The trend seems to be reversing: that is, I know several friends who've been tempted to rely solely on a midwife. Two of them ended up in emergency rooms.

I've had two very different experiences in childbirth. In the first, I basically labored alone, and a midwife would have been perfect. But in the second, my daughter needed everything an advanced surgical team could provide... and even then, we were extraordinarily fortunate.

If there are no complications, a midwife is fine: however, it's hard to know any complications in advance without the help of a fully trained and experienced doctor.

I'd caution any friend choosing a midwife for support in the expectation of a "normal" delivery to seek prenatal care and screenings, etc., from a doctor, too.

Answer 2

You the two are incorrect. Midwifes are actually not docs or nurses. this is yet another profession fullyyt. they're experts in turning in infants. they are able to offer infants with or devoid of the supervision of an obstetricians. this is, many domicile births or birthing facilities have Midwifes to offer the infants. some hospitals have docs (i.e., the Obstetrician) and the midwifes co-supply the little one. Obstetricians additionally supply infants. a minimum of, my little one substitute into introduced by making use of a OB and not a midwife.

Answer 3

There's a LOT of history here... But the bottom line is that it was money that drove the switch from (female) midwives to (male) doctors. That's in the USA, in Europe and the UK midwives were not as persecuted and are still a highly respected profession.

Interestingly enough, in countries with a higher percentage of babies delivered by midwives, the infant mortality rate is LOWER.

Evidence shows that a midwifery model of care (birth as a normal process, not an illness) has consistently better outcomes for both mothers and babies! However the medical profession is resistant to change, and prefers to do things with regard to what is most profitable (surgery and intervention) and what is most likely to sound good to a jury (surgery) rather than based on what has been proven to be in women's best interests

Answer 4

Midwife delivery is good if you have a normal pregnancy. My chiropractor's wife had all three of her children at home with a midwife. Everything went fine for her. My mother had one breach baby and one feet first, so she really needed the help of competent doctors. I too had complications that required C section. Midwife assistance in addition to competent obgyn assistance would be okay. Modern technology such as ultrasound can determine if it is just going to be a normal delivery and if it is, delivering at home could be a viable option.

Answer 5

The trend is cyclical - in the beginning there were only midwives, then Drs decided to control it - then logistics (availabilty) made mdwives of many pioneer women until the Drs took control again, with public interest and demand, midwives became popular again - and so it goes.
Midwives are not illiterate, slovenly women who have nothing else to do with their time - most midwives are educated and have degrees as well as must meet license criteria. They also provide prenatal care, delivery at home, in the hospital or birthing centers, depending on their desires and privileges. Your friend has made this choice, I trust that she is an intellegent adult - try supporting her in her decision.

Answer 6

I had a midwife for my two youngest. I loved her! She took a more natural approach to the pregnancy, and we developed a friendship since she wasn't overwhelmed with so many patients. I'd recommend it, especially if you want more one on one care.

Answer 7

This trend is only prominent in the U.S.

90% of the people in the world were born at home!

Answer 8

My dear friend J,

I'm not a Mom, as you know, but I see our Laney gave you a great and very sensible answer! :)

I wanted to come here to say to your friend and to ALL Moms-to-be...

Take very good care of yourselves, be well and


CONGRATULATIONS!!!! =)


And have a wonderful weekend!!