I am trying to decide weather to get a midwife or not. Are there big fee differnces? Is it worth it?
2006-09-07 08:44:06 · 16 answers · asked by Tomato Soup 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
It is a matter of personal preference and philosophy.
Do you prefer to view birth as a natural process, or a medical condition?
Are you hoping for a natural birth and wanting to be supported in that goal?
Do you want to be cared for in a way that addresses you as a whole person, not just a "uterus with legs?"
Then *in general* you are more likely to be satisfied with midwifery style care than medicalized interventionist style care. There are overly medical midwives, and very natural-minded doctors, I am speaking in generalities here.
Every study that has ever been conducted about birth has shown that midwives have better outcomes overall, not only in the health and safety of the mother and baby, but in the emotional satisfaction of the parents with the experience as well! Having your baby with a midwife lowers your risk of c-section, episiotomy or vaginal tearing, distress in the baby...
I have used doctors for 3 pregnancies, as well as midwives, and I found midwifery care was much better overall. I felt like the midwives listened to me better, and were more caring.
These pages have a LOT of info, but they are worth the time to educate yourself about your options!
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/bestcare.html
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/bmj2005HBSafety.html
http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/homsafty.html
I also recommend reading the book "Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer. This should be a must-read for EVERY pregnant mother!
http://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Womans-Guide-Better-Birth/dp/0399525173/sr=8-1/qid=1157659613/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-6277571-8900137?ie=UTF8&s=books
2006-09-07 09:07:23 · answer #1 · answered by Kathryn A 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
A midwife's care is WONDERFUL! They are typically much more personal than a doctor and spend much more time with you in all phases of care. A typical appointment with an OB is 15 mins or less. A typical appointment with a midwife lasts 30 mins or MORE! (I had a couple that were over an hour with each PG!) The midwives really get to know you, learn what you want and help make sure you are preparing yourself to make educated decisions. You will feel less like a number with a midwife. A midwife will stay with you through your labor instead of just showing up to catch. A midwife may even make a home visit after the baby is born for your postpartum care.
2006-09-07 08:55:03 · answer #2 · answered by momma2mingbu 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do you "homework". Many insurances cover for midwives. You also need to decided if you want an assited homebirth with a midwife or have the midwife meet you at the hospital (although some midwives only do hospital births)
Also what kind of pregnancy history do you have? Is this your first or have you had kids before? Some midwives won't do VBACs and/or dangerous pregnancies because of the expense of the malpractice insurance. Many midwives have an OB backup in case of complications.
I found it was really worth having a midwife. I was able to get the minute to minute attention "I" needed /craved durning labor that the L&D nurses can't give you (although they do take good care of you, they won't stay in your room for hours on end).
You could also look up a doula, which is simular to a midwife.
2006-09-07 09:16:02 · answer #3 · answered by myshira 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I had both and I liked my midwife better.
My first child was born at a Kaiser and I didn't even know who walked into my room to deliver her. He walked in, walked out, walked in, walked out until my daughter was practically on the table and then told me I needed an episiotomy and gave me one and I tore even further and needed 40 stitches. He sewed me up and I never saw him again.
My midwife was very proactive in my pregnancy and labor. She was strict about me keeping a food diary and not eating processed foods. We discussed the birth many times and when I thought my water broke and accidentally missed my appointment (preggie brain!) she drove to my house to make sure I was okay! I was embarrassed but so thankful that she cared so much. She took great care to make sure I had minimal tearing and my recovery was so easy. I went home 3 hours later. She was less expensive than a doctor but I had my son at a birth center with no option for pain relief.
This time around I am chosing a doctor who is not Kaiser (I have different insurance) and I really like her. I think she is a well educated and caring woman. There are no midwives that deliver at my hospital or I would probably opt for the midwife.
The biggest difference between the doctor and the midwife is that midwives are usually into more natural methods and doctors think medically most of the time. It really depends on which suits you better. Good luck with your choice.
2006-09-07 09:23:38 · answer #4 · answered by wendysorangeblossoms 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Depending on where you are located, you can request a Midwife and have the birth in the hospital. That way if something happens, you and your baby can be treated ASAP.
I personally, would prefer a Midwife, because it's more one-on-one. Whereas with a doctor, there is more than one patient, and basically that is all you are to them - a patient.
It would be better for you to do your research so that you can figure out who you are comfortable with (doctor or midwife) and where you choose/want to have your baby.
And as for the fees, I think you are better insured if you are in the hospital, that way both you and the person helping you have your baby are covered I.C.E.
But, don't quote me on that! That's just what I think happens.
2006-09-07 08:55:28 · answer #5 · answered by tai_aka_tamariana 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to a doctor that has a midwife on staff...that's what I did...so my insurance says that I am a patient of the doctor...but I've seen him once through my whole pregnancy...I only see the midwife and she'll be delivering the baby. The doctor will be on call incase of an emergency. That way ...you have the best of both worlds.
2006-09-07 08:52:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Insurance can cover midwives, it depends on your policy. Check with your insurance representative.
Doctors believe that childbirth is complicated by definition, and tend to push hospital/medical interventions. Doctors will NOT be present at home births.
Midwives believe that a woman's body knows what it is supposed to do, and will naturally DO what it needs to in order to give birth. They will assist at hospital and home births.
If you'd prefer a medication free, uncomplicated, intervention free birth, go for a midwife. Check the midwife out, be sure she/he is certified (rules vary state by state). DEFINITELY avoid what is known as a "lay midwife" because they aren't licensed and can be prevented from hospital deliveries.
Of course, a good midwife will have a backup physician in case of problems (breech presentation, placenta previa, high risk mother, etc.).
2006-09-07 08:50:04 · answer #7 · answered by daydreamr68 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I had a mid wife and they are more in tune to pregnancy b/c most of the time they are woman and have kids themselves so they know what's going on.. Also they deliver your baby unless you have a c-section then the doctor who's on call delivers.. They also stay in the your hospital room while your in labor as opposed to the doc or nurse going in or out... My insurance covered it.. I was not aware there was a extra fee and I got a midwife b/c my primary doctor referred her and my doc did not deliver babies. I had drugs when I wanted and there were no restrictions on what I could do.. To me there was no difference
2006-09-07 08:48:35 · answer #8 · answered by menyon2 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Midwives are about half the cost of doctors and better for low-risk women. I had an OB for my first pregnancy and only saw him for about a half hour during labor and delivery. He earned about $7000 for that half hour too. I should not have had an OB because I was low risk and he didn't have time to spend with low risk women.
I saw a midwife for my second pregnancy and she was right there with me from the time I arrived in labor until after the delivery. She made about $3000 for the delivery and provided a much higher quality of care.
OBs are good at managing high risk pregnancies and midwives are good at providing expectant management of low risk pregnancies.
2006-09-07 08:59:45 · answer #9 · answered by Jenavive 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
A doctor typically is more methodical, focus on science and technology.
A midwife is more in tune to the feelings and needs of the patient.
Cost difference will depend on your insurance.
2006-09-07 08:49:03 · answer #10 · answered by mom_of_ndm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋