I am going for my first appt of my second pregnancy on monday with a midwife. I had my confirmation (as a formality) on this past monday. They wanted me in to see someone asap because I am so far along (13 and a half wks) and haven't seen anyone. I do have an appt for feb 23rd with a reg OB but since I am self pay I am wondering if it's more afforable with a midwife and are they just as good as a doctor,how do they work ?
2007-02-07 03:32:47 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I loved my midwife! It's like having a friend go through things with you and they make everything so much less clinical. They are fully trained and always have a Dr. back up just in case. A midwife generally offers a softer kinder approach to childbirth and pregnancy.
FYI, most midwives are fine with the use of pain meds during labor.
The poster above is wrong though, you get all the same tests.
2007-02-07 03:47:06 · answer #1 · answered by KathyS 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Hi, you have a lot of good answers. I do think having a midwife is cheaper, but check it out in your area. My first baby was a normal delivery, no pain meds and same with my second. However, you can't really predect what is going to happen at your delivery. If you do choose a midwife then please make sure there is an emergency plan so if something does happen and you need an emergency room there is one nearby. My third baby was born at a birth center about a block away from a hospital and there were no complications so everything worked out fine. One advantage to being at the birth center with a midwife was that I was able to deliver in any position - I delivered on my hands and knees and that was fine with them! However, at that birth center I was not allowed to stay overnight which I believe is very important for our own recovery and bonding time with the baby. I was half stumbling walking out of there two hours after having the baby. Another thing to consider is that midwifes may have a more homeopathic approach so if you prefer a normal medical approach then that might be different for you. This time I am going to a doctor because I want to stay overnight in the hospital for a couple nights! But, to answer your question, midwifes are less expensive and very smart.
2007-02-07 04:09:54 · answer #2 · answered by Angela 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A midwife is great if you are looking for a more natural approach to childbirth, if you had relatively little trouble with your first and/or opted for a drug free delivery then a midwife may be the way to go. They are just as qualified as MD's for regular delivery's and can give it less of a "medical" feel . It probably would be more affordable because of all the tests you would be avoiding. Are you planning on doing a home birth? that will obviously save you even more money , i am sure the midwife will discuss all of these options with you, i think you are wise to keep the appointment with the OB as well but i think you will know once you meet the midwife if she is on the same page as you as far as your expectations of this pregnancy and delivery.
I have been going to a regular OB but have recently heard about an Osteopathic obstetrician that i am interested in trying out , also just to see the difference in the MD model. i dont think she will be lower in cost but they definitely have a different approach to pregnancy.
good luck and congratulations
2007-02-07 03:43:26 · answer #3 · answered by theburlaces 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
They are just as good as long as there are no complications. Mid-wives will always make sure a regular OB is on call in case something doesn't go as planned. Midwives don't perform surgeries. The price is about the same. I had one delivery with an OB and two with a midwife. I prefer the midwife to a doctor any day. If you don't have insurance you seriously need to check with social services in your area to find out if you can get some. Having a baby can cost around $10,000 for delivery and hospital stays on top of all the tests and visits to the office. Good luck and congratulations!
2007-02-07 03:40:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Mid wives and doctors have somewhat different roles in pregnancy and childbirth. I've seen midwives described as "experts in normal birth". This means both that a high risk or potentially abnormal pregnancy may need more than a midwife can provide, and that their philosophy tends to be one veiwing pregnacy and borth as normal events they are asisting you with, rather than an illness or medical event to be managed.
In m expereince, a midwife will tell you if and when you need a doctor, while a doctor will almost never tell you that you would be fine with a midwife. So I would start with the midwife and see where your pregnancy takes you from there.
2007-02-07 03:40:46 · answer #5 · answered by Kahuna Burger 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
You have a bunch of good answers already.
Just wanted to add yet another "Yes, go with the midwife," and that some of these things vary depending on your location.
In my province, they're licensed, and covered by insurance. That means: better hospital privileges, the ability to prescribe pain medication, and a few other good things. Depending on whether or not they're well-recognised in your area, some things, like access to medication, might be different.
2007-02-07 04:16:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
midwives are wonderful. I had a ob doc with my first pregnancy and hated it. My second pregnancy i had a midwife and was so happy. They are alot more into your pregnancy then a doc would be. And having them deliver you instead of a doc is alot better too.. if i could have a midwife here i would.... i miss having a midwife... i would definitely go with the midwife.. goodluck and congrats
2007-02-07 03:37:35 · answer #7 · answered by sleepyincarolina 4 · 7⤊ 1⤋
midwifes are wonderful. my mom had all three of her children at home with a midwife. she loved it. much cheaper than an ob/gyn and the midwife will do what you want done!
2007-02-07 04:09:37 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
My personal experience would make me more inclined to see the midwife. These people see more pregnant women and the associated problems than doctors. Their knowledge on pregnancy is more in depth. Hope this helps and congratulations... :>)
2007-02-07 03:38:03 · answer #9 · answered by big leggy 2 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Did you ever think of applying for medical assistance or government sponsored aid since you already have a child? I honestly cannot state that a midwife is anywhere near as good as a gynecologist if only based on their medical backgrounds. There are always ways in your life you can cut back on finances- like generic cereals, less expensive meats, cut out cable--- but the doctor that is going to deliver your baby, which by the way, you KNOW of all the complications that can come about at the very moment of delivery which at that moment you have no choice but to use whoever is there as the person to make the judgement calls regarding your life and the life of your child---do you really want the generic brand? or do you want the good housekeeping seal of approval for this blessed event and do you want to deliver in your bed at home or in a sterile hospital environment 5 sec away from the OR if you need a C section or if anything else goes wrong?.....Seriously think about this--- and while you're wating for 2/23 to come around, call social services and see if you qualify for medicaid and do you and your baby and your other child-- because if something happens to you during this delivery, who will care for your first born?
2007-02-07 03:39:54 · answer #10 · answered by mac 6 · 2⤊ 6⤋