2007-02-20 18:39:31 · 11 answers · asked by ruke S 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
If it's a normal, healthy pregnancy, having a midwife should greatly decrease your odds of iatrogenic complications.
"definitions for iatrogenic:
1. Resulting from the professional activities of physicians, or, more broadly, from the activities of health professionals. Originally applied to disorders induced in the patient by autosuggestion based on a physician's examination, manner, or discussion, the term is currently applied to any undesirable condition in a patient occurring as the result of treatment by a physician..."
If there are any complications, a consultation with a doctor will take place. Opting for a doctor in case a c-section is necessary is absurd; you'll get a doctor for that anyway.
"Nurse-Midwife Approach Offers Significant Advantages for Women
WASHINGTON, April 18 , 1997 -- A new study from the University of Washington of more than 1,300 low-risk pregnant women, published in the March issue of the American Journal of Public Health, concludes that the patients of certified nurse-midwives are likely to endure fewer obstetrical interventions than patients cared for by obstetrician-gynecologists and family practice physicians.
The patients of nurse-midwives also had cesarean section rates of only 8.8 percent compared to 13.6 percent for obstetricians and 15.1 percent for family physicians."
http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/2432a.htm
Here, at least, they can prescribe medications, suture tears, etc, etc. A licensed midwife can do a lot more than the average "Duh, this ain't the 1800s" yokel thinks.
And, as for continuity of care goes, they can't be beat.
"Also midwives spend more time with patients. We focus on prevention and education. If someone comes to us we'll spend a lot of time focusing on nutrition and what she can do to have an optimal pregnancy outcome."
http://www.vanderbiltnursemidwives.org/faq.htm
Of course, it's not for idiots who like to be bossed around by a doctor. You're often expected to do some thinking about your own care and choices.
Re. "lucky I was in the hospital" -- here, they have hospital privileges; plenty of women deliver in hospitals with midwives in attendance.
Usually throughout the end stages of the labour. Beats, I'd say, having a doctor induce you so he can show up for a scheduled hour and take off.
2007-02-21 00:03:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Midwives are the experts in normal, natural birth. If you are having a normal pregnancy and expecting a normal birth, use a midwife. If you are having a complication, you may need to consult with a doctor or have a full transfer of care. That is how it is in the countries with the lowest infant and maternal mortality rates.
Midwife means "with woman".
Obstetric means "standing by".
2007-02-20 18:53:56 · answer #2 · answered by Ducky's Mom 4 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Definitely doctor. Like they said, this isn't the 1800s. You need what is best for your baby. No matter how experienced a midwife is they still are not a doctor. What happens if there is complications during birth? What if you need a C-section? Are they even qualified to do that? Would you want someone cutting open your stomach at home? I'm guessing probably not.
2007-02-20 18:55:42 · answer #3 · answered by Laura787 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
I had a doctor with both my children..mainly because the insurance wouldn't cover a midwife. Nor would they cover a birth outside the hospital..or other alternatives.
2007-02-20 19:31:53 · answer #4 · answered by Karen 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Doctor: Because a doctor has more experience and can do surgery if needed whereas all a midwife can do is dial 911
2007-02-20 20:17:38 · answer #5 · answered by ஐ♥Julian'sMommy♥ஐ 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Midwife, because you don't get a choice in the UK
2007-02-20 20:05:51 · answer #6 · answered by cigaro19 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I was pregnant at 18, very young, very healthy, perfectly normal pregnancy but once I went into labor there were complications and it was a lucky thing that I was in the hospital.
2007-02-20 20:04:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Doctor. It's exactly the same reason if I asked you horse or car.
Midwives were used when medicine wasn't very advanced. It was very hard to find a doctor and very expensive to use one.
Now that we can afford doctors, we should have them.
In addition, there are many common birth complications unheard of before nowadays, it's safer to have a doctor as they should know what to do.
2007-02-20 18:49:33 · answer #8 · answered by Princess of Egypt 5 · 1⤊ 4⤋
midwife. natural. Comfortable. at ease... all make for an easier labour
2007-02-20 18:46:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
DOCTOR! This is the 21st century!!!!! Not 1844.
2007-02-20 18:42:55 · answer #10 · answered by Tumbling Dice 5 · 3⤊ 4⤋