Is a Midwife an MD or just a step above a nurse? I'm a little confussed. I went to the doctor for my first apt and I didn't even see the OB, I was seen by a midwife. Don't get me wrong she was extremely helpful and very nice, probably one of the best doc's visits I've ever had, but I just don't know the difference and if I should have even been seen by the OB or not.
2007-04-27 05:12:07 · 14 answers · asked by AshReneeM 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
An obstetrician is a medical doctor - a midwife is not an MD.
Happy pregging! :-)
2007-04-27 05:15:20 · answer #1 · answered by love2travel 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A midwife is not a MD. You will probley not be seen by the ob this soon. I am 21 weeks and my last Dr visit was the only time I seen the OB. A midwife is just as good as a Dr at delivering baby's. The midwivs have enough training to tell if/when you need a OB. A midwife delivered my first and did an excellent job.
2007-04-27 05:22:29 · answer #2 · answered by lem 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An OB/Gyn is a medical doctor that specializes in the female reproductive system and the gestation of pregnancy. They also can specialize c-section and natural delivery. A midwife is broken up into two groups. A lay midwife is a woman that is trained to deliver children in the home but is not a trained RN and a Nurse Midwife is a highly trained nurse that delivers babies in both your home and the hospital. They went to school, are trained extensively in resusitaion for both mother and child and are also allowed the use of SOME intravenous drugs and fluids (mostly to control hemorrage).
My husband and i are planning on a home water birth for this baby. Our midwife works in conjunction with a couple of the delivery doctors here where i live. And no it makes no difference whether you see an OB/Gyn as long as your having an uncomplicated pregnancy. Congrats and have a good one!!
2007-04-27 05:26:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, a midwife is not a MD. A midwife is an advanced trained Registered Nurse. Most have their Masters Degree in Nursing and have undergone a nurse midwife program in midwifery school.
They take care of low-risk obstetric and gyno pts. They can prescribe drugs...they cannot do surgery or some complicated procedures...their scope of practice is limited. Although I do know some midwifes that are certified surgical assistants as well...and if their pt. goes to c-section, they can assist the MD.
They are wonderful!
Though I respectfully disagree with the opinion of the other L&D RN, with the term of "most" are hoping to go to midwifery school. I personally never wanted to do that. I've delivered a lot of babies in my career, don't get me wrong...but I never ever had the desire to become a midwife. I LOVE being a Labor and Delivery nurse, and that's where I want to stay!
2007-04-27 16:45:41 · answer #4 · answered by dmmls 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A midwife is a health-care practitioner who may or may not be an accredited nurse. Midwives can be involved in pre-natal care, can participate in the birthing process and can provide care to both the mother and child after delivery. The laws regarding midwivery can vary by country and state/province. Proof of accreditation, insurance and complaints should not be neglected when choosing any health care professional since clearly you have the time to do so before the event.
An OB or obstetrician is a medical doctor specialized in the care of a woman and her child during pregnancy, childbirth and shortly after the birthing. The obstetrician is also the surgical specialist concerning any complications such as illnesses related to childbearing, breech births etc...Most are also gynaecologists.
2007-04-27 05:39:30 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A midwife is a nurse not a doctor. They often give home health care as well. I have found them to be less expensive and provide the same level of care. They have similar knowledge and in many cases are more personable then doctors. An OB is someone who has gone to school a bit longer and became a doctor, but not necessarly more educated or knowledgable. I think they both have enough knowledge to get the job done. You are in good hands.
2007-04-27 05:19:44 · answer #6 · answered by pegasis 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As a general rule, midwife is trained to treat low-risk pregnancies- and to treat pregnancy as a normal stage of life and not an illness.
An obstestrician specializes in medical and surgical care for women during pregnancy and postpartum.
I've been under the care of several different OBs and a homebirth midwife and the care is like night and day. My midwife inspired me so much that I am an aspiring midwife now. :o)
2007-04-27 08:46:59 · answer #7 · answered by busybusymomma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A midwife is a great and cheaper alternative to a doc and one I would recommend however I highly support hospital births whichever you choose. I had a completely normal pregnancy but when it came time to deliver he had the cord wrapped around his neck, By the time he came out he was rushed to the NICU, I am thankful that I was at the hospital, If I had been at home it could have turned tragic. I say choose a midwife if you want but be in a hospital because you would never forgive yourself if something unexpected happened and you weren't where you could get the best emergency care.
2007-04-27 05:29:23 · answer #8 · answered by michelle R 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can chose to use either or, a midwife is trained to deliver babies but has not gone to medical school such as an obgyn. Most midwifes work in a clinic and supprt natural childbirth. An obgyn works in a hospital and can deal with any delivery method imaginable.
2007-04-27 05:16:53 · answer #9 · answered by QueenOfNoise 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The OB is the one who is the MD. The midwife is trained to assist in birh and thereafter, and most are promoting home births and / or natural birth. If she thinks you need to see the OB she will refer you to one. You are in good hands, don't worry.
2007-04-27 05:15:34 · answer #10 · answered by stella b 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just about every pregnant woman sees a mid wife when they go to their OB though a mid wfe is usually someone who delivers a baby at a birthing center or at home... they are used in dr offices i think because they are so helpful.. i had a mid wife when i was pregnant and she was awesome... i also saw the Ob but i saw the mid wfe as well it was a great experience for me. mid wives have alot of experience with pregnant women and delivering babies.
2007-04-27 05:21:21 · answer #11 · answered by jersey_girl130 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋