First of all, congratulations on your good news!
I would highly recommend a midwife if you have a low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancy.
Despite what another poster said, they are not "wannabe doctors." A Certified Nurse Midwife knows her speciality very well and also knows her limits. If there are ever any problems or "red lights" she will promptly refer you to a doctor or a hospital.
Most midwives have their practice located very close to a hospital (or even within a hospital) in case an emergency need arises. And they will not wait until the last minute to get you the care you need but transfer you as soon as the need becomes evident.
Statistically, midwives have an excellent record of prenatal care and healthy deliveries. They have a super low casaerean rate, which is great for mothers and babies. They have a really low episiotomy rate and their deliveries are less likely to have complications and interventions.
The prental and birth experience is very personalized and relaxed with a midwife. She treats pregnancy as a normal event in a woman's life. The expectant mother is not a "patient." Her birth plans and hopes are accomodated as much as possible.
I've had a midwife with my last two pregnancies and couldn't be more pleased. And these were both VBAC's (vaginal birth after casarean) with no medication and complications.
Oh yeah....one more thing. A midwife costs a LOT less money!
All the best to you, whatever you choose.
2007-11-15 04:11:54
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answer #1
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answered by Veritas 7
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It is really a personal choice for you and your partner. I am a midwife in Australia and the information from the other Australian is correct. You can see a midwife throughout your pregnancy and if there are any complications you are referred to a obstetrician at the hospital. It is true you have a more personal experience with a midwife because you will probably see the same one each visit and it is a more friendly atmosphere. You are able to ask any questions and get answers, so you and your partner are able to make informed choices on everything to do with your pregnancy and birthing experience. They also know when and where to refer you for tests and ultrasounds etc. If there are any problems during labour also, there is always a doctor available. Midwives can also organise pain relief, epidurals etc. and are really helpful getting you into comfortable postitions during labour and birth. Congratulations and best of luck with your pregnancy and delivery.
2007-11-15 06:24:58
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answer #2
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answered by Jasper 4
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congratulations! I don't know what the system is where you are, but having a midwife here in Australia means you still can go to the hospital and have drugs etc if you want them. Plus there are doctors in the hospital on hand if anything should get complicated. I went through a team of midwives and it was great. I went to the clinic during my pregnancy and they kept an eye on my progress. I also had ultrasounds which involved a consultation with a doctor. Towards the end of my pregnancy, they discovered the baby was breech, she did not turn so i had a caesarean which was done by doctors in the operating theatre. The good thing was that one of the midwives I had seen during my pregnancy came along to the theatre with me and held my hand and talked me through it all etc. It was invaluable support having someone there for me like that (aside from my husband who was also great!!!) Anyway, my experience was that I had the care of both doctors and midwives, which worked really well for me. I don't have the experience of seeing an ob/gyn, but I often wonder what would happen if they weren't available when i was having my baby etc.
2007-11-15 06:04:46
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answer #3
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answered by uenuku 5
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My Sister & cousin & friend ALL had the Same MIDWIFE and there babys came out fine... Happy and healthy.
At the moment I don't know if A ob/gyn would be better. I have had 4 midwife appointments and at all four of them I have had a different midwife... My set midwife wasn't there for my first two appointments and she was sick for my last one, so I am starting to get annoyed with them...
But the midwifes have been happy and helpful. and careing.
2007-11-15 06:47:45
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answer #4
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answered by LeoJames8-1-08 3
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First off, CONGRATS!!! I went to an office that had OBs and midwives. I loved the personal interaction with the midwives, but they were always able to confere with a doctor if they had questions (just as a doctor would do!). I had my favorite midwife at my delivery, and it was so relaxing. If anything did come up, you are at a hospital and they can call in a doctor if they have to do a c-section or if there are complications. Good luck and enjoy every minute!!!
2007-11-15 08:16:23
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answer #5
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answered by pjandkate 3
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With my first pregnancy I just had a midwife. I went into labor early. It turns out I was in a high risk pregnancy. They didn't realize it because it was suspected that I had endomitriosis. It had never been confirmed. I was hospitalized and treated by doctors. This time though. They know I am in a high risk pregnancy and I see an OB. He is so awesome. To my surprise he asked if I would also see his midwife. I gladly said yes. She is very understanding and very supportive. I just love the combination. Congrats!
2007-11-15 06:24:09
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answer #6
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answered by In love with 5
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Well when I was pregnant I was set up to see an OB/GYN; however, he had a CNM working under him and she is who always saw me. I absolutely LOVED her. She was great and I even had her deliver my boy. Try to see if you can find a doctor who has a certified nurses midwife working under him and then you get the best of both worlds. They are both equipped immensley. Midwives (well, Certified Nurses Midwives) have to go to school to become an RN and then they have to go to a graduate school to become a CMN. They have plenty of knowledge and experience. Good luck.
2007-11-15 08:32:04
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answer #7
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answered by mom_of_two 3
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in my opion i think midwives or great they are much more understanding and patient with you and don't jump to risky medical procedures right away, you should look into a hospital that have midwives like kaiser they have them and they work right under doctors so if it all goes smoothly than you'll have the benefits of a midwife and if not you'l be secure in knowing there's a doctor right there to help
2007-11-15 06:01:42
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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My experience with midwife during prenatal checkups was almost good, she seems so experienced, and she was firm and gentle at the same time.
2007-11-15 08:30:33
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answer #9
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answered by Paul Banas 4
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For an uncomplicated pregnancy there is nothing wrong with having a mid-wife. Take my advice though, especially because it is early in the pregnancy, don't plan too much. Let nature take it's course. If you plan too much - wanting a natural birth, not use drugs, blah blah blah.... you may be let down in the end.
2007-11-15 05:59:05
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answer #10
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answered by Lynn 4
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