***The Official Midwives Thread***

So, not sure how many of us there are, but I know of 2 people so far that are using a midwife! I myself, am in the process of finding one and deciding from there if this is the route i plan to take.

Hoping to swap info, discuss etc.

Anyone else using a midwife?
If so, why did you choose a midwife over a doctor?

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

I used a midwife for my DD and LOVED it. I had to make a tough decision this time around as the midwives I used don't do deliveries anymore, just prenatal care (a bunch of BS and politics).
I could have switched practices but I have grown very attached to my midwife so I decided to use her for my prenatal care and the doctor will do the delivery. As far as doctor's go he's not your typical doctor and while it's not ideal I feel comfortable with him doing my delivery especially since I use a doula as well and I know he'll just come in at the end.
I had all natural with DD and plan the same this time around and I know I will be supported in that decision.

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

I am

I am not in NY state. I am using a midwife in a stand alone birthing center (It's across the street from the hospital)

I'm going to my Meet and Greet next Thursday I can't wait!

I can recomend 2 EXCELLENT books for information on natural childbirth and what midwives do. THere are a lot of natural birth stories that are very inspiring and there is A LOT of information on the different tests that happen throughout the pregnancy and it also talks about the process of labor and birth itself. THe books are both by Ina May Gaskin who is thought to be the "mother" of midwifery.

The books are:
Spiritual Midwifery and
Ina May's guide to childbirth

They are EXCELLENT BOOKS!!!

ANyone have any other favorites? Or reccomendations?

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

yeah, i must say that everyone that used a midwife has nothing negative to say about it!
everyone loves it!

My reasons for thinking about switching to a midwife:

i want someone to hold my hand and walk me through this process. i feel like my doctor( not necessarily all doctors) treats this like a routine

I want someone that will do everything well thought out in a timely manner and not just jump to up the dosage of this, or stick me with that ...

I want someone that knows that laboring and delivering a baby is not an easy process and will give me tools and tips to make me comfortable all along.

I really like the idea of laboring in water. i love swimming or anything to do with water, so i would imagine it would help me feel more comfortable.

from what i hear ,the episiotmy rate is much lower with a midwife!

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

Good questions to ask when you are interviewing a midwife or even an OB/GYN!

THings you want to ask

HOw many women do you care for at once?
What prenatal tests are done routinely?
What procedures do you do routinely for women who are in labor?
May I eat and drink during labor?
Can I have intermitent monitoring rather than Continuous external fetal monitoring?
What methods do you suggest to alleviate labor pains?
Are their tubs or whoers that I can use at teh hospital?
WHat kind of post partum care can you give?
How soon after the birth can I go home?
What is your episiotomy rate?
What happens in an emergency and need for c-section? WIll you be able to continue with my care?
What is your c-section rate?
Do I have to have an IV?

Can I deliver in teh position most comfortable to me or do I have to be on my back in stirrups?

How ofter do you use pitocin?
How long with you let my pregnancy go before you suggest induction? 41 weeks? 42 weeks?

Do you use any other type of medication/narcotics for pain relief?

Will you honor a birthing plan?


These are a few so far that are good not just for a midwife but also OB/GYN

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

I actually was considering going to midwifery school a few years ago but decided against it becasue teh crazy hours are hard when starting a family.

My main reasons for going with a midwife in a stand alone birthing center ( The center is accross the street from the hospital) was that I wanted to experience labor and delivery as naturally as possible and be surrounded by people that were going to support me in this. I want to labor without an IV, I want to eat and drink what ever I want. I do not want continuous fetal monitoring. I want to deliver in what ever position is comfortable for me whether it is squatting, on my hands and knees or in a tub. I wanted the availability of a tub for laboring purposes. I wanted someone that supposted me in having natural childbirth and therefore would have a lot of techniques to help me get through each set of contractions.

I did not feel comfortable delivering at home in case of an emergency but I personally did not want to be exposed to unecessary germs or have my child exposed as you do in the hospital. THe birthing center does not allow anyone in it if they have a cold or are sick.

THere is NO medication at the birthing center, no epidurals, no demerol or stadol. I wanted to be in a place where I wasn't tempted or would have nurses that would suggest medication but instead encouraged me to chenge position or use a birthign ball to get through a contraction.

THe midwives we are using will allow DH to get "hands on" in the delivery of our child as long as the delivery is progressing normally and he wants to, which he does.

Also you go home 4-12 hours after birth adn the midwives visit you at your home 24 and 48 hours after the birth for your post partum visits.

I know its not for everyone but I am very passionate that women be fully informed about labor and delivery and making a decision that they are comfortable with, whether a midwife, or OBGYN.

I know most women would think the opposite but I am LOOKING FORWARD to my labor and birth! I'm so excited to go through it and experience it!

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

all great reasons!!
i def. like the idea of sitting in whatever position is comfortable for me!

glad to see you are looking forward to the labor and delivery! very admirable!
i think i am on my way there too but mostly scared out of my mind.. i just dont want any slicing or dicing done down there...

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

Have you guys seen House of Babies on the Discovery Health Channel? It follows the midwives at Miami Midwifery Center -- it's so great. Check it out.

I used a midwife with DS -- one of the best decisions I have ever made. I had a wonderful experience.

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

I'm not pg anymore but I had my last 2 with a midwife. I had a homebirth with my DS Ryan (link is in my profile).

I always felt like I got more attention with a midwife. The whole labor and delivery was so much more relaxed too.

I'd definitely recommend reading Ina May's Guide to Chilbirth, and Birthing From Within. I didn't like Birthing From Within at first, but many of the coping techniques helped me during labor. And in Ina May's book when she said doing horse lips helped, it definitely helped me 100%!

One thing I'd suggest to Moms trying to go naturall is sleep in between contractions if you feel the need! I slept during transition and it was the best, deepest sleep I've ever had. It helped me have the energy to push. I also ate during labor and it help me keep my energy level.

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

BUMP

for ready2go

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***

HI i used the midwives for my DS and now again ....I did get an epiduarl with DS.... and wasnt in sterups the midwife and my DH held my legs back (sorry if that was TMI) they were very nice and did a great job I felt very comfortable :) and so am using them agian they are a lot more personal then docs in my opinion.

Re: ***The Official Midwives Thread***