- monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle;
- providing the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care,
- continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery and postpartum support;
- minimizing technological interventions; and
- identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.
The application of this model has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma and cesarean section.1
After a lengthy interview and regular prental appointments, we are confident in our decision and could not be more pleased with our particular midwife and here are some reasons why :)
1.) No Wait
It is really nice to have a pre-natal appointment at 2:30pm, arrive and 2:25pm and walk right in without waiting in a waiting room. This is especially nice if you have other little ones along with you, are not feeling well, etc.
2.) Full Hour Alloted for Appointment
There is no waiting an hour for a 15 minute appointment here! Our midwife allots a full hour to our appointment and does not rush us if we have questions that take longer. She gives us her full attention for the entire appointment. We do the usual weight check, urine check, blood pressure, etc., but when she asks "how have you been feeling?" she takes the time to listen to the answer. She encourages questions and offers support. She takes time to communicate openly and honestly and wants the same from us. She wants to be friends and wants to build a trusting relationship prior to delivery.
3.) She Will be with Us for Labor and Delivery
With my first pregnancy, I went through a lot of trouble to find an OB/GYN that delivered the babies all of the time. I was very reserved and a little frightened and did not want a clinic that rotated several doctors and you would have whomever was on call at the time. I wanted to get to know and trust the person who would ultimately be delivering my baby. As it turns out, in my experience, in hospital labor, the OB/GYN may stop in a few times, but you really end up with a bunch of nurses that you have never seen or met before for the majority of your care. The doctor will swing by when it's time to push, and mine barely did that - but that's a story for another day! *
4.) Relaxing Environment
We meet in our midwife's home, in her living room. Our 3 year old goes with us and is completely happy and comfortable playing with the toys and visiting with everyone. Gumby will get to know our midwife and her team so they will not be strangers for the birth. The relaxing environment is inviting and encourages open dialogue.
5.) No Physical Checks
That's right. No robe; no baring it all; no feet up in stirrups. As our midwife said ... What are they looking for? We all know how the baby got in there and we all know how it's going to get out. Nuff said.
6.) Always Available via Phone
We have our midwife's home and cell phone numbers. She wants us to call with any questions! She'll be the one to talk to us! No extra charge ;)
7.) She Comes with a Staff
I had full intentions of hiring a doula for this birth, but I didn't have to look! Our midwife has one she always works with and we like her. She is at some of the prenatal appointments, available for questions, getting to know her, and the like. Our midwife also has an apprentice she is training who will be available to help out during the birth as well.
8.) Incase of Transfer to Hospital
Plan B. If the homebirth does not work out and we need to transfer to the hospital, our midwife is prepared. She has an OB/GYN who works with her. She calls the hospital ahead to let them know what exactly is going on so when you arrive they are ready and waiting. And, she stays at the hospital to continue her support and advice.
1. http://nacpm.org/what-is-cpm.html
* I am confident this is not always the case; I am merely illustrating my own personal experience.
