midwives. how many women have considered one?

[chelsgr87]

I have used midwives for my first 2 children and am using them again for my 3rd.  I'm just curious how many women have ever considered them as an option since I couldn't imagine going any other way.

[stacey10]

I've had 10 births and have had midwives with all, would only let a doctor near me if something didnt go to plan and a midwife couldnt deal with it :)

[KTowne]

I think it also matters what doctor you choose, just as you would a midwife, you have to find a doctor that you're comfortable with, my doctor is very understanding and listens 100%, no rushing at all.

[Heatherm4]

I've had midwives with both of my pregnancies and they are AMAZING! I wouldn't do it any other way! I had both 100% natural births and I am a WIMP for pain! lol They are so comforting and loving and encouraging!

[OorahMommy]

I was considering a midwife since so many people have nothing but nice things to say about them. Unfortunately I interviewed a few of them on Thursday and they all were so flakey about my questions and basically everything I asked their answers were either "well let's just see" or "ya know we will just go with the flow" that doesn't work for me. I need direct and knowledgeable answers from a professional. Midwives just are way too laid back for me. The Ob I ended up choosing is awesome! She answered all my questions directly and kept the coversation strictly professional.

[chelsgr87]

Mid ives in CANADA are 100% certified and have done 4 years of schooling including hands on experience.  I just found that when I first went to a doctor they were very cold and methodical.  Had no compassion for my previous miscarriage and rushed me out the door.  When I had my next appointment with a midwife they talked with me for an hour and really let me voice how I was feeling and made me feel so relaxed, comfortable and important.Also here in Canada the midwives are in contact with the hospitals, so if something were to be heading in a bad direction the hospital already knows that you are at home and are prepared for you if they are needed.  If you have a midwife you are not cut off from the medical world.

[windyMae]

I guess just stereotypically speaking they're more touchy feely and I dont like it..

[chelsgr87]

Why do you think a midwife would drive you crazy?? They don't push natural either they just answer all your questions and are very personable.

[beauty12]

Same as her.... :-) if u r considered high risk pregnancy mw send u to hospital.... Otherthan tht thy r betta..

[mrskorn]

From my research...a midwife will only use medicine if they have to or if u ask for it but they try to stick to ur original plan as much as possible so u can get the experience u want out of it.     Not every Dr will automatically give pitocin or say u need a c-section when u really don't but I would rather not take that chance.  I have heard of some great natural drs but not where I live. Also I want a water birth and that def won't happen in our hospitals. I also don't want to be stuck in the worst position to give birth in (on my back) but I want to be able to move around, eat, use the bathroom and try different positions if needed.  
Of course if something were to go wrong she would take me straight to the hospital if needed. That is always plan b.

[windyMae]

Doctors have been to medical school and have done a residency in their specialty area which includes surgery and management of high risk medical conditions. Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM's) have received Bachelor's degrees in nursing and most have gone to graduate schools for Master's degrees in nurse midwifery. Then there are midwives who only get their training from expierence and have no traditional accredited schooling.. My insurance won't even cover midwives because they are not concidered actual doctors to them..

[lilducky2013]

What's the difference??

[mrskorn]

By birthing centers I meant the places here that the other midwives work.  There are quite a few that work at one place so they cram in a lot of people at once. not saying they are not good, just not my preference wen the other lady only takes 2-3 women a month and is a lot cheaper.

[NicoleW09]

I used a midwife with my daughter and had a horrible experience. She brushed off my concerns about my bp and I ended up having preeclampsia. I have an ob now with my second pregnancy and he addresses my concerns and so far I have no complaints whatsoever.

[KTowne]

My OB actually only accepts 12 patients a month, so that's not every doctor.

[laceylace_2004]

No thanks, I'll stick with my obgyn!

[mrskorn]

I have only heard good things about midwives. My SL used 2 dif ones, with the last 1 she said she felt so taken care of and loved. That really helped her have a quick and easy delivery.
My midwife is older and has been a mw for a long time. It's great cuz she has the experience but she isn't cramming as many people as she can in a month like the birthing centers around here do...and she is cheaper cuz she just works out of her house.  

[KTowne]

It's amazing to me to see how many people have midwives..I don't think there's even a midwife within 2-3 hours each way around me, it's very uncommon where I live! Would like to meet one just to see how they are though!

[mrskorn]

I haven't had a child yet so I haven't been through either experience, but after all the research....I am using a midwife for sure. I'm sure every state and every hospital is different but here in my part of Fl, I haven't heard the best things. I want to go natural and just talking to my midwife a few times, I know she is very experienced and good at what she does.

[KTowne]

I'm with WindyMae, but of course I've never met a midwife! I'm more confident in a hospital setting though, and thank god because my labor went south rather quickly, and we would've lost my son if not for medical intervention. My OB also has never suggested medicines at all, and is all about how I want to deliver, which I love, I think it's about finding a good doctor you're comfortable with, too!

[JewelK]

Definitely midwives!! Their whole approach to birth is so wonderful. I love how they never try to push you into doing something with your body, baby, pregnancy, or labor. And everything about how they operate reminds you how birth is NOT a medical proceedure, but a beautiful and unique part of life as a woman! It's soooo wonderful how they avoid intervention unless absolutely necessary. You feel so empowered and confident as a laboring woman.

Just browse through the articles on "midwifery today" website and they should have you convinced! ;)

[windyMae]

I think it really matters the type of person you are, and on the doctor or midwife.. I love my doctor, she delivered my first and I chose her again. She is awesome, caring and very knowledgable, she doesn't even suggest pain meds you have to ask for them, I had my daughter natural.  I'm personally just more confident with a doctor.. I think a midwife would drive me up the wall.. I like clinical, concise and to the point more like doctors tend to be.

[juliejperkins]

This is #2 with a midwife.

[lilmizz]

I used a midwife with my first preg.,and im using them again this time.  

[momofalmostfive]

I've used a midwife for the birth of my lady two children and for my current pregnancy and love them. To me they seen more compassionate and understanding.