The Midwifery Model of Care
The midwifery model of care is an approach to healthcare for pregnant people and their families that emphasizes a holistic, woman-centered, and evidence-based approach to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. This model of care is typically provided by midwives, who are trained professionals with expertise in normal pregnancy and childbirth.
The midwifery model of care is characterized by the following principles:
Partnership: Midwives work in partnership with pregnant people and their families, recognizing that they are the experts on their own bodies and lives.
Holistic Care: Midwives provide comprehensive care that addresses not only the physical aspects of pregnancy and childbirth but also the emotional, social, and spiritual aspects.
Continuity of Care: Midwives provide continuity of care, meaning that they see the same clients throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Informed Choice: Midwives provide information and support to help clients make informed decisions about their care.
Safe and Appropriate Interventions: Midwives provide safe and appropriate interventions when needed, but prioritize the use of non-invasive, natural approaches to childbirth.
Respect for Normal Processes: Midwives recognize that pregnancy and childbirth are normal physiological processes that are best supported by minimizing unnecessary interventions and maximizing support for the body's natural processes.
The midwifery model of care has been shown to improve maternal and fetal outcomes, increase satisfaction with care, and reduce healthcare costs. It is particularly well-suited for low-risk pregnancies, but can also be adapted to support higher-risk pregnancies when appropriate.
Benefits of hiring a Midwife
A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in providing care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum period. Midwives provide a range of services including prenatal care, delivery support, and postpartum care.
There are several benefits of hiring a midwife, including:
Personalized care: Midwives provide personalized care to their clients, taking into account their unique needs and preferences. They spend more time with their clients during prenatal visits and are more likely to provide one-on-one support during labor and delivery.
Holistic approach: Midwives take a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of their clients. They promote natural childbirth and may offer alternative pain relief options, such as massage or hydrotherapy.
Lower rates of intervention: Studies have shown that women who receive care from midwives have lower rates of interventions during childbirth, such as epidurals, inductions, and C-sections. Midwives are trained to provide non-invasive care and support natural childbirth.
Better outcomes: Research has also shown that women who receive care from midwives have better outcomes, including lower rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
Continuity of care: Midwives provide continuity of care, meaning that they are with their clients throughout their pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. This allows for a more trusting and supportive relationship between the midwife and the client.
Overall, hiring a midwife can provide many benefits, including personalized care, a holistic approach to healthcare, lower rates of intervention, better outcomes, and continuity of care.
Questions to ask your OBGYN or Midwife
Many expecting mothers choose their doctor or midwife based on the recommendations of friends or other doctors. Others simply look online and go to the first practice that’s nearby or accepting patients. However, your choice of doctor or midwife will have a significant impact on your birth. Not only will you see them throughout your pregnancy, but they influence the medical interventions you do or do not receive during labor.
When considering whom to choose to care for you and your baby during pregnancy and labor pick a provider who aligns with your birth philosophy.
How many births do you and your practice attend each month?
In an uncomplicated delivery, how much of the labor and birth do you typically attend?
Who will assist with the delivery if you aren’t available when I go into labor?
Who do I call if any complications arise during pregnancy? Is someone available to talk with 24/7?
How many of your clients attempt natural birth without epidural or other pain medication?
In what ways do you support moms who want a natural birth?
How do you feel about birth plans?
Do you recommend taking childbirth classes? Do you have any that you recommend?
How do you feel about doulas attending the birth?
Do the other OB-GYNs or midwives in this practice share a similar philosophy about birth?
What is your standard protocol for IVs, IV fluids, and fetal monitoring during labor?
What is your policy on labor inductions? For what reasons are most labor inductions scheduled?
If I’m still pregnant past my due date, at what point do you suggest an induction?
What positions do you feel comfortable with me pushing in as you assist with the delivery? (Lying flat on back, hands, and knees, using a squat bar, side-lying, etc.)
Can I eat during labor?
Is there a tub that I can labor in?
How dilated does my cervix need to be in order to be admitted to the hospital during labor?
Cesarean
Under what circumstances would you recommend a cesarean?
What percentage of the women in your care have a cesarean?
*Cesarean rate in the US is 33%, and in Florida 36%. low (range: 13%-22%), medium (range: 23%-25%), high (range: 25%-36%)
Watch out for red-flag responses. These include:
Vagueness: “I only do cesareans when they are necessary.”
Scare tactics: “I’d like to induce labor when you reach 39 weeks. There’s no reason not to, and even though you’re healthy, you never know what might happen if we wait.”
Patronizing: “Don’t worry; just relax and let me take care of everything.”
Anger: “And what medical school did you go to?”
Bullying: “Decisions will be made by me and are not negotiable.”
*You don't need to ask all these questions. Simply pick the ones that resonate with you.