Benefits of Midwifery Care
Midwives are healthcare professional who provides an array of healthcare services for women, including gynecological examinations, contraceptive counseling, prescriptions, and labor and delivery care. Providing expert care during labor, delivery, and after birth is a specialty that makes them unique.
They often function as both a quality and economical option for birthing care. They usually offer payment plans and sliding fees and are willing to accept most insurance plans, including Medicaid.
Their services depend on the certification and licensing credentials obtained and the practice restrictions of each state. Because of the additional licensure in nursing, a nurse-midwife can offer the most comprehensive array of healthcare services to women.
These services include annual gynecological exams, family planning, preconception care, prenatal care, labor and delivery support, newborn care, and menopausal management. Midwives generally provide reproductive education in fertility, nutrition, exercise, contraception, pregnancy health, breastfeeding, and quality infant care.
According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives, the benefits of midwifery care include:
- Decreased risk of needing a cesarean
- Reduced rates of labor induction and augmentation
- Reduced use of regional anesthesia
- Decreased infant mortality rates
- Decreased risk of preterm birth
- Decreased third and fourth-degree perineal tears
- Lower costs for both clients and insurers
- Increased chances of having a positive start to breastfeeding
- Increased satisfaction with the quality of care
Midwives are qualified healthcare providers who receive comprehensive training and must pass an examination to become certified. Certification ACNM and the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). The practice and credentials differ throughout the United States.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
A midwife trained and licensed in nursing and midwifery. Nurse-midwives should have a BSN (Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing) from an accredited institution and then pursue an advanced degree (Master’s degree) in midwifery. CNMs are certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Certified Midwife (CM)
An individual trained and certified in midwifery. Certified midwives must have at least a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They are also certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
An individual who is trained in midwifery and meets the standards of the North American Registry of Midwives. Multiple educational backgrounds are recognized to become a CPM.
Direct-Entry Midwife (DEM)
An independent individual trained in midwifery through various sources that may include apprenticeship, self-study, a midwifery school, or a college/university program.
Lay Midwife
An individual who is not certified or licensed as a midwife but has received informal training through self-study or apprenticeship.
Midwives believe in facilitating natural childbirth as much as possible. Accordingly, it is common to receive care in a private and comfortable birthing center or your own home. Because of their professionalism and expertise, midwives are often part of a labor and delivery team associated with a local hospital.
You can choose to use their services whether you elect to give birth at home, at a birthing center, or at a hospital.
There are several benefits of midwifery care, including:
- Personalized Care: Midwives provide personalized care to women during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. They take time to understand their patients’ individual needs and preferences and provide care accordingly.
- Lower Rates of Medical Interventions: Studies have shown that women who receive midwifery care during childbirth have lower rates of medical interventions, such as cesarean sections, epidurals, and episiotomies.
- Improved Outcomes: Women who receive midwifery care during pregnancy and childbirth have better outcomes, including lower rates of preterm birth, low birth weight, and infant mortality.
- Emotional Support: Midwives provide emotional support to women during pregnancy and childbirth, which can help reduce anxiety and stress.
- Continuity of Care: Midwives offer continuity of care, meaning that they provide care throughout the entire pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period. This can help build a trusting relationship between the midwife and the patient and improve the overall experience.
- Education: Midwives provide education to women about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. This can help women make informed decisions about their care and lead to better outcomes for both mother and baby.
Overall, midwifery care provides women with a personalized, supportive, and empowering experience during pregnancy and childbirth.
