Midwives and physicians approach care during pregnancy and childbirth in different ways. It is most important that you feel comfortable and safe with your provider of care. He or she should be someone whom you trust to have your best interest in mind and that you can talk to about any concerns you have. If you have several options for care, then it is okay to set up an appointment to talk to them about what you can expect for your care.
Midwives are specifically trained to deal with pregnancy and childbirth as normal physiological processes and to identify deviations from normal for referral to a higher level of care when necessary. For most women, pregnancy is a healthy life event without complications. The model of care emphasizes non-intervention unless clearly indicated.
Midwifery care is acknowledges the importance of continuity of care, informed choice, shared decision-making and choice of birthplace. This model of care views pregnancy as a normal, physiological event and not as a pathology that always requires intervention.
This short video explains more about midwifery:
Physicians are trained to diagnose pathology in complicated pregnancy and to perform medical interventions including operative vaginal birth and caesarean sections. Obstetrician/gynecologists or family physicians with additional training may provide care for pregnant and laboring women. A medical model of care may approach pregnancy as a pathological process with the possibility for complications until proven otherwise.
Midwives and physicians are independent care providers that work together collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for women and their pregnancies.
Resources for choosing a provider:
Questions to ask your care provider: - A comprehensive list of questions. Read through the list and don’t get overwhelmed! Focus on the questions that you feel to be most important to you.
Who Should Deliver My Baby?: This is a website with a quiz for you to take that will help you decide which type of care provider is a good match for you. There are also links to questions to ask your care provider.
Midwives are specifically trained to deal with pregnancy and childbirth as normal physiological processes and to identify deviations from normal for referral to a higher level of care when necessary. For most women, pregnancy is a healthy life event without complications. The model of care emphasizes non-intervention unless clearly indicated.
Midwifery care is acknowledges the importance of continuity of care, informed choice, shared decision-making and choice of birthplace. This model of care views pregnancy as a normal, physiological event and not as a pathology that always requires intervention.
This short video explains more about midwifery:
Physicians are trained to diagnose pathology in complicated pregnancy and to perform medical interventions including operative vaginal birth and caesarean sections. Obstetrician/gynecologists or family physicians with additional training may provide care for pregnant and laboring women. A medical model of care may approach pregnancy as a pathological process with the possibility for complications until proven otherwise.
Midwives and physicians are independent care providers that work together collaboratively to achieve the best possible outcomes for women and their pregnancies.
Resources for choosing a provider:
Questions to ask your care provider: - A comprehensive list of questions. Read through the list and don’t get overwhelmed! Focus on the questions that you feel to be most important to you.
Who Should Deliver My Baby?: This is a website with a quiz for you to take that will help you decide which type of care provider is a good match for you. There are also links to questions to ask your care provider.
