by Anne Ferguson
If you are a low-risk woman having a baby, and you want a low-intervention birth, I urge you to consider hiring a midwife for your care. I want to explain some facts that many expectant parents don't realize about the difference between midwives and obstetricians.
What does low-intervention mean? Well, it's different for everyone. For some it means completely "natural": no medications, no interventions. For others it means avoiding a c-section. Midwives are surely experts at unmedicated birth, but they also support families who plan to use an epidural. Choose a provider who facilitates the type of birth you desire every shift they work. Obstetricians are trained surgeons and it's wonderful we can use their skills as needed. But most women will not need a surgeon to give birth. They need a baby catcher!
If you are a low-risk woman having a baby, and you want a low-intervention birth, I urge you to consider hiring a midwife for your care. I want to explain some facts that many expectant parents don't realize about the difference between midwives and obstetricians.
What does low-intervention mean? Well, it's different for everyone. For some it means completely "natural": no medications, no interventions. For others it means avoiding a c-section. Midwives are surely experts at unmedicated birth, but they also support families who plan to use an epidural. Choose a provider who facilitates the type of birth you desire every shift they work. Obstetricians are trained surgeons and it's wonderful we can use their skills as needed. But most women will not need a surgeon to give birth. They need a baby catcher!