Midwife: 7 things you need to know

Summary

This video highlights the important role midwives play in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Midwives, who are trained healthcare providers specializing in low-risk pregnancies, guide and support women through labor, delivery, and beyond. They also assist with gynecological exams, birth control, and menopause education. While midwives collaborate with OB/GYNs in hospitals, they also work in birth centers or at home. The video also distinguishes midwives from doulas, emphasizing their medical training and ability to perform deliveries. It concludes by stressing the empowering and supportive role of midwives in women’s healthcare throughout life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Midwives have been an integral part of childbirth for centuries, providing care before hospitals were established.
• 😀 A midwife is a trained healthcare provider specializing in low-risk pregnancies, childbirth, and postpartum care.
• 😀 Midwives provide hands-on support during labor, often referred to as 'catching' the baby, and collaborate with OB/GYNs in hospitals for positive birth outcomes.
• 😀 Midwives are trained to perform gynecological exams, such as pap smears, family planning, and birth control, including IUD placements.
• 😀 Midwives also provide care for newborns during the first 28 days of life.
• 😀 Midwives serve as lifelong healthcare partners, offering care throughout pre-conception, pregnancy, delivery, postpartum, and even menopause.
• 😀 Midwives play a key role in educating women about the symptoms of menopause and how to seek treatment.
• 😀 90% of midwives work in hospital settings, but they can also work in birth centers or provide home births.
• 😀 A doula is a non-medical companion who provides emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth, but cannot perform deliveries.
• 😀 Midwives are medically trained to handle deliveries and can provide care similar to that of a doula, with many women opting to have both during pregnancy.
• 😀 There are various types of midwives, including certified nurse midwives, certified professional midwives, and licensed midwives, each differing in education, training, and certification.
• 😀 When choosing a midwife, it's important to look for qualities such as compassion, patience, and consideration for a woman's mental, social, and physical well-being.

Q & A

What is the primary role of a midwife in childbirth?

A midwife is a trained healthcare provider who specializes in low-risk pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. They assist and guide the mother during labor and delivery, often 'catching' the baby.

How do midwives collaborate with OB/GYNs in a hospital setting?

Midwives and OB/GYNs often work together in hospitals to ensure positive birth outcomes for patients, with midwives providing support during labor and delivery, while OB/GYNs manage more complex medical needs.

What kind of care do midwives provide to newborns?

Midwives are trained to care for newborns during the first 28 days of life, offering essential support during this critical period.

What services can a midwife offer beyond pregnancy and childbirth?

Midwives provide pre-conception counseling, prenatal care, labor and delivery support, postpartum care, as well as gynecological exams, family planning, birth control, and education during menopause.

How do midwives assist women going through menopause?

Midwives educate and guide women through menopause by helping them recognize symptoms and seek treatment, ensuring women receive appropriate care during this important life stage.

What settings do midwives work in?

Midwives primarily work in hospitals, but they can also practice in birth centers or offer home births, providing women with different care options.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula?

A doula is a non-medical companion who provides emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth. In contrast, midwives are medically trained to deliver babies and offer medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

Can a woman have both a midwife and a doula during pregnancy?

Yes, many women choose to have both a midwife and a doula. The midwife provides medical care and delivery services, while the doula offers emotional and physical support.

What are the different types of midwives?

There are several types of midwives, including certified nurse midwives (CNMs), certified professional midwives (CPMs), and licensed midwives. The differences between them mainly involve their education, training, and certification.

What traits should you look for when choosing a midwife?

When choosing a midwife, consider traits like compassion, patience, and an understanding of your social, mental, and physical well-being. A good midwife should provide you with informed choices for your care and support.