Who To Choose: OBGYN vs MIDWIFE | What is a MIDWIFE? What is an OBGYN?

Summary

This video script explores the critical choice between OB-GYNs and midwives for a woman's pregnancy and birth journey. It explains the medical management philosophy of OB-GYNs, who are trained to handle high-risk pregnancies and emergencies, and contrasts it with midwives' physiological care model, which views most pregnancies as normal processes. The script also discusses different types of midwives and their roles in providing personalized, supportive care during labor, emphasizing the importance of choosing a care provider aligned with one's birth philosophy for an empowered experience.

Takeaways

• 🤰 Choosing the right care provider for pregnancy and birth is crucial for the overall experience and can influence feelings of empowerment or fear.
• 👩‍⚕️ OB-GYNs are medical doctors who specialize in both obstetrics and gynecology, with training to manage high-risk pregnancies and surgical procedures like C-sections.
• 💉 OB-GYNs typically operate under a medical management model, focusing on monitoring and testing to prevent and treat complications for a physically healthy outcome.
• 🌱 Midwives practice under a physiological care model, viewing pregnancy and birth as normal processes that usually result in healthy outcomes without unnecessary intervention.
• 🔍 There are different types of midwives, including Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) who often work in hospitals and Certified Midwives (CMs) who may work outside of hospital settings.
• 🏥 Midwives in hospital settings can manage induced labors and epidurals, while out-of-hospital midwives focus on natural birth processes and intervene only when necessary.
• 👀 Both OB-GYNs and midwives are trained to identify complications early and collaborate with other healthcare professionals for specialized care when required.
• 🤝 The level of personal support and relationship with a care provider can vary; midwives often provide more continuous, personal support during labor.
• 🏢 Prenatal care with OB-GYNs tends to be less personal with shorter appointments focused on medical aspects, whereas midwives often engage in longer conversations covering emotional and social well-being.
• 🌟 The choice between an OB-GYN and a midwife can be influenced by factors such as pregnancy risk, personal birth philosophy, and the desire for a hospital or home birth setting.
• 📚 Empowerment through education is key to having a positive and informed birth experience, regardless of the care provider chosen.

Q & A

What is the significance of choosing the right care provider during pregnancy?

Choosing the right care provider is crucial as it can greatly influence the experience of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey. The care provider has the power to either empower and excite the expectant mother about birth or make her feel powerless and fearful of the birthing process.

What does the term 'OB/GYN' stand for and what is their role?

OB/GYN stands for Obstetrics and Gynecology. An obstetrician is a medical professional who delivers babies, while a gynecologist specializes in treating diseases of the female reproductive system. OB/GYNs are trained to manage higher-risk pregnancies, complications, and emergencies during labor and typically practice in a hospital setting.

What is the medical management model and how does it relate to OB/GYNs?

The medical management model is a philosophy that suggests childbearing women are best cared for through monitoring, testing, and treatment during pregnancy to prevent, diagnose, and treat complications. OB/GYNs often operate under this model, focusing on the physical health of the mother and baby.

What is the difference between a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and a Certified Midwife (CM)?

A Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) has a background in nursing and has become a midwife, typically practicing in hospital settings. A Certified Midwife (CM) has a background in health-related education and has obtained a master's level midwifery education, often practicing in out-of-hospital settings like birth centers or at home.

What is the physiological care model and how does it differ from the medical management model?

The physiological care model believes that most pregnancies, labors, and births are normal biological processes that result in healthy outcomes. This contrasts with the medical management model, which focuses on monitoring and testing to prevent complications. Midwives generally practice under the physiological care model.

Why is it important for a midwife to be certified when practicing outside a hospital setting?

Certification ensures that the midwife has the necessary training and qualifications to provide safe and appropriate care in an out-of-hospital setting. It is crucial for the safety of both the mother and the baby, especially since they won't have immediate access to hospital resources.

How does the level of personal care differ between an OB/GYN and a midwife?

OB/GYN appointments are generally less personal and shorter, focusing on medical aspects of the pregnancy. Midwives, especially in out-of-hospital settings, provide more personal care, focusing on education, emotional health, and the overall well-being of the mother.

What is the role of a midwife in a hospital setting?

In a hospital setting, midwives can manage induced labors or when epidurals are used. They are trained to identify complications early and consult with OB/GYNs or refer women to physicians for specialized care when necessary.

How does the support provided by a midwife differ from that of an OB/GYN during labor?

A midwife, especially in an out-of-hospital setting, provides continuous in-person support during labor, offering emotional, physical, and informational assistance. OB/GYNs, on the other hand, may not be present throughout the entire labor process, with support primarily coming from nurses who have other patients to attend to.

What is the Belt to Birth course and how can it help expectant mothers?

The Belt to Birth course is an online class that provides education about pregnancy and birth, empowering expectant mothers to make informed decisions about their care. It helps women understand their options and communicate effectively with their care providers to ensure a positive and empowering birth experience.

What advice does the speaker give for choosing a care provider?

The speaker advises expectant mothers to know their own philosophy of birth, understand their preferences, and communicate clearly with their care provider. Education is key to empowerment, and choosing a care provider is an essential part of having an empowered pregnancy and birth.