Know Your Options: Deciding Who Will Deliver Your Baby
One of the most important decisions when having a baby is deciding who will care for you throughout your pregnancy and during labor and delivery.
Both OB/GYNs and midwives have the medical expertise to deliver a baby. However, there are important differences that all families need to be aware of.
Educational Background
Both OB/GYNs and midwives are experts in delivering a baby, but each goes through a rigorous but different educational regimen before they begin treating patients.
Prefer to Listen?
Whether you go with an OB/GYN, doula or midwife, you should be comfortable with who you choose for your care. Suzanna Avery, CNM , with EvergreenHealth Midwifery Care, joins Check-Up Chat to clarify the differences between prenatal care providers.
An OB/GYN is a trained surgeon who goes through four years of medical school, at least four years of residency and graduates with a lot of medical experience.
A midwife is a medical expert who has gone to nursing school, received a bachelor's degree in nursing and then received an advanced degree, either a master's or a doctorate, in Nurse Midwifery.
The Key Differences Between An OB/GYN and Certified Midwife
The most important thing to understand is both midwives and OB/GYNs are on the same team, which is to support you, your family and your baby.
Midwives are experts in "normal" pregnancies, what would be considered "as low tech, high touch" labor and deliveries requiring no complex management of care. Midwives are very present and supportive, checking in during labor to provide emotional and physical support and guidance until you're ready to push.
OB/GYNs provide similar care as a midwife except they are highly trained in managing complex situations. So, if you have an underlying condition that requires medication like chronic hypertension or diabetes, if you're pregnant with multiple babies at the same time or if you require a C-section, then you will most likely receive care from an OB/GYN.
Another important thing to understand regarding midwives and OB/GYNs is that both are able to provide pain management during labor. There are a lot of pain management options available that can be provided regardless of which provider you choose.
A doula is a wonderful member of your team, but they're a non-medical provider. It's someone that is there for your emotional and physical support, but they're always in conjunction with a midwife or an OB/GYN. So, they're a wonderful person to include in your care team, but they're separate from a medical care provider.
How to Choose the Right Prenatal Provider for You
Each family is unique. The most important thing when you're deciding who should be your care provider is that you should feel safe and heard – whether that's an OB/GYN or a certified nurse midwife.
OB/GYNs may be your best option if you have a high-risk pregnancy, such as an underlying condition. If you decide to have a midwife as your prenatal provider, and a potentially complex situation arises, EvergreenHealth has a doctor available 24/7 at the EvergreenHealth Family Maternity Center to help care for you and your baby.
EvergreenHealth is here to partner with you and your family from the moment you begin considering pregnancy to the months and years after you give birth. Visit evergreenhealth.com/maternity to learn more.
