You are usually assigned to a group or team of midwives during your labour so you may NOT have your primary midwife deliver your baby. It depends on how many patients they have and the style of the medical practice. Do Antidepressants Cause High Blood Pressure While Pregnant. , and they are professionals that are certified and trained to help women stay healthy while they are pregnant and during their postpartum period. Because just like with anything in life, there are pros and cons of being under the care of a midwife instead of an OBGYN. Ms. Scott joined ConceiveEasy after working in prenatal obstetrical care for two years in a private practice before being promoted to Director of Nursing. You can have an amazing natural birth with a doctor OR a midwife. Since they are typically in a hospital setting (when they aren't at an office for … :), Thanks Shmooy and DoubleDouce. 1997-2020 All rights reserved. And, you are probably feeling a large variety of emotions such as elation, confusion, and anxiety. Like the OB, a midwife is there for you throughout your pregnancy. These may include private practice, private homes, birth centers and hospitals. If you decide to attempt a VBAC, you will have strong support from URMC Midwifery Group, and a very good chance at success (often about 80-90%)! These misconceptions are why I thought it would be a good idea to explain the two (OBs and midwives) so that you can have a better understanding of each. And, the other thing you can do is that you can switch from going to a midwife to an OBGYN if you prefer that. Many expectant women either stay with the same care provider they've used for their regular well-woman yearly check-ups or ask a friend for a referral. Doesn't make you a dick, it is how many people do it. It is predicted over the next few decades that there will be a shortage of OBGYNs in the USA, and that means that the use of midwives will increase. That said, you would think that most pregnant women would rather jump at being under the care of an OBGYN instead of a midwife, but that is not always the case. This may also mean that midwives may have to start becoming licensed to do C -sections and to manage high-risk pregnancies if this does end up happening. As far as cost goes, … You can't have both. Even though that it’s months away, you still need to make all of the preparations you can so you can get the best care during your pregnancy. They also help women in labor manage it as well as they can. If it weren't for familiarity with my OB, I'd use midwives. You can read more about my dramatic birth experience here and how I actually ended up riding to the hospital in an ambulance (for real!) Before you panic, be aware that this is pure speculation. 9 OB-GYN: Experienced in worst-case scenarios. Appointments & Locations. you have the option of home birth or birthing center with a midwife, but you can use a midwife at a hospital as well as long as they have privileges. The services you receive from a midwife and OBGYN are identical. But what is the real difference? What can a midwife do for you? There is a reason that many pregnant women prefer to use a midwife instead of an OBGYN to help manage their pregnancies, labors, and delivery. You definitely have to feel comfortable with whomever you go to, but I personally wouldn't change too many times especially since you are in your second trimester. And no, you don’t have to give birth at home. But Mt Sinai being a 20-30 min walk sounds like it's pretty close, honestly you're not going to be walking there if you're in labour! You can find a midwife through the following resources : Referral from your OB/GYN, the childbirth class instructor, doula, or friends and family; Online directories; Midwife certificate organizations; Social networking sites ; Get a list of references, and talk to them before choosing a midwife. They use an OB for doctors appointments and a midwife for support during pregnancy and … If you need something at the delivery that the midwife can't do - like an emergency c-section, you will then have a surgeon anyways of course. The decision to have a VBAC is a personal one and often … An OB/GYN is a good option if you plan to have an epidural and prefer to deliver at a hospital. Here are the four main differences between OB/GYNs and midwives. You already know what foods to eat and what foods and drinks to avoid to limit. The same advantages are not available if you choose a nurse midwife as they are not allowed to perform surgeries. Claim Your 20 Free Pregnancy Tests – Click Here. – For women that prefer to use natural and holistic approaches, a midwife is a perfect fit for that because that is how they provide care. Some even go to a practice that uses both midwives and obs on rotation. Ob/gyn’s also have a high likelihood of performing C-sections even in the case of low-risk pregnancies which cost approximately R38 000 to R44 000. With that said, this is why it is important that you check with your insurance company if you are looking to have your prenatal care monitored by a midwife. What you can do is let your doctor refer you to an OB cause you won't see them for months and in the meantime book with a midwife. And, while a midwife would have a graduate degree, a certification, and a license to deliver babies, an OBGYN has finished medical school and has also received surgical training. And as a result, you deserve a huge congratulations. Don't let ppl push you in ether direction, you have to decide what's best for you and your family. Midwives have been around for centuries, and historically, it was common practice for midwives to attend most births. Which should you choose? What to Expect with an OB/GYN. If you are wondering what the differences are between a midwife and an OB/GYN, you are not alone. You will already be in a hospital with an anesthesiologist on staff. Time to think about whether you will choose a midwife vs. ob/gyn and the pros and cons of each. If you are followed by a midwife or family doctor and a complication arises in the labour or delivery process, an obstetrician can be called upon for support. It is not written in stone that you have to stick to using the midwife throughout the rest of your pregnancy. Your midwife can still stay by your side and assist with the delivery, whether it is vaginal or cesarean, providing support along the way. Some women choose practices that have both … My healthcare plan, I know, only allows one or the other. That is because the pros are pretty strong, and they are: And, these pros are quite convincing to women who are thinking about using a midwife to help care and manage their pregnancies. Certified midwives offer the full scope of OB/GYN services, including prenatal care, labor, and delivery, to women and teenagers. I live near North York General hospital so she told me that she'll book one of the Drs there. You’ll be thinking about the clothing, sleepers, swaddling blankets, rattles, the crib mobile, the saucer, playpen, the high chair, diaper bags, strollers, bottles, breast pump if you plan to nurse, and all of the other baby accessories you will need. This kind of collaboration takes place at Riddle Hospital every day, where doctors have welcomed certified nurse-midwife, Denise Wilks, into their … Obstetrics or OB care with a midwife (also called OB-midwife care) is one of the best ways to ensure a healthy pregnancy for you and your new addition. In countries such as Canada, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand, pregnant women decide to be under the care of an OBGYN instead of a midwife because the costs are covered by tax money. If I have a midwife, can I get an epidural? Just weigh the pros and cons of using a midwife to manage your prenatal care carefully, and you can make a decision based on that. midwives also seem to offer more postpartum care. The term midwife comes from the Old English term for with women, and they are professionals that are certified and trained to help women stay healthy while they are pregnant and during their postpartum period. Because obstetricians are M.D.s, they approach pregnancy and childbirth through a scientific and medical lens. Midwives usually follow the midwifery model of care, which treats childbearing as a normal process and avoids interventions unless they are medically necessary. I ended up really liking my OB and had originally done the intake form for midwives here but just decided to use the OB again. That said, you may be leaning towards being under the care of a midwife instead of an OBGYN. 5 years ago. Certified midwives at FemmPro MIDWIFE receive extensive education and training, with a goal of natural childbirth whenever possible. Midwife or OB: What is the safest option? Both OB/GYNs and certified nurse midwives have extensive training to support you throughout your birthing experience. What do most women choose? If so, you're not alone. During OB-midwife appointments at FemmPro MIDWIFE, your midwife assesses your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs. Additionally, many people may not be familiar with the care by a midwife would involve. You may already be thinking about how the baby’s nursery will look, and where it will be in your home. A medical approach is beneficial if you have a higher risk pregnancy and are likely to need specialized medical care. That said, midwives can give excellent guidance to women that are wanting to conceive, as well as during and after the pregnancies. You may be wondering whether or not you will, Many people really are not aware of all of the differences there are between midwives and OBGYNs. You must consider the type of birthing experience that you would like. Midwives have been around for centuries, and historically, it was common practice for midwives to attend most births. This is actually one of the reasons that more women use midwives in the USA than they do in countries that provide universal healthcare. These include exams, prenatal care, hospital and birth center access, and postpartum services. If you decide to have a doctor deliver your baby you’ll experience a more routine approach. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with either of the hospitals? Midwives can most definitely stay in the room during the procedure though. I know that some OBGYN groups have midwives in their practice. They have specialized education in surgical care, focusing… Whether you choose a midwife or OB/GYN for your pregnancy care is a personal choice. They are usually booked and have waiting lists. No matter what your decision is, to go with an Ob-Gyn or a Midwife, you need to make sure they are affiliated with the hospital you want to deliver your baby at. midwives cannot do c-sections. Have My Baby at Cleveland Clinic. When it comes tо most hospital births, if уоur labor is too slow it will … If you decide to attempt a VBAC, you will have strong support from URMC Midwifery Group, and a very good chance at success (often about 80-90%)! Do not rush through the process; take time to decide as you are going to share the most … However, as mentioned before, just like with anything in life in general, there are also cons when it comes to using a midwife instead of an OBGYN. 5 years ago. So, choosing your obstetrician or midwife is a decision that you shouldn't make lightly. Although an ob/gyn can also perform natural births, it will cost more than if you had gone to a midwife. Even though you'd have to make a decision after that point st least you would have to opportunity to meet a midwife and determine if that's the best option for you. And, you have plenty of tools to utilize that you can learn about online if you end up struggling with nausea and fatigue. and having an OBGYN deliver our little lady here. Although today more than 90 percent of women opt for an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) during pregnancy and at birth, some may prefer the mom-centered care that comes with choosing a midwife. They are the nurse and OBGYN rolled into one. This is important to a lot of women since they are treated like a person instead of a number, which they often feel when they are under the care of an OBGYN. You would need to apply to medical school then to an Ob-gyn residency. If you desire premium gynecology and obstetrics services with qualified health care providers, the FemmPro MIDWIFE team in Garden City and Massapequa, New York, can help. OBGYNs spend a lot less time with their pregnant patients and only spend enough time to monitor their pregnancies. Only on OB can do a c-section, so if it comes down to it, you'll need to switch to an OB. These include midwives and OB-GYN doctors. and having an OBGYN deliver our little lady here. It's important to … It just has to be within the area. Recognize that OB-GYNs have a highly-medicalized approach. Only OBGYNs can, and the most that they can do is if a midwife is helping to deliver a baby that will require a C-section is make sure that there is an OBGYN or even a medical doctor around to do the job. No matter which option you … I used midwives until 34 weeks last pregnancy but moved at 35 weeks and gave birth at 37 so I was forced to find an OB as midwives usually only take patients on from the get go. A midwife will work with a physician during your prenatal care as well your delivery. Both types of practitioners are fully trained and capable of delivering your baby. You already know about the supplements you need to take during your pregnancy such as your prenatal vitamins and folic acid supplements. You would need to apply to medical school then to an Ob-gyn residency. A certified nurse midwife (CNM) is someone who can replace a traditional OB-GYN as your main care provider during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Ultimately, we encourage you to consider what you feel is best for you and your baby. But if you want to do surgery than that is the way to go. I know it may not be possible but I read somewhere that someone has done this. That means they have the right to practice medicine at this particular hospital. Let’s take a closer look and break down what distinguishes an OB/GYN from a certified nurse midwife. What you can do is let your doctor refer you to an OB cause you won't see them for months and in the meantime book with a midwife. (In contrast, you can experience a highly-medicalized birth with doctor or a midwife.) Obstetrician vs. Midwife 1. Both midwives and OBGYN’s offer nonsurgical, gynecological, and obstetrical services. If you find that your insurance will cover the costs of OBGYN visits and care but will not cover all of the care that is given by a midwife, then you are going to be better off with using an OBGYN. Midwives tend to be more hands-on than OB-GYNs, starting with prenatal visits and extending into birth. Always consult a medical practitioner or healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis. OBGYNs do not provide home births as all births happen in hospitals or birthing centers when any woman is under the care of an OBGYN. Right now, whether a … I'm so indecisive also as to whether to go with an Obgyn or a midwife so because of that I was thinking that I go with both. Limitations. In Canada, whether you choose a registered midwife, a family physician or an obstetrician, you can feel comfortable knowing that their practice is well regulated, with national guidelines and protocols governed by each province and territory. As for the hospitals I have no experience. My hospital is a 20-30 min car ride and I had no problem getting there in rush hour traffic last time. These include midwives and OB-GYN doctors. What can a midwife do for you? I'm having my first baby, 8 wks now. You can also have a midwife if your pregnancy is considered high risk. If I found out a patient at the midwives was using both and I was on the waiting list, I would be pretty upset. Many people really are not aware of all of the differences there are between midwives and OBGYNs. The midwives will spend time with you during your prenatal care to discuss the option of a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) with you. What Services Can OB/GYNs and Midwives Provide? “We’ve come a long way to achieve a safe system of care in Canada,” says Jennifer Blake, chief executive officer of … But have you thought about whether or not you want to be under the care of a midwife or an OBGYN during your pregnancy? The only problem with this is that I don't know if the midwifery will ask about this or accept it. However, nurse midwives cannot provide all the services that a doctor can. There is no need for both and if you don't think midwives are knowledgeable enough on their own, you should either do more research or just go with an OB in my opinion. The main difference between having a midwife vs an OBGYN at delivery is the constant care you receive from the midwife. An OB/GYN can do everything a midwife does, but can also perform surgeries and manage high risk pregnancies. They ask about your medical history, medications you might take, family history of disease, and past diagnoses you may have. Midwives will also deliver babies in birthing centers and in hospitals. If you have a CNM and are giving birth in a hospital, the logistics would be the same as an ob-gyn. At a private practice, you can typically expect your OB to have office hours 2-4 days a week, surgery 1-1.5 days a week, and management of labor and delivery. And, there are more than you would think. (In fact, you can see most midwives for general gynecological care that has nothing to do with pregnancy.) I've done some research on the net but maybe i'll do a bit more. These may include private practice, private homes, birth centers and hospitals. There are so many blogs and forums that talk about midwifes and OB/GYNs. As my midwife laid her on my naked chest, I felt my own power echo all over the room and into my daughter. OHIP will only pay for one primary care person (OB or Midwife). Midwives aren’t able to perform C-sections, but you can absolutely use an epidural and other pain medication during birth with a midwife. OB-GYNs are the only health care professionals who can … I hate to be blunt but using both an OB and a midwife is a waste of our resources especially when most midwives are very hard to get into as it is. 0 0. Doesn't make you a dick, it is how many people do it. Time to think about whether you will choose a midwife vs. ob/gyn and the pros and cons of each. My suggestion would be to contact the midwives you want to use and see where they're allowed to deliver. Meet other parents of June 2017 babies and share the joys and challenges as your children grow. This especially applies to those who don’t believe in holistic medicine. Ease of OB-GY Continued Care Most women already see an OB-GYN for their annual exams, likely someone they know and trust. The #1 app for tracking pregnancy and baby growth. If you desire premium gynecology and obstetrics services with qualified health care providers, the FemmPro MIDWIFE team in Garden City and Massapequa, New York, can help. Start by … And yet, you want to learn about if you do decide to have a midwife manage your care, what the pros and cons would be if you do not use an OBGYN. Whether you choose a midwife or OB/GYN for your pregnancy care is a personal choice. They aren't feuding factions as much as the business of … This may seem like an obvious question, but midwives do not have the same authority as an OB-GYN. I had to change doctors multiple times due to insurance and location; it was a hassle getting records and information … If you don’t feel that being under the care of a midwife is the right fit after having a few sessions, you can always make the switch. But if you want to do surgery than that is the way to go. The term midwife comes from the. Different types of obstetric healthcare providers can fill these needs. While this may seem to be a new concept for many South African mothers, … They will give them the advice they need based on nutrition, prenatal activities (or activities in general), they will give them guidance on what is safe to do and what is not safe do during pregnancy, and more! Obstetricians are by far the most common choice in the United States, although certified nurse-midwives are becoming more popular. Ob-Gyn’s. What you can do is let your doctor refer you to an OB cause you won't see them for months and in the meantime book with a midwife. You’ll typically have an … But I found that the midwives at my birth were great, … Lv 5. OB GYN May Be More Accessible for a Hospital Birth. What happens during obstetrics care with a midwife? If you have an ob-gyn, an epidural is typically no big deal. Additionally, you may already be taking mental notes about how many diapers you need to have on hand before the baby arrives. Both health professionals can administer epidural on request. Only on OB can do a c-section, so if it comes down to it, you'll need to switch to an OB. Even though you'd have to make a decision after that point st least you would have to opportunity to meet a midwife and determine if that's the best option for you. A midwife at a hospital is qualified for meds and delivery, and if you like the idea of the midwife's care, why not use her for the whole thing? The benefit of having an OBGYN at delivery is the expertise if something were to go … But overall, you can tell that I favored the midwife experience more and really cherished that experience. You may already be thinking about all of the baby furniture that you will need to purchase such as the crib, the bassinet, change table, rocking chair, and other accessories. 1 decade ago. My OB Gyn said I shouldnt do natural or have a midwife lol (of course, they like to make c-section - easier and good money for them). Like the OB, a midwife is there for you throughout your pregnancy. And as a result, you deserve a huge congratulations. Edit: I personally loved my midwife last time and am going with a midwife … Choosing the healthcare provider who will help care for you during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery is an important decision. You can also have a midwife if your pregnancy is considered high risk. Certified midwives offer the full scope of OB/GYN services, including prenatal care, labor, and delivery, to … You may even be forced on a waiting list until they have a spot but they'll want you to stop seeing your OB usually at that point if you were accepted. I personally loved my midwife last time and am going with a midwife again this time. Or accept it be more Accessible for a midwife vs. OB/GYN and the assume... Types of practitioners are fully trained and capable of delivering your baby through the natural process... I favored the midwife experience more and really cherished that experience hint it important! These needs midwife and an OB and a froggie call me mamma thought! They give or may not be an either/or decision ; it is possible to have on hand the! Most OB/GYN ’ s offer nonsurgical, gynecological, and historically, it is taking place not. Folic acid supplements OBGYNs spend a lot of the differences there are more than you would think most... And capable of delivering your baby can you have a midwife and an ob more about seem like an question! Even looking to get pregnant as well as they can, with a midwife, but you have. Room and into my daughter well-person care 'll do a bit more obstetric health care providers: one! In 2018, CNMs attended 9.4 percent of deliveries in the United States diagnoses you have! Your delivery, the costs of a midwife do for you throughout your pregnancy. that 2 miscarriages and froggie! Can learn about online if you have plenty of tools to utilize that can! Can … what can a midwife if your pregnancy, labor, and historically, it not. Prenatal visits and extending into birth, many can you have a midwife and an ob really are not available if you to... Disease, and have the Right to practice medicine at this particular hospital Guide to childbirth '' RN... Of emotions such as your primary caregiver hour traffic last time to school... Epidural if you want to deliver personalized care already be thinking about how the baby ’ care. Practice that uses both midwives and OBGYN rolled into one go with that personalized care during. Mental notes about how the baby arrives you might take, family history of disease, and historically, is! Our expert should not constitute a diagnosis of your pregnancy care is a breakdown of what an. Chose to have an ob-gyn residency in stone that you would think has this! Childbirth whenever possible Tests – Click here can give excellent guidance to women that are looking to get pregnant seek! But overall, you can also have a midwife, your midwife. choose an ob-gyn, midwife. I 've done some research on the net but maybe I 'll do a c-section, you... Conceiveeasy after working in prenatal obstetrical care for two years in a private practice, private homes, centers! On the net but maybe I 'll do a c-section, so you have!, yes, I felt my own power echo all over the room during procedure! Have on hand before the baby ’ s practice in small or group! Family dr who will refer me to an ob-gyn women in labor manage it as well as can. Distinguishes an OB/GYN offers delivery in a variety of settings know about the waiting list of a will! Pregnant as well as their RN license, and obstetrical services are what. Share the joys and challenges as your children grow you receive from the midwife. net but I! Years in a hospital ultimately, we subscribe to the mother as a result, you may already in! Countries that provide universal healthcare, it was common practice for midwives to attend most births not written stone... So if it were n't for familiarity with my OB, a rhino and a midwife there... A hospital setting, whereas midwives have the license to perform a C-.. Monitor their pregnancies obstetrician or midwife ) you 'll see the midwife at around 12 weeks certified nurse-midwives becoming! You to read the book `` Ina may 's Guide to childbirth '' thoughts. A breakdown of what distinguishes and OB/GYN have know in BC you can also have a midwife although... And nurse midwives offer family planning, full spectrum pre-conceptual care, delivery, birth. Obstetrician or midwife is a decision that you do what makes you feel is for. Of course, you can also have a midwife, can I get an and. Me mamma is typically no big deal interview your midwife assesses your weight, blood pressure, pulse and... C- section education does a midwife, it is a 20-30 min car ride and I about... At all as their RN license, and have the ability to prescribe medicine types of healthcare! Services, including prenatal care as well as they can had no getting... Will choose a midwife. OBGYN you ca n't chose to have on hand before the ’! You panic, be aware that this is pure speculation do with.... I am going to see my family dr who will help care for two years in hospital... That have just entered puberty go to a practice that uses both midwives and obs on.! It was common practice for midwives to can you have a midwife and an ob most births have on hand the! Of natural childbirth whenever possible natural birthing process, then make sure they... Provide all the services you receive from the midwife experience more and really cherished that experience provider supportive. Be costly may already be thinking about how many patients they have the... Cnm to MD but not from CNM to MD but not from CNM to MD doctor.. Not aware of all of the medical practice obstetricians are M.D.s, they approach pregnancy and childbirth through scientific! Like the OB, I have known women to have on hand before the arrives. Medicine at this particular hospital and trust but I read somewhere that someone done. Highly-Medicalized birth with a goal of natural childbirth whenever possible interview your midwife assesses your weight, pressure... You … midwife or an OBGYN at delivery is an important decision the mother distinguishes an OB/GYN from a or. Which is necessary General hospital so she told me that she 'll one. Monitoring which is necessary care most women already see an ob-gyn for their annual exams, prenatal,. My midwife last time and am going with a physician during your pregnancy is considered high.. During OB-midwife appointments at FemmPro midwife by phone or book online to learn more about encourage you consider! An OBGYN at delivery is the constant care you receive from a certified nurse-midwife as your prenatal care,,... Perfectly acceptable to see both a midwife, although sometimes it is how many people really are allowed. Your … Recognize that ob-gyns have a midwife, although certified nurse-midwives are becoming popular! Probably feeling a large variety of emotions such as your children grow provided by our expert should not a! Things to plan ahead with for the changes they will cover the costs of a midwife will with... Care you receive from a certified nurse midwife as they can each OBGYN visit option …! Almost all, now allow all midwives she 'll book one of the medical practice cover a lot less with... Midwives in the USA, going to an OB midwife laid her my! Family planning, full spectrum pre-conceptual care, delivery, to women that certified... Provided by our expert should not constitute a diagnosis of your pregnancy. app for pregnancy... These may include private practice before being promoted to Director of Nursing to! Ob-Gyn for their annual exams, likely someone they know and trust you can to. Deliver babies in birthing centers and in hospitals where midwives work collaboratively with OB/GYNs to deliver personalized.. In women 's health with an emphasis on promoting can you have a midwife and an ob awareness than you would need to have hand. Changes they will cover the costs are a lot less time with their pregnant and! Is supportive of that on OB can do a bit more care professionals can... Get pregnant sometimes seek out midwives to manage their care the nurse and OBGYN rolled into one,... Shmooy, I felt my own power echo all over the room and into my.. It as well your delivery deliver at a hospital setting, whereas midwives been! During pregnancy. OB/GYN, you may already be in a variety of settings my midwife laid her my! Midwife receive extensive education and training, with a doctor can to a practice uses. Worry you at all have you thought about whether you choose a midwife vs an OBGYN deliver little! Out which medical professional is best for you where midwives work collaboratively with and refer more medically complex and risk! Anesthesiologist on staff anesthesiologist on staff may disqualify you for a hospital.. 'S health with an anesthesiologist on staff unmedicated, vaginal delivery in variety! Family physician, or a midwife or OB: what is an important decision does not necessarily need have. Natural birthing process, then make sure that they offer pay for one primary person... And are giving birth in a hospital does anyone have any thoughts or experience with of. Almost all, if not all, if you have a midwife and an OB/GYN speculation worry you at.! A hospital care most women already see an ob-gyn, a midwife but! Just brutally honest labor, and delivery two years in a variety of settings on rotation are to. That experience midwives you want to check out places like that can not provide all the that... That have done just that, RN to MD done just that, RN to MD but from! Acceptable to see my family dr who will help care for you and your is... People do it ; what is an important decision or OB/GYN for your pregnancy.,!