An OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist)? A midwife? A doula? The initial decision about who my partner and I wanted to deliver our baby seemed overwhelming, but I quickly learned there are clear differences between the three types of caregivers. Together we chose based on what fit our personal needs. In the end there was no right or wrong choice, but it depended more on what fit our situation best.
What's the difference between a midwife, OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) and doula?
An OB-GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) often shortened to OB is a doctor focused on the science of birth and pregnancy. Going to an OB-GYN is the most common option that people choose, and OB-GYNs are often covered by insurance. OB-GYNs deliver babies in hospitals and are certified surgeons that can perform Cesarean sections, use forceps, vacuums, and can prescribe medicine. OB-GYNs take a high-tech approach to birth, with constant monitoring of your baby. An OB-GYN often uses medical intervention and suggests the use of epidermal (although you don’t have to use it). OB-GYNs also only work on specific days and may not be available for when the baby comes. OB-GYNs also have large teams of nurses to help them which means they will not be with you and your partner for the entire delivery, normally just coming to check in. If you and your partner have a high risk for complications in your delivery, using an OB-GYN might be the best option in case medical intervention is necessary. Generally, OB-GYN promotes action first.
Article:A OB-GYN? A Midwife? A Doula? The initial decision about who my partner and I wanted to deliver our baby seemed overwhelming, but I quickly learned there are clear differences between the three types of caregivers. Together we chose based on what fit our personal needs. In the end there was no right or wrong choice, but it depended more on what fit our situation best. A Midwife or Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a type of nurse that has a certified bachelors and masters in midwifery. Midwives are a very popular option people choose to deliver their baby. Midwife deliveries can be done in a hospital, birthing center, or even at home; although when delivery happens at home it likely will not be covered by insurance. Midwives are more "low-tech" and instinctual caregivers, but they do use monitoring and can prescribe medications; however they cannot perform surgery. A major difference between a midwife and an OB-GYN, is that a midwife is going to be available (more) 24/7 to cater to you and your partner’s emotional and physical needs, setting up birth plans, and providing resources. On the day of delivery, midwives can also be great advocates and supporters of both you and your partners. Midwives are also focused more on the natural process of birth and will opt more for vaginal birth over epidural and cesarean section (C-section). Generally, Midwives promote the natural process of birth with a "watch and wait" approach. A doula (pronounced: DOO lah) is a “professional labor assistant” who is able to provide both you and your partner with emotional and physical support before, during, and after the birth; but is not certified to provide medical advice. A doula does not deliver your baby like a midwife or an OB-GYN does, which means you can have both a doula, and a midwife or an OB-GYN. However, this also means most doulas are not covered by insurance. Research has shown that a doula can make your delivery easier and more painless, working as an advocate and a communicator for your desires in the hospital. They also are trained in massages, emotional support, breathing exercises, and as breastfeeding coaching. There are also doulas for solely antepartum (just before childbirth) and postpartum (just after childbirth) if that is of interest. Generally, if you are looking for a doula, ask friends and family for advice and find someone you and your partner trust and can connect with. The bottom line that I have learned is to trust your gut and consider what you want for your birth experience. Some important questions to ask yourself (as I know my partner did):
Do you want your delivery in a hospital or at home? Do you and your partner value vaginal birth and natural birth? Is your pregnancy high risk? Would you and your partner benefit from more emotional and physical support during delivery? Would you and your partner prefer a hands-on approach, OR a lot of medical monitoring? As for doulas you might ask yourself similar questions (as I know my partner did):
Would you and your partner benefit from extra emotional support? Would you and your partner like a hands on approach with 24/7 availability? Can you afford the additional care?
Helpful Resources:
*The information and reference materials contained are intended solely for the general information of the reader. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. If you have specific questions, please consult your health care provider.
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