Doctors and Midwives
The choice of attendants and location for your birth are very important to the entire experience and to the outcomes for mother and baby. These descriptions are very general in nature, and it is important to remember that there are a wide range of philosophies, preferences, and capabilities that can only be learned by discussions with the individual providers and learning about specific locations.
For a comprehensive discussion of caregiver options, best evidence, tips and tools, and resources for choosing a caregiver, you can click to read this great resource from Childbirth Connection.
For a comprehensive discussion of caregiver options, best evidence, tips and tools, and resources for choosing a caregiver, you can click to read this great resource from Childbirth Connection.
Physicians
Physicians attend about 90% of all births in the U.S. There are generally two specialties that attend births: obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and family practice physicians.
OB/GYNs are surgeons that have special training and knowledge about pregnancy and birth complications. This training and knowledge makes them more proficient at handling the severe complications and emergencies that occur in a small portion of births. You can read more about the scope of practice of OB/GYNs here.
Family practice physicians provide a more whole-person view of their patient, and can serve the whole family, but many of them have stopped delivering babies as a result of the extremely high cost of malpractice insurance. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) provides more information on family practice physicians here.
Physicians generally attend births only in hospitals and typically form large group practices.
Asking questions like these may help you find a physician who is a good match for you and your family.
Physicians attend about 90% of all births in the U.S. There are generally two specialties that attend births: obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) and family practice physicians.
OB/GYNs are surgeons that have special training and knowledge about pregnancy and birth complications. This training and knowledge makes them more proficient at handling the severe complications and emergencies that occur in a small portion of births. You can read more about the scope of practice of OB/GYNs here.
Family practice physicians provide a more whole-person view of their patient, and can serve the whole family, but many of them have stopped delivering babies as a result of the extremely high cost of malpractice insurance. The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) provides more information on family practice physicians here.
Physicians generally attend births only in hospitals and typically form large group practices.
Asking questions like these may help you find a physician who is a good match for you and your family.
Photo: Nikki Williams http://bedheadbirth.com
Midwives
Midwives attend about 10% of all births in the U.S. Typically, there are three general categories of midwives: certified nurse midwives (CNM), certified professional midwives (CPM), and lay midwives (LM).
CNMs are highly trained in nursing and then midwifery. They meet the requirements of the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM). They can be licensed and practice in every state in the United States. More information about CNMs can be found here.
CPMs are highly trained in midwifery. They meet the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). CPM is the only international credential that requires knowledge about and experience in out-of-hospital settings. As of May, 2010, 25 states regulated CPMs, with Virginia, New York, and New Jersey being the only ones in this area. More information about CPMs can be found here.
The term "Lay Midwife" has been used to designate an uncertified or unlicensed midwife who was educated through informal routes such as self-study or apprenticeship rather than through a formal program. This term does not necessarily mean a low level of education, just that the midwife either chose not to become certified or licensed, or there was no certification available for her type of education.
Midwives attend births in hospitals, birth centers, and at homes. CNMs attend births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. CPMs and LMs typically only attend births in homes,. Usually, midwives form small, or solo, practices and most work with and refer clients to OB/GYNs and other medical specialists for support in the rare births that present severe complications or other medical needs. Depending upon the state licensing status of the midwife, they may be able to order sonograms, blood tests, screenings, or other pregnancy related testing.
Here is a link to BOA's List of Midwives in the Washington DC area.
Asking questions like these may help you find a midwife who is a good match for you and your family.
Midwives attend about 10% of all births in the U.S. Typically, there are three general categories of midwives: certified nurse midwives (CNM), certified professional midwives (CPM), and lay midwives (LM).
CNMs are highly trained in nursing and then midwifery. They meet the requirements of the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM). They can be licensed and practice in every state in the United States. More information about CNMs can be found here.
CPMs are highly trained in midwifery. They meet the standards for certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). CPM is the only international credential that requires knowledge about and experience in out-of-hospital settings. As of May, 2010, 25 states regulated CPMs, with Virginia, New York, and New Jersey being the only ones in this area. More information about CPMs can be found here.
The term "Lay Midwife" has been used to designate an uncertified or unlicensed midwife who was educated through informal routes such as self-study or apprenticeship rather than through a formal program. This term does not necessarily mean a low level of education, just that the midwife either chose not to become certified or licensed, or there was no certification available for her type of education.
Midwives attend births in hospitals, birth centers, and at homes. CNMs attend births in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. CPMs and LMs typically only attend births in homes,. Usually, midwives form small, or solo, practices and most work with and refer clients to OB/GYNs and other medical specialists for support in the rare births that present severe complications or other medical needs. Depending upon the state licensing status of the midwife, they may be able to order sonograms, blood tests, screenings, or other pregnancy related testing.
Here is a link to BOA's List of Midwives in the Washington DC area.
Asking questions like these may help you find a midwife who is a good match for you and your family.
Photographer: Nikki Williams http://bedheadbirth.com
Unassisted Childbirth
A small percentage of expectant parents choose to give birth without the assistance of a medical or midwifery professional. One distinction to make is that an unassisted childbirth is planned and is distinct from unassisted births resulting from accidents, emergencies, or a lack of access to professional attendants. For more information on unassisted childbirth, please click here.
A small percentage of expectant parents choose to give birth without the assistance of a medical or midwifery professional. One distinction to make is that an unassisted childbirth is planned and is distinct from unassisted births resulting from accidents, emergencies, or a lack of access to professional attendants. For more information on unassisted childbirth, please click here.
