subject: How Midwives Can Help Before & After A Pregnancy? [print this page] Whether you have just found out that you are pregnant or you have decided that you want to get pregnant, you are going to need to start making decisions about your pre-natal care and your delivery. One of the big decisions that you are going to need to make is whether or not you would like to employ a midwife. In the United States, a midwife"s role replaces that of the obstetrician. He or she gives advice and aid throughout the pregnancy, but that is typically not all that they do.
Certification
Unlike the UK, where midwives are universally certified, midwives in the United States may fall into one of several categories. Certified nurse midwives hold a bachelors degree in nursing, while certified professional midwives have a bachelors degree in midwifery. Direct entry midwives are not licensed, though they may have trained with another midwife prior to entering the field. The more certification a midwife as, the more he or she can do in a medical emergency.
Duties During Pregnancy
A midwife"s primary duty is assisting the mother during a natural and normal child-bearing. He or she will routinely assess the health of the mother and the fetus while providing the mother with advice on how to ensure the baby"s health and continuing good condition. During the pregnancy, a midwife will give advice on topics ranging from nutrition to exercise to determining what activities will or will not hurt the baby. Essentially, the midwife acts as an important resource for the parents to be.
During Delivery and Afterward
A midwife is present as a mother enters labor, and one of the duties of a midwife is to coach a mother through labor as well as aiding in any difficulties that might occur. The midwife is also expected to constantly evaluate the mother and baby"s condition, and to decide of emergency care is necessary. Depending on the midwife"s training, he or she might also intervene medically during an emergency.
Natural Support
A midwife is a prime resource if you wish to give birth naturally. He or she will be there to support you through the decisions that you need to make, and she will also be able to help you deal with the emotional upheavals that often happen during pregnancy, labor and afterward. Despite the myth of the glow of motherhood, pregnancy causes drastic changes to your body and your mood. A midwife"s role is to keep you calm and to make sure that you are making the decisions that are best for you and your baby.
Consider the role that a midwife could play during your own pregnancy and delivery. This is a crucial time for you and your family, so choose the help that you need.
