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What Are Midwives and Doulas?

Explore Your Options
-- By Antigone Arthur, Health & Pregnancy Writer

Whether you’re a first-time mom or mom of many, having a baby brings with it many different emotions, perhaps the most common of which is worry. Mom’s worry. If you are expecting, you’re probably pondering the type of delivery you would like to have. Many women are opting for more natural births that can be performed in the home with as little medical intervention as possible.

This trend is becoming increasingly more common for second-time moms, having tried a traditional birth once, are more open to trying something more natural the second time around.

If you are considering a natural birth, you will undoubtedly want to know more about midwifery and doula practices. As a midwife or doula will tell you, there are many differences between a traditional or medically-managed birth versus a natural childbirth either at home or in the hospital.

Midwives
A midwife may deliver your baby in your home or in a hospital. This depends in part upon her credentials. Midwives can be accredited or non-accredited. Accredited midwives generally have the option of performing hospital or home births, whereas non-accredited midwifes traditionally practice only within the home. Keep in mind that a midwife’s title will reveal some information related to her educational background, certification and practice.


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Member Comments About this Article
"I would just like to say that no matter which way you decide to go either, midwife, licensed midwife, obgyn, traditional midwife, always remember to like the person.. Dont feel obligated because you meet someone and they seem great. If you have any doubts about that person or your spouse does, do not use them, whether it be home or hospital.." -- DCAKADR
"It should be mentioned that "Nurse Midwives" in hospitals often give care no different than that of a traditional OB/GYN.
If you go to a "Nurse Midwife" looking for something drastically different than a traditional hospital birth, make sure you ask her lots of questions. Don't just assume she'll handle things differently just because of the word "midwife" in her title." -- TAILSFOX
"There should have been a paragraph explaining the difference between the two since people often get them mixed up." -- ESPER_D
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About The Author
Antigone Arthur
Antigone is a freelance writer and proud mother. She has been researching and writing about pregnancy, breastfeeding, infertility and alternative health solutions for more than a decade.
Antigone Arthur

 


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