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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
"@MCDERMOTTER sorry to say that being a VBAC does not mean that you MUST have an OB. I have friends that have had a VBAC in their home with a midwife and a doula." -- MOMMYX622
"Thanks for bringing doulas and midwives to everyone's attention :) I am a VBAC so I have to use an OB, but some of my prenatal care has been from the midwives in the practice and I LOVE them. We are also using an uncertified doula. She is providing her services for free since she needs to attend 3 more births for her certification. A win-win I'd say :)" -- MCDERMOTTER
"This article seemed to be more informing about doulas than midwives!!
I chose a midwife because a traditional ob/gyn didn't suit my standards of care...meaning I wanted to be in charge and well informed of my total prenatal/postnatal care. Docs can tend to be so busy and my cousin recommended the perfect midwife for me that happened to practice alongside her doc. My midwife will be delivering our 5th child and I wouldn't have it any other way. She has kept me well informed about the tests and p..." -- FIVEFORMOMMY
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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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