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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
"We're having a homebirth. I did extensive research, and actually wrote a term paper detailing the safety of homebirth; if a mother is seeking a natural, intervention-free birth the home is the safest place for her to birth. Hospitals have protocols which they must follow, and these protocols will directly affect the care a mother receives. Additionally, midwives spend around an hour at each appointment providing physical, emotional and mental support. According to the World Health Organization, ..." -- JBUBS8
"Yay for the birth centers! I too find that when writing about birthing options the only ones presented are hospital and home births. i find it puzzling. It seems to me that by omitting the birth centers, that it would deter a lot of mothers from natural births.It gives a very black and white impression of childbirth.

Personally I don't think I would want a home birth and I really don't want a hospital birth so it is nice to have somewhere else to go. Plus I get to stay there for two days af..." -- SYLVANAS
"My husband still gets the two mixed up. I should show him this, thanks..." -- MOMME2008
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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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