The Advantages of Using a Midwife

For many expecting mothers, giving birth at home under the care of a midwife is the most natural way to experience the childbirth process. In fact, a 2010 report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that approximately 49,438 home births took place from 2005 to 2006. The majority of these births were attended by experienced midwives who are trained to provide care to women during and after childbirth. In addition to achieving a more natural birthing process, there are also other benefits in enlisting the services of a midwife.

Less Expensive

• Midwives offer the most affordable labor and delivery care available. In 2004, the March of Dimes organization reported that home births cost about a third of what hospital births cost. This may be due to the difference between the model of care that midwives must follow compared to that of obstetricians and hospitals. While doctors and medical staff often use the latest medicine and technology available to them, midwives use natural methods to assist women during the birthing process. As a result, expecting mothers often pay an affordable flat fee for the services that their midwife provides instead of paying for the additional services typically provided in hospitals such as lab tests and medical procedures.

More Options

• Although the birthing process is very unpredictable, midwives can offer expecting mothers more options in regards to the type of care that they want to receive during their labor. Not only are there several different types of midwives with various levels of training to choose from, but many midwives also specialize in different birthing techniques. In most states, women can choose to hire a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) who has completed a degree in nursing and midwifery training or a lay midwife who has only completed an apprenticeship or other type of informal training. Women can also choose a midwife that can assist them in having a water birth, hypnobirth or in using the Bradley birthing method.

Personalized Care

• Midwives must develop a close relationship with each of their clients in order to provide them with the personal support that they need during labor. Women who choose to use their services often receive more personalized care, because midwives are required to identify their client's personal needs and preferences through regular visits and good communication. In addition to supporting the expecting mothers, midwives also take the time to educate their spouses or family members about the labor process and different coaching techniques.