Midwifery Model Of Care
I practice the Midwifery Model of Care which is based on the information written below by Citizens for Midwifery.
Congratulations! You are about to experience the birth of your baby!
The Midwives Model of Care includes prenatal visits and "hands-on" care throughout labor, birth and right after. It results in less chance of complications, fewer interventions, and a healthier birth for you and your baby.
Women are discovering that the hospital is not the only option for safe birth. Women are more likely to labor best in a place where they feel free, safe and private, with attendants whom they know and trust.
Women who experience the Midwives Model of Care report feelings of greater satisfaction and empowerment! Compared to standard medical management, the Midwives Model of Care is a fundamentally different approach to pregnancy and childbirth. The following explains what to expect with the Midwives Model of Care, and how this kind of care can help your childbirth experience be a joyous life event.
What to Expect from a caregiver who provides the Midwifery Model of Care
The Midwives Model of Care includes:
- Monitoring the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle.
- Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support.
- Minimizing technological interventions.
- Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention.
Respectful Treatment
- Gentle, nurturing care that respects you, your family and your beliefs.
- Respect for your informed decisions about medical tests, recommendations and interventions.
- Willingness to support your birth plan, including any family members and friends you may want present at the birth.
- Freedom to move, eat, bathe - to do what helps you during labor and birth; your midwife doesn't "prohibit" or "allow," but patiently supports and guides you.
- Respect for the birth process as it unfolds uniquely each time. Being pregnant and giving birth are normal life processes for which a woman's body is well-designed.
Personal Attention
- Prenatal visits that allow plenty of time for questions and answers - 30 to 60 minutes for each prenatal appointment is common.
- Meaningful discussions to explore and help resolve fears and concerns you or your family may have.
- Caring attention to develop a trusting and nurturing relationships that to offer support during the birthing process.
Necessary Information
- Information about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and newborn care.
- Support and suggestions for self care including lifestyle choices and nutrition
- Complete information about any recommended tests, procedures or treatments.
Appropriate Monitoring
- Regular and thorough check-ups for you and your baby throughout your pregnancy, during labor, and after the birth.
- Recommendations for diagnostic technology when appropriate.
- Planning for the unexpected or rare emergency.
- Referrals to other healthcare specialists or to a different birth setting if needed.
- Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth, and are aware of the variations of normal birth. They're trained to recognize and respond to the early signs of abnormal medical conditions or complications that may arise during pregnancy or the during birth process.
Natural Techniques for Comfort
- Help you cope with the discomfort of labor. Midwives have found that encouragement, massage, relaxation, laboring in water, changing positions and other approaches are often very effective.
- Encourage the progress of labor and help you give birth to your baby gently and lovingly.
A Care Provider Who Will Stay with You
Attentive, sensitive care and emotional support in tune with your needs, throughout labor. Research has shown that having a "sympathetic female companion" with you all through labor and delivery reduces the chance of complications and the likelihood of an unnecessary cesarean section. The Midwives Model of Care means that your midwife stays with you and mothers the mother.
Postpartum care and help with breastfeeding. After your baby is born, the midwife will stay with you until breastfeeding is established and both you and your baby are resting comfortably. She will arrange a visit after the birth to check you and your baby and to answer any questions.
Will you receive the Midwives Model of Care from your midwife or doctor?
Use this information to ask detailed questions when choosing your caregiver and deciding where you want to give birth. It's also a good idea to question others who have used the caregiver. At present, this degree of individualized and supportive care is most typically provided by midwives in homes and birth centers.
