Why Choose Midwifery Care?
Because midwifery care focuses on the woman. It is called the Midwives Model of Care.
The Midwifery Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life events.
The Midwifery Model of Care focuses on:
* physical, social, and psychological needs of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle
* providing individualized education, counseling, and preparation for birth and parenthood
* fostering a relationship of understanding and trust, and continuous care
* minimizing interventions in the birth process
* identifying situations that are beyond the scope of the midwife and making referrals
"The application of this woman-centered model of care has proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section." - Citizens for Midwifery
Advantages of Homebirth and Safety
"Birth Is As Safe As Life Gets"
Research shows that planned birth at home with a skilled attendant is just as safe, if not safer than birth in the hospital for low-risk women. This statement has been most recently supported by a major study of homebirth in North America with Certified Professional Midwives, published in the prestigious British Medical Journal. (BMJ 2005 330:1816, 18 June) This study found that in the 5,000 women participating, less than 4% gave birth via cesarean section, and far fewer intervening than similar births in the hospital.
Advantages of homebirth and midwifery:
* Respectful treatment of mother and baby
* Personal attention to meet your unique needs
* Emotional support
* Confidence and trust in our bodies
* Comprehensive, holistic health care
* Economical
* Informed decision making
* Honoring mother/baby unit, with no separation of mother and baby
* Focus on individuals, less on technology
* No exposure to unnecessary and potentially harmful interventions
Some Commonly Asked Questions
Q: Who is a good candidate for homebirth?
A: Most women could benefit from the care of a midwife and birth successfully outside the hospital. A woman that is healthy and has a normal pregnancy is a good candidate for birth at home. If you have certain medical conditions or complications requiring medical care, it is best to birth in the hospital. Home birth is not for everyone. All women will birth best where they feel safest. Please talk with the midwife to see if homebirth is a good choice for you.
Q: What is the difference between CPM and CNM?
A: A CPM is a Certified Professional Midwife. She is not a nurse, but rather an independent professional recognized by the North American Registry of Midwives. A CPM has met rigorous requirements, passing written and clinical skills exams. In many states CPMs are also licensed midwives. CPMs may work in birth centers or in homebirth practice. CNMs, Certified Nurse Midwives, may work independently, but most deliver babies in the hospital setting. CNMs and CPMs work for the benefit of mothers and babies in any setting.
Q: Is homebirth expensive? Can I use my Insurance?
A: The cost of a typical birth at home is usually less than half of that of a normal, uncomplicated birth in the hospital. Our practice offers flexible payment plans, and never makes financial circumstances a barrier to you getting the kind of care you desire. We are providers with Vermont State Medicaid, as well as accept certain private insurances. Please speak with the midwife in regard to specific questions.
Q: Can I have a midwife and homebirth if I am having twins or a baby that is breech?
A: No. In the State of Vermont, twin pregnancies and breech are thought to be best handled by a doctor. Midwives in Vermont cannot attend these women at home, according to our State guidelines.
Q: I had a cesarean with my first baby. Can I have a homebirth this time?
A: Yes! Our practice can attend the births of women that are trying Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC). Our VBAC clients are made aware of the special considerations for VBAC, as well as the risks and benefits of VBAC. Depending on your surgical and medical history as well as factors in the current pregnancy, you may be a candidate for homebirth. Please consult the midwife individually if you are a VBAC client.
Q: Do you offer births in the water?
A: Yes! We have experience in water birth and encourage the use of water in labor. Women find that giving birth under water is a very rewarding and peaceful experience, especially for the babies!
Q: Will I be sure to get the same midwife at my birth?
A: Clients can be almost certain that we will be there for them when they are in labor and giving birth. We are on-call 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week!
Q: What if I have to go to the hospital?
A: Occasionally, situations arise where hospital birth is clearly best. In these events, we act very conservatively and appropriately to get you and your baby the best care possible. We accompany clients to the hospital and act as a support person once there. We have physicians that we can consult with, and are very grateful for their expertise. Although transports to the hospital are generally rare, we are always prepared to help you and your family get the best care in any situation. We always offer continued visits postpartum for all clients, no matter where they give birth.
© 2005 Adrienne Trahnstrom. All Rights Reserved.
Thanks to Adrienne Trahnstrom for text from her site, Vermont Maternity.
