What's the scoop on midwives ?

I never really took the time to educate myself on what a midwife was... I was under the impression that they were in the same category as a doula, just alot more training. I just found out that they are at a higher level than Nurse Practitioner's and can prescribe medication, etc. Also covered by insurance (I thought it wasnt, thought it was something ladies did on their own, paid for like a private coach or something.)

Anyway, my point is, a LLL Lactation consultant suggested I see a MW for my BFing problems, and I am totally excited that insurance covers it.. I called to get an apptmt and found out that its an OB practice and obviously, I must be a patient. So in order to change my Dr's (and I havent been crazy about my dr's office lately, so i dont care if i change) well its a process of getting my records moved over, paying 75cents a page of my records, sending a note to release my records...

So I ask you.
is it worth all this trouble just to see a MW? I feel like a MW will be more in tune with BFing issues. OB's are not necessarily trained in BFing/lactation issues and I feel like im being giventhe runaround by my OB. and no treatment...

whats your experiences/knowledge about widwives?

Re: What's the scoop on midwives ?

I don't have any info on bfding related to midwives. But, just to share my experience with you, I have chosen a midwife for my pregnancy and she is covered by my insurance. She has 28 years of experience as a midwife, and is a NP. Their training is very, very specialized in all the stages of pg, labor, delivery, and post-partum. Her experience also includes holding childbirth education classes, and training childbirht educators.

Before I got pg, I even had a midwife instead of a GYN, who offered 'well-woman care'. The reason I love midwives, is b/c based on may experience, they've taken a whole lot more time getting to know me. Both have spent time on the phone and over an hour talking with me in their offices during appointments. I know a lot of you may have OB/GYNs who you like, but I never found one who seemed like they really treated me holistically.
All midwives have to be certified by the Amercian College of Nurse Midwives (hence, the suffix CNM) to practice in NYS, I'm not sure about other states.

You can try www.midwife.org

Re: What's the scoop on midwives ?

Thanks Nina, the only thing I know about them is that they cant perform C-sections. Lets say I got one for my next birth, and I needed a C, would they have a Dr from their practice on call just incase ? Do MW's believe in 'no medication' ? Because I dont necessarily want that. but I AM interested in learning more about them...
and they are there to suggest what you should and shouldnt do throughout the birth ?

Thanks !

Re: What's the scoop on midwives ?

They can administer IV and give drugs I think, but no they can't perform surgery (I don't think any nurses can). My SIL gave birth at home with a midwife, and the midwife had the IV, meds, oxygen if needed. I think depending on the practice, midwives might choose certain things over others. In general I think they are more conservative to give epidural, pitocin, perform episiotomies, etc than MDs. It's not that they don't believe in no meds, but the more traditionals ones might suggest not using them, or wait longer to induce labor, etc.

But, if they are in a practice with an MD, then they probably have to follow what the MD says? They usually are linked to a back-up OBs. My midwife is the only one who will be working with me, but I think by law, if there is any reason that I might be in a 'high-risk' (I know you don't like that term:) category (diabetes, etc.), she will have to refuse treating me, and I will have to go to an OB.

About bfding, did you contact your local La Leche League, I've read about them in some pg boards, they seem like a good resource for help with bfding.

Re: What's the scoop on midwives ?

Im really going to look into a MW, I wanna read more on it, and then maybe for my next baby.. and it would definately help with my BFing.. LLL were the ones that suggested this MW place to me. Yes they are very informative, helpful and friendly.
They CAN get a bot over the edge (the LLL LEaders) in that they make you feel AWFUL if you EVEN MENTION the words pacifier, bottle or formula. You hang up the phone feeling guilty for even considering having those in your home. They are 'a bit' on the extreme, to say the least, but they ARE helpful at a time like this. I just take the advice from them that works for me and my situation...

Re: What's the scoop on midwives ?

My ob-gyn DR has about 4 midwives on staff and the rotate days. I chose this office cuz my BF has used them ...and has had 2 kids so far....and I wanted my ob-gyn visits w. a woman. (In my family, you didnt go to this type of dr until u were married and pregnant!)