Thoughts on Midwifery and Natural Birth Philosophies

Pregnancy and the birth of a child is not a medical condition, it is something that our Maker put in place to multiply mankind. How wonderful the process is and how glorious it is to think that God Almighty was the designer of the whole process!

Because of this reason, my whole philosophy towards pregnancy and childbirth led us to the Madisonville Women and Birth Center which is run by nurse midwives.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with nurse-midwifery, this description was taken directly from their website:http://www.wellnessandmaternity.net/

"Nurse-midwives at the Women’s Wellness and Maternity Center practice the midwifery model of care.

This model at the Center encompasses:
* Individualized care in an un-rushed environment
* All woman staff providing women with information to make informed decisions and take responsibility for their own health
* Appropriate health screening, risk assessment, and referrals

In addition, pregnant women at the Center will receive:
* A nurse-midwife who will stay with you throughout labor and delivery
* A nurse-midwife who will develop a plan with you for your labor and delivery

At the birth center, we try to provide the care that the woman and her family desire. We allow as many family members, including siblings of the new baby, to be present at the delivery as the mother wants. We do not separate the mother and the baby. Women are able to manage pain through freedom of movement—they may walk outside, get in the bathtub or labor pool, and use a variety of positions in labor. The Center is a UNICEF baby friendly facility which means we encourage breastfeeding and do not give artificial nipples to breastfed babies. The midwives are happy to discuss and try to accommodate any other specific requests that the family may have."

Did you know that a Obstetrician's education and experience is typically focused on COMPLICATIONS in pregnancy and delivery? Midwives, on the other hand, focus and thrive on aiding healthy pregnancy and births!

At the time, and because of my low-risk, I feel like having a midwife oversee the pregnancy and delivery is the best choice for us! I pray that the pregnancy will continue to be uncomplicated so I can continue on this path.