Do Midwives Lead to Better Birth Outcomes?

Before having my own children, my idea of pregnancy and childbirth was based mostly on movies and tidbits shared by others. Obstetrician-gynecologist (OBGYN), epidurals, pain medications, cesarean sections, and hospitals were the norm in my mind. I didn't know a lot about my birth options. I figured it was a given to get a doctor and give birth in a hospital.

Like many first-time moms before me, I began to devour pregnancy, birth and parenting books. I still didn't know I could see someone other than an OB, but I knew I wanted as few interventions as possible. To have a successful and positive birth experience, I think making informed choices is important and support the increased awareness about birth rights and choices. It was interesting to learn that midwives are often the primary care providers for pregnant women in other countries, such as in the UK.

Related: 5 things labor and delivery nurses WISH you knew

According to a new study women who work with a midwife throughout their pregnancy and birth have better birth outcomes. Researchers reviewed data for a total of 16, 242 women receiving midwife-led care, which included women considered to have low and high risk pregnancies. They found that these women were "less likely to give birth before 37 weeks or lose their babies before 24 weeks. Women were happier with the care they received, had fewer epidurals, fewer assisted births, and fewer episiotomies." The researchers concluded that all women without serious medical issues should be offered midwife-led care or request it themselves.I had a different ob for each pregnancy but you know what? Neither of them delivered me. I didn't know the staff that delivered either of my babies! My doula was the only consistent labor support I had besides my husband. Thankfully the hospital staff respected my birth plan, but it was very distracting to have nurses changing shifts and telling me to stop pushing until they got the doctor during my first delivery.

I found the results of the study to be interesting and important information the pregnant women to have. Since I lack direct knowledge of working with a midwife I reached out to moms across the country to share their thoughts and experiences. Here's what they had to say...

Real Mom Experiences with Midwifery Care

"I had a large OBGYN group for my first pregnancy. They were cold, impersonal, and predominately male. I never felt they listened to me and, looking back, I was simply too scared and inexperienced to realize I should have switched providers," said Jamie, mother of two in Illinois, "My midwife appointments were completely different. We would chat. I could talk about anything that was bothering me. There were never time constraints and some appointments went as long at 45 minutes if I needed it." Even though her second birth didn't go completely as planned, she stated her midwife never pushed fear and urgency at them.

"I loved my midwives because they helped me do natural pain management rather than drugs like I wanted. They also helped with my tub births for both my children. With my daughter I pushed for 2 hours because she was so big and an intern doctor was in the room asking if I needed to just go get a c-section because I looked stuck. The midwife was amazing and said let her body work through it because it knows what it is doing." Jackie, mom of two in Louisiana

"I've had three midwives in two states. Never birthed with a doctor. Midwives are more likely to sit back and are more like a supporting spectator than a director and allow you to do what you feel is right for you, your baby, and your birth." Veann, mother of three in New York

"In my first pregnancy, when I got pregnant while living in England, there was no choice. We were given a midwife and seeing an OB was only if there was something wrong. When I returned to the US at 5 months pregnant, I made an appointment with an OB. Seeing an OB in the US is standard, so that's what I did. After that first appointment with the OB I left and walked across the street to the midwife office and changed my care. The OB was so medical, and cold and everything was serious. At the midwives it was natural and they listened to all my worries about being a mother for the first time." Isra, mother of three in Massachusetts

"I truly believe that my midwife helped me to achieve the birth experience I desired by supporting me every step of the way, from the first appointment to confirm the pregnancy, to my son's first breath." Dawn, mother of one in Wisconsin

"I had a group of 5 amazing midwives throughout my pregnancy. They were on a rotating on-call schedule. Throughout my pregnancy, I saw each of the midwives several times, to allow me to feel comfortable with all of them. They were more like motherly figures to me, than they were medical staff. They were all so gentle and loving, and they genuinely care about me and my daughter. When I went into labor, I had no fear. My midwives had made me feel so calm and comfortable about giving birth, that I was only feeling excitement." Mindy, mother of one in Maine

After talking with these women, it was clear how connected and comfortable they felt with their midwives. Their stories compared to the results of the study and I learned that they offer care that goes beyond pregnancy and childbirth.

Did you know you can request a midwife? Have you worked with one before?

-By Darcy Zalewski

For 8 ways to make sure you get the birth experience YOU want, visit BabyZone!

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