Pregnancy is an exciting experience. But as soon as you find out you’re expecting, it’s time to start making decisions about your health care.
Most women in the United States see obstetricians during their pregnancies, but more and more are taking a different approach. Midwives are trained medical professionals that provide personalized care through pregnancy, labor, delivery, and beyond — and a midwife could be a good choice for you.
Our midwifery team at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta is here to help you make an informed decision. Choosing the right midwife to guide you through the process is important, and it's essential to find someone you feel comfortable with and trust.
Here are five questions to ask when you’re looking for a midwife:
It's important to make sure your midwife has the necessary qualifications and experience to provide safe and effective care.
All of our midwives at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta are certified nurse-midwives (CNMs). That means they’re registered nurses (RNs) who have completed advanced post-graduate training through a program accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).
Ask your potential midwife about their education, certification, and experience in caring for women throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
You may also want to ask about their philosophy of care and approach to childbirth to ensure that it aligns with your own values and your goals for your birth experience.
Midwives offer a range of services, including prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care. We take a comprehensive approach to wellness during pregnancy, and many women choose midwifery for the enhanced level of personalized care they receive.
Ask about the specific services your midwife offers and whether they have any additional training or expertise in certain areas, like breastfeeding support.
Be prepared to discuss your goals and preferences for birth (such as natural or low-intervention), to make sure your midwife’s approach matches yours.
Pregnancy and childbirth can be unpredictable, and you need to know how to get in contact with your midwife when you need them. Ask how often you’ll have appointments, how to contact them between appointments, and what their on-call policy is for labor and delivery.
At OB-GYN Associates of Marietta, we have a team of CNMs and obstetricians that work together to provide seamless care if your midwife is unavailable at any point.
Labor can be a painful and challenging experience. Midwives specialize in natural childbirth and typically steer patients away from drug and medical intervention, so it's important to know that your midwife has a plan for managing pain and discomfort.
Ask about their approach to pain management, including non-medical options like massage, breathing techniques, and hydrotherapy, as well as medical interventions like pain medication or epidurals. Take time to find a midwife whose approach aligns with your own preferences and comfort level.
Midwifery care is generally safe for low-risk pregnancies, but there’s always a risk of complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Ask your potential midwife about their emergency plan in case of complications, such as hemorrhage, fetal distress, or preterm labor.
As CNMs, our midwives have the necessary training and resources to handle emergencies at any point in your pregnancy. We work closely with our obstetrics team, and we can transfer care quickly if necessary.
Choosing the midwife who will care for you during pregnancy, labor, and delivery is an incredibly important decision, and asking these questions can help you make an informed choice.
Take time to find a midwife who makes you feel comfortable in discussing your expectations and concerns, so you can feel confident in the journey ahead.
To learn more about midwife care at OB-GYN Associates of Marietta and meet our team, call to schedule an appointment in Marietta or Woodstock, Georgia, or send us a message online.
