One of the most important decisions you and your partner need to make after becoming pregnant is who will assist in delivering your baby. There are a variety of delivery options, including ”family practice” physicians, obstetrician-gynecologists and nurse-midwives. Midwives provide a safe – and increasingly popular – alternative to conventional obstetric childbirth.

Certified nurse-midwives are registered nurses with advanced academic and clinical training in midwifery. They must pass an examination administered by the American College of Nurse-Midwives to become certified.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, the number of births attended by certified nurse-midwives has risen each year since 1975. In 2007, certified nurse-midwives attended 4.7 percent of all in-hospital births.

The word ”midwife” is derived from a German word meaning ”with woman.” That definition is reflected in the midwife philosophy, that women are actively involved in the birth of their babies. Midwives view pregnancy as a normal, natural life event, not as a medical condition or illness. They focus on the expectant mother”s emotional as well as physical wellness. They also address the concerns of the mother”s partner and other family members and strive to involve them in the process.

Nowadays, many midwives and obstetricians work side by side in group practices, often in hospitals. That means a woman can have ”the best of both worlds” – the hospital environment many women want and the intimate, personalized birth experience often associated with midwifery. It also means a woman may see a midwife, an obstetrician or both. Midwives are trained to handle all aspects of normal prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care. If complications arise, a midwife can easily consult with an obstetrician. If a C-section is required, an obstetrician is always on hand to perform the surgery.

A smaller number of midwives practice in free-standing birthing centers or attend home births. Some women prefer birthing centers to hospitals because of their home-like atmosphere. If the mother is in need of serious medical intervention, she is transported to a nearby hospital.

During labor, midwives encourage pain-relief options such as massage, showering or bathing, position changes and breathing exercises. Midwives can administer some of the same pain medications used by obstetricians, but because they also offer alternative ways of relieving pain, their patients tend to require less medication.

Ask the staff at any hospital you are considering if it has a team of midwives. Before choosing a care provider, it”s a good idea to interview several practitioners to see whom you feel most comfortable with. Look for someone who will provide both excellent medical care and emotional support – and who will make the birth a positive experience for mom, baby and everyone involved.

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