Midwife or MD?

[pipolchap]

I was wondering how many of you have opted for a midwife or a doctor. Could you also post why you made that choice? Also, does age of the mother/risks affect your choice?

Thanks everyone!

[Rehan]

Some interesting reading on the topic: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060407/home_birth_060407/20060409?hub=CTVNewsAt11
The study compared at-home births to low-risk hospital births and found:

* Five per cent of the women at home needed epidurals, compared to 63 per cent in hospital;
* Two per cent of women needed episiotomies, compared to 33 per cent in hospital; and
* Forceps were needed in one per cent of women, compared to two per cent in hospital.

"It is the most definitive study to date," said co-author Betty-Anne Daviss.

"The risk for home births is very similar to hospital birth, but you have one-tenth to one-half the intervention, so a lot of the caesareans being done, a lot of the forceps being done in hospital, are not really necessary."
Although the article is mainly about home delivery with the help of a midwife, there is one other option that should be considered: hospital delivery with a midwife. That works around the objection of the doctor at the end of the article, as well.

(It's easy for me to suggest a more natural delivery without being drugged up... I'm not the one that has to experience any pain! :razz: )

[Whiplash7828]

doctor for us.

Why? didn't even care about researching any alternatives really...

[Xax]

I did my research, but ultimately decided on a doctor, because of the associated likelihood of a c-section with twins. Our first singleton will likely be born at home, in a birthing tub, with a midwife.

[mart242]

We used a doctor. If something goes wrong, I'd rather be at the hospital. Plus, you don't have to clean everything after.. :lol:

[skanji]

Some interesting reading on the topic: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060407/home_birth_060407/20060409?hub=CTVNewsAt11

Although the article is mainly about home delivery with the help of a midwife, there is one other option that should be considered: hospital delivery with a midwife. That works around the objection of the doctor at the end of the article, as well.

(It's easy for me to suggest a more natural delivery without being drugged up... I'm not the one that has to experience any pain! :razz: )

Interesting...but does this also speak to the 'profile' of the woman who chooses a mid-wife over the hospital....

[Xax]

Interesting...but does this also speak to the 'profile' of the woman who chooses a mid-wife over the hospital....
Midwives and hospitals aren't mutually exclusive. :)

[lchoto]

By choosing a mid-wife you have all the options you would have if you had a doctor. Including hospital birth; drugs etc.

They only work with low risk pregnancies; if there is any concerns or risks there is an immediate transfer of care.



You do get consistent care ( same mid-wife throughout, no shift changes) and lots of post-partum care. Home visits etc.

It is also covered by OHIP.

[dlander]

The study compared at-home births to low-risk hospital births and found:

* Five per cent of the women at home needed epidurals, compared to 63 per cent in hospital;
* Two per cent of women needed episiotomies, compared to 33 per cent in hospital; and
* Forceps were needed in one per cent of women, compared to two per cent in hospital.

"It is the most definitive study to date," said co-author Betty-Anne Daviss.

"The risk for home births is very similar to hospital birth, but you have one-tenth to one-half the intervention, so a lot of the caesareans being done, a lot of the forceps being done in hospital, are not really necessary."

That's cuz all the high risk pregnancies are handled in a hospital.
Since only low risk is done at home so you would expect these kind of results.

[Rehan]

That's cuz all the high risk pregnancies are handled in a hospital.
Since only low risk is done at home so you would expect these kind of results. You might have skipped over the first part of what I quoted:
"The study compared at-home births to low-risk hospital births"

[3weddings]

I cracked 2 ribs a month before delivering and had to be in the hospital for the birth.

I wanted a tubal with #2, so I went the ob/gyn route for that...didn't end up having it (too young :mad: ), but with #3 had yet another c-section and had it done!!

[kellya]

I had a OB with my previous births and have opted for a midwife this time around. Truthfully the difference is night and day - the level of care/compassion etc. that I'm receiving with my midwife is amazing. I also love the fact that I *know* who will be at my delivery.

We are planning a homebirth and the midwife brings along all sorts of equipment in case of an emergency. We are also registered at two hospitals in case we have to transfer there for whatever reason.

Kelly

[sdm242]

Some interesting reading on the topic: http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060407/home_birth_060407/20060409?hub=CTVNewsAt11
* Five per cent of the women at home needed epidurals, compared to 63 per cent in hospital;
* Two per cent of women needed episiotomies, compared to 33 per cent in hospital; and
* Forceps were needed in one per cent of women, compared to two per cent in hospital.



We decided on a doctor, but I made sure that my wishes would be followed-ie. no pain meds, no episiotomy, etc. With my two pregnancies, I saw three different OB's and all were very willing to do things the way I wanted to. Even though I had very positive experiences with my OB's, if I were to do it again (and I'm not) I think I'd go with a midwife. My pregnancy/birthing philosophy tends to follow that of midwives moreso than OB's.

[patrob]

Doctor for us, since I always knew that I would not tolerate the pain, so getting an epidural from a midwife would not be an option :lol: Plus with our twins, you don't really have a choice ;)

[llbgal]

For baby #1, I used a family doc. For baby #2 -- I had a midwife but ended up having to *mostly* have care transferred because I ended up with gestational diabetes.

For both births I was in the hospital. Some people assume that if you choose midwife it means you are at home and that is completely incorrect... you have the choice.

I found a huge difference with midwifery care. Definitely more caring/compassion BUT the biggest difference, for me, was the level of information. The midwives gave me way more information on just about everything. I also felt extremely comfortable with them and built a closer relationship.

Even though my care was transferred my midwives were still with me at the hospital in more of a supportive "doula" type role.

The other nice thing was that after the birth -- there were 3 home visits for the baby... this was nicer than having to get up and trudge out (especially in the cold weather!)

[Yesdear]

Both of my daughters were delivered by a midwife. The first in the hostpital and the second at home. My wife wanted to go with a midwife for a number of reasons, one being the in home visits post delivery.

[shoppingmama]

Midwife with the 1st (although ultimately born in the hospital :( ) 2nd was c-section with an OBGYN.

[poedua]

4 kids ...each with mid-wives working with our GP each time

[Xax]

4 kids ...each with mid-wives working with our GP each time
How does that work? Did you have to pay for the midwife?

[Freak]

Doctor at hospital for both daughters...I don't think we even considered a mid-wife and things went so well with both births, that if we have a 3rd it will be with a OB/Doctor as well. My wife says woman complain way to much about labour...and we liked the piece of mind the hospital offered.

[poedua]

How does that work? Did you have to pay for the midwife?

It was quite a few years ago ...we paid for mid-wives out of our own pocket each time. OHIP covered the GP.

[AnnaBanana]

There still seems to be some confusion for some people regarding midwives... I had a MW and had a hospital birth.

-You CAN have drugs even if you have a midwife, all they do is call in the anesthesiologist. Even if you had your doctor with you, they would STILL have to call the anesthesiologist as your family doc or OB/GYN does NOT give you the epidural, the anesthesiologist does.

-Midwives follow up with you for 6 weeks post-partum, including home visits. This is much more conveniant for most new moms as they do not need to leave the home

-Appointments with midwives can be much longer and there is no feeling of being 'rushed', as they are not paid by the # of patients that they see (as docs are)

-Midwives present ALL options to you, and work with whatever your birth plan is (either completely natural or drugs from the start)

-Midwives are with you throughout your WHOLE labour - they do not only show up every hour to check your progress and then stick around for the 'pushing' - they are there 100% of the time. One is there from the beginning, and the 2nd midwife comes when you start 'pushing' - as she is then responsible for the baby when it is delivered

-If there are complications DURING labour, a doctor is consulted. Same goes following the labour. I had complications following the labour, and my midwives simply paged the on-call OBS/GYN who came and did a consultation. Then the doc left, and my midwives were still there with me as i was brought to the post-partum ward

-Midwives visit you at home for the weeks following the birth - they provide hands-on help with breast-feeding or any other problems that you may be having

-Drawbacks of having a midwife: If you need a prescription at some point you need to go see your doctor (e.g., antibiotics for mastitis / other infections)

[jccc]

I had a midwife for my pregnancy and I thoroughly recommend it to anyone.

I had planned for it to be in the hospital and was hoping for a natural birth, but it didn't end up happening that way.

I had to be induced, which was still possible under the care of the midwives, they would even have been able to supervise an epidural if I had needed one, but since my labour just refused to start I ended up having a C-Section at which point my care was transferred to the on-call OB. The midwife stayed with me and was there to look after my baby when she was delivered.

I also really liked the model of informed consent that they embrace, which means that they tell you about all the tests etc (like the glucose tolerance test, and prescreening tests) and you can choose not to have them if you like.

I never felt like I was asking too many questions or taking up too much of the midwife's time. The visits were relaxed and friendly. The home visits after the birth are a definate plus as well.

I am SO glad that OHIP covers midwives. What a Deal! ;)

[Diamondog]

I must I am very anal about certain things and when my wife said she wanted us to use a midwife I balked immediately because I didn't think it was a safe way to go. What I didn't know was that I balked out of complete ignorance. I agreed to go with the midwife for my wifes sake as her heart was completely set on it. I would not have changed a thing, the midwife we used actually 3 were assigned to us but the main midwife had 40 years of experience in Europe, Africa and North America (she is from Ireland). We are taught to think that birth is a medical procedure and needs to be done by a doctor this is just simply untrue. We met with our midwife every month and then more frequent as the pregancy progressed she was completely hands on the entire process. We planned on having the baby at home but there were some complications (non life threatening) that would have been easier to deal with at the hospital. The midwife laid out all our options allowed us to decide and then gave her opinion. We eneded up going to the hospital and delivering perfectly well under her guidance. I would not trade her knowledge/experience (in non life threatening situation) for a doctors. Midwife will provide a holisitic approach to pregnancy/birth with your goals and plan in mind. Would never even consider a doctor in the future. Anyone in Ottawa interested in a midwife I would highly recommend getting in touch with these people: http://www.midwiferycollectiveofottawa.ca/ Agnes was our midwife.

[canadiankorean]

We used a midwife also and I'm glad my wife pushed me to go for it.
I was a complete ignoramus with midwives.
I believed
1. It was home birth
2. I had to pay a lot of money
3. They were not trained in medicine
4. They push their agenda

But a friend of mine recommended a midwife so my wife researched about it and decided a midwife was the best.

I could not be more happy with that decision.

During the pregnancy, the midwife answered so many questions and spent a lot of time getting to know my wife and care for her. Every appointment was not rushed. 1 month before the birth, the appointments were more frequent and they kept records of everything.
(That is one BIG!!! plus. they record everything so when we went to the hospital, we didn't have to produce any paperwork.)
During contractions, the midwife came over to our house at 4:30am to assess the situation. Stayed with us for 1 hour and decided it's time to go to the hospital. She went ahead and we met her there.
She had everything prepared for us and we went to the delivery room.
She helped us with easing the contractions.. giving us suggestions and even letting us know some signs of when the 'real' contractions begin.
During the water break, she calmed me down (i didn't expect to see so much blood!!!) and was always encouraging. During the pushing, she even 'showed' my wife where to concentrate during the push so maximize the push.
After the birth, they came over the next day and assessed the baby.
Then we had trouble with breast feeding and they came over. We had our midwives come over everyday for 7 days to help with concerns and breastfeeding. Even though they were tired from delivering babies that day, they would come and visit because they cared for us.
Each visit, they would reassure us that things were going well.

I recommend everyone at least look into midwives.
I know for our next baby, we are going with a midwife no doubt about it.

[canadiankorean]

It's funny when I mention at work that I used a midwife.
Almost 95% of the people I mention this to, think that we had a home birth.

[Diamondog]

ignorance.....just about everyone believes it is home birth only.....oh well....I guess if most of the general public continue to go with doctors for pregnancy that'll leave the midwives free for my family! :cheesygri

[spdztr]

I have to say I fall into the same category as some of the posters above me, in believing that the image of a midwife is an omish-looking woman who's all about giving birth at home.

My wife has been talking to some colleagues who have only said positive things about using a midwife (in hospital). We've been doing some reading online, and I've yet to actually find anything negative about it.

Some of the common misconceptions have already been cleared up above, so the pro's at this time are:

Still able to use hospital
Can still have epidural
Covered by OHIP
Extensive knowledge and personal attention
Post-birth support for 6 weeks.

So what are the cons?? I've been trying to find some, but really haven't had much luck.

[tlamm]

Just had our second child on monday. We used a midwife for both births. Home delivery was never an option for us.

Both were planned for delivery at the hospital. Both deliveries involved drugs, and both deliveries were covered by OHIP.

You get much better support and its much easier to get in for a visit to a midwife then a doctor. And as stated above, they actually do in home followups after birth to make sure your doing ok.

If for some reason a c-section is needed, they call in a doctor to cut the baby out.

[BlueMax]

One of each, midwife & doctor. I'd take the midwife over a doctor ABSOLUTELY! Midwife at the hospital for good facilities and doctors nearby in the case of an emergency.

The midwife knew tons of stuff to make my wife more comfortable and ease the birth that ol' doc didn't know (or care) anything about. We were lucky with the doctor birth, that OUR doc was on shift at time of delivery. That was pure chance though.

Why did we go doctor second time around? Manitoba paid for the midwife. Alberta would be $2000 out of our own pockets. Yeah... great to live here. :| Can't afford a house OR extra medical care....

[kellya]

I think a midwife is totally the way to go. 4 weeks ago today I had my baby. I had a midwife (and we were planning a homebirth) I laboured at home when suddenly it became apparent to the midwife that my contraction pattern had changed. Turns out he had flipped from head down to transverse. My midwife reamained calm and professional (but incredibly caring) and told us that the situation had changed and that we needed to go to the hospital. We went to the hospital where I ended up needing a c-section which obviously was preformed by an OB. My midwife stayed with me thoughout the section (along with my husband) and cared for the baby after he was born. The level of care I received during my pregnancy and after is just incredible. I cannot say enough good things about midwives. My situation was not ideal and I never felt scared or that my baby was in danger. I knew that I was in excellent hands with my midwife.

Funny thing is, although I never wanted a c-section I would say that this last birth has been my best experience and I owe that totally to the care I received from my midwife.

Kelly

[gman]

If my mother did not born me in the hospital, I would not exist. I was named to the name of the Doctor who saved my mother and myself.

If my wife did not born my first daughter in the hospital, I would not have a 16 years old daughter.

[tlamm]

But what does that have to do with the question?

You seem to think midwifes do home births only. Most births, midwife or not take place at the hospital.



If my mother did not born me in the hospital, I would not exist. I was named to the name of the Doctor who saved my mother and myself.

If my wife did not born my first daughter in the hospital, I would not have a 16 years old daughter.

[gman]

But what does that have to do with the question?

You seem to think midwifes do home births only. Most births, midwife or not take place at the hospital.

Because the keys were the present of the doctor, not a midwife.

I just personally do not know how a midwife is better. May be they would care more than a doctor but if one has good family support, I don't see a midwife can provide better care. Since I have no experience with midwifes or knowing anyone using midwifes, I can be totally ignorant.

[tlamm]

With a mid wife in a hospital the doctor is 30 seconds away. With a doctor, your probably in the same boat :)

If there is an issue and the midwife or doctor is not in the room you press a button. In comes the nurse.. She calls the midwife/doctor..

Its only better care when your doctor has too many patients. If thats the case you can not get in to see him/her very often. You can get into see a midwife pretty easy.


Because the keys were the present of the doctor, not a midwife.

I just personally do not know how a midwife is better. May be they would care more than a doctor but if one has good family support, I don't see a midwife can provide better care. Since I have no experience with midwifes or knowing anyone using midwifes, I can be totally ignorant.

[gman]

With a mid wife in a hospital the doctor is 30 seconds away. With a doctor, your probably in the same boat :)

If there is an issue and the midwife or doctor is not in the room you press a button. In comes the nurse.. She calls the midwife/doctor..

Its only better care when your doctor has too many patients. If thats the case you can not get in to see him/her very often. You can get into see a midwife pretty easy.

In this case, what is difference between a nurse and a midwife? Is there anything that a nurse or family members (assuming the mother does have family member who know how to care about the new mother) can't solve it for you?

[kellya]

Well my first born died at birth - under the care of an OB in a hospital...would it have happened if I had a midwife? Who knows...what I do know is that my midwife with this last birth was MUCH more attentive to me than any OB I had was. She was there constantly and therefore knew immediately when things started to change - she didn't pop in for the last few minutes just to "catch" the baby like every OB I've had did.

Sorry but I don't think that you can say that you are guaranteed a happy result if you go for an OB over a midwife - it certainly wasn't the case with me.

Kelly

[gordholio]

My oldest sister had all four of her children at home with a midwife.
They all turned out fine (but there were no complications).
If I ever get married and my wife is pregnant (by me!), I don't think I would want my wife to have a home birth (not likely she'd want one), but we probably would have a midwife at a hospital.

[BlueMax]

Because the keys were the present of the doctor, not a midwife.

I just personally do not know how a midwife is better. May be they would care more than a doctor but if one has good family support, I don't see a midwife can provide better care. Since I have no experience with midwifes or knowing anyone using midwifes, I can be totally ignorant.

The reason a midwife provides BETTER care than a doctor, is because they're SPECIALIZED in birthing. Unlike many OB's and doctors, who probably know more (and care more about) childhood diseases, etc - the midwife should know everything there is to know about the birthing process, including ways to relieve the pain. (Your doc will likely push the epidural, the midwife will try everything else first... epidurals should be a last resort, but many women rush to it too soon trying to have a painless birth, not realizing they're complicating and slowing down the birthing process.)

[sdm242]

(Your doc will likely push the epidural, the midwife will try everything else first... )


I agree that there are a lot of misconceptions about midwives. But I think the above is a misconception about doctors too. I've given birth twice (and saw three different OB's) and never had an epidural or other pain med pushed at me. I was determined to not use pain meds and made my wishes known to the OB's and nurses and they never pressured me to do otherwise.

[live wire]

Midwives only deal with low risk births. But, sometimes even low risk births throw a curve ball and can lead to complications during delivery. My wife and I both feel more secure in a hospital environment for that very reason.

[kaimui22]

i wanted a natural birth but it wasn't happening for me...

1) baby was overdue with no sign of progression for labour
2) tried everything (raspberry leaf tea, walking, spicy food, acupressure..etc..nothing worked to induce labour)
3) ended up having to be induced...which put me into labour for a freaking 36 hours....
4) labour failed to progress even after induction for so long..
5) had to had water broken..baby in distress for too long..tried to force him out..turns out he was too big and stubborn and instead of coming down any further, he went back up
6) ended up c-section..

i would give anything for a fast, natural birth instead of being stuck in the hospital, being induced, tied down to a bed (fetal monitor and epidural)...the recovery with a hospital birth was hell..the nurses were mean, the people staying in the same room (whose baby didn't even cry when hungry and when diaper wet) were mean (they said i shouldn't try to breastfeed if i couldn't becoz my baby kept crying and kept them up at night...)

anyways my experience with the hospital birth was hell..but i didn't choose to have that happen to me. labour just wasn't gonna happen for me without intervention..

[Deans21]

I think I have something against midwives because of my ex-girlfriend. She was all pro-naturopathic medicine while I was a premed undergrad. She always believed that midwives were better and that there are no complications in birth. Her idea was that if something went "wrong" it was because the baby wasn't ready to come out yet and you should wait and the situation will pass. She argued that in a situation like that, Doctors would administer some sort of drug to save the baby and possibly the mother while a midwife would do anything but give you drugs.

Of course now I know that isn't exactly the case but the feelings are still there. Let's just wait until she one day experiences some complications and see if she wants to "let the baby come out on it's own".

Some people's kids I tell ya.... glad I got out of that one!

[DealDemon]

We have a 5 weeks old son now. My wife switched to a midwife after 28 weeks pregnant. OB/gyn did not have time for questions, my wife had to wait almost an hour for appointments, and ob/gyn charged for hospital package of $20. This is her first pregnancy and this is an event that needs a caring person to answer any questions or concerns and its an event that is a once in a lifetime thing for each and every child. Another important factor is that my wife's health is normal, she had the option to go to a midwife since they specialize in normal births and is for the mom and kid all the way. My wife wanted a natural birthing experience and like to plan for a helpful and caring atmosphere in the once in a lifetime event for our first child. Every child 's birth is different and she wanted to cherish it the best she could by having caring and supportive midwife who will be there for her and answers any questions she has.

[blink]

I did my research, but ultimately decided on a doctor, because of the associated likelihood of a c-section with twins. Our first singleton will likely be born at home, in a birthing tub, with a midwife.

I haven't read the whole thread, but midwives should NOT be delivering twins or any other high risk pregnancy - ie breech, multiples (twins and higher), multiple previous miscarriages, etc.

Midwives are actually in high demand and normally you need to call them up as soon as you know you are pregnant else the waitlist will be too long. You can always opt for a hospital delivery with a midwife so that ob/gyns are around should an emergency arise. In teh triage system for midwive waitlists, you are more likely to get a midwife if you want a home delivery since ob/gyns can't cover that service.

[abu_sme]

All the licensed midwives have all taken stress leave locally because they are overwhelmed. The scary thing now though is that there is an unlicensed midwife running around and doing home deliveries. This woman has a history of not providing proper care and as such is no longer licensed, but still practices. Scary, but not the norm.

[Caillo]

I'm surprised this is even a debate. MD without question.

[BlueMax]

I'm surprised this is even a debate. MD without question.

Why? Many of us who have had experiences with BOTH have VASTLY preferred the midwife. Do tell - your opinion counts! :)

[Bullseye]

With OHIP covering midwives, the only reason I can see to NOT use one, in hospital, is that in some areas, it can be hard to get one! Both our sons were delivered by our OB doctor (who was great), but only because we couldn't find a midwife!

Midwife in hospital, there is really no downside to it at all that I can see. Doctors are always around in the L&D ward, as is all of the special equipment.

[spdztr]

My wife will be calling today to find out if it's too late for us to find one, but it seems from the responses in this thread that there is really no good reason NOT to use a midwife.



With OHIP covering midwives, the only reason I can see to NOT use one, in hospital, is that in some areas, it can be hard to get one! Both our sons were delivered by our OB doctor (who was great), but only because we couldn't find a midwife!

Midwife in hospital, there is really no downside to it at all that I can see. Doctors are always around in the L&D ward, as is all of the special equipment.

[knapper]

Wife chose a midwife and loved it. We had complications and our daughter ended up delivered by an OB and resident (after 21 hours of labouring with widwife), but I know she would do it the same next time. I don't think you can compare the pre- and post-care.

[Diamondog]

I'm surprised this is even a debate. MD without question.


Are you talking from experience or just general ignorance which most people do on this subject?

[Caillo]

Are you talking from experience or just general ignorance which most people do on this subject?

Experience.

Seems to me like many people in this thread chose midwifes and feel as though they need to come on here and defend their decision to the death in order to receive some sort of personal validation... Perhaps some of you are experiencing some form of cognitive dissonance with respect to your decisions.

Anyway... The OP asked which would you use a MD or a Midwife. The OP never asked if you could use both would you? If you must chose between one or the other you need to chose MD 100% of the time. Myself, and anyone who knows what midwifes are qualified to do, would chose the MD over the Midwife. Any complications which occur during birth can have life long effects on both child and mother. This is why I would not want someone who is not qualified to deal with such complications assisting in the birth of my child.

I also agree that using a midwife in a hosipital would be much better then using one at your home... However, just remember that certain complications, even if they only last a few minutes, could harm the baby... Those few minutes that you need to inform the MD about the problem or for him to now figure out what's going on because the midwife was in charge.

Ok.... Time for everyone tell me how my advice is terrible.. To the OP: do some research on what midwifes are qualified to handle and then make your own decision...

[Rehan]

Experience. What is the extent of your experience?

[spdztr]

However, just remember that certain complications, even if they only last a few minutes, could harm the baby... Those few minutes that you need to inform the MD about the problem or for him to now figure out what's going on because the midwife was in charge.


This is the sole downside that could make us choose an OB instead of a midwife. Even in a hospital, each second is precious when it comes to a newborn. Those few moments needed to page someone and respond could mean the difference between life/death or other serious complications.

[Diamondog]

Experience.

Seems to me like many people in this thread chose midwifes and feel as though they need to come on here and defend their decision to the death in order to receive some sort of personal validation... Perhaps some of you are experiencing some form of cognitive dissonance with respect to your decisions.

Anyway... The OP asked which would you use a MD or a Midwife. The OP never asked if you could use both would you? If you must chose between one or the other you need to chose MD 100% of the time. Myself, and anyone who knows what midwifes are qualified to do, would chose the MD over the Midwife. Any complications which occur during birth can have life long effects on both child and mother. This is why I would not want someone who is not qualified to deal with such complications assisting in the birth of my child.

I also agree that using a midwife in a hosipital would be much better then using one at your home... However, just remember that certain complications, even if they only last a few minutes, could harm the baby... Those few minutes that you need to inform the MD about the problem or for him to now figure out what's going on because the midwife was in charge.

Ok.... Time for everyone tell me how my advice is terrible.. To the OP: do some research on what midwifes are qualified to handle and then make your own decision...

As I thought coming from a place of ignorance..ok...now that we have cleared that up.....

[canadiankorean]

I think the OP wasn't "Would you use..." but rather "DID you use..."

[rdtx2002]

what is the diff between a midwife and a doula?

[spdztr]

what is the diff between a midwife and a doula?

I may be wrong, but I think that doulas are there for support only, and are not covered by OHIP, whereas midwives are fully trained (4 year degree) professionals, and are covered by OHIP.

[Diamondog]

Just had our first appointment for our second child with the same midwife that delivered our first baby...she's awesome more experience in birthing than any doctor could provide (low risk that is)!

Agnes Fitzgerald http://www.midwiferycollectiveofottawa.ca/

[ChiefRocker]

Our birth took place in the hospital with the midwife.
I was a doubter at first, and only felt comfortable with the thought of a OB but then we went to a information session and it changed my mind. It has a level of care/compassion that you just don't get from a doctor, lise 3am visits before you go to the hospital to make sure that it is not false alarm, and that you won't waist time there.

If you live in Ottawa you can contact these folks to see when the next information session is.
http://www.midwiferyconsumers.org

[BlueMax]

I may be wrong, but I think that doulas are there for support only, and are not covered by OHIP, whereas midwives are fully trained (4 year degree) professionals, and are covered by OHIP.

Exactly. A Doula is there to help you, mostly just keeping mom comfortable and keeping her from losing her head. ;) She does NOT do any birthing, nor is she qualified to do so.

[Rehan]

There's an interesting article at http://www.thestar.com/Health/article/217456 ...with a surprising statistic: According to the Association of Ontario Midwives, 40 per cent of women seeking midwifery care can't get it.
:|

[3boysmom]

For babies # 1 & 2 I had my GP. I was supposed to have her for #3 as well but she went on vacation.

As it turned out I had a hospital delivery by a midwife. She was a staff nurse working the night I came in.

With 20 minutes from the time we arrived at the emerg doors to baby in my arms the GP covering missed it.

As it turned out I had some post delivery complications that required beyond midwife allowed intervention and was very glad to see the covering GP walk in. (better late than never)

[pipolchap]

Anyway... The OP asked which would you use a MD or a Midwife. The OP never asked if you could use both would you? If you must chose between one or the other you need to chose MD 100% of the time. Myself, and anyone who knows what midwifes are qualified to do, would chose the MD over the Midwife. Any complications which occur during birth can have life long effects on both child and mother. This is why I would not want someone who is not qualified to deal with such complications assisting in the birth of my child.

I also agree that using a midwife in a hosipital would be much better then using one at your home... However, just remember that certain complications, even if they only last a few minutes, could harm the baby... Those few minutes that you need to inform the MD about the problem or for him to now figure out what's going on because the midwife was in charge.

Ok.... Time for everyone tell me how my advice is terrible.. To the OP: do some research on what midwifes are qualified to handle and then make your own decision...

To clarify my question, I wanted to know how many people chose an MD or a Midwife as their PRIMARY care giver. I guess I didn't know enough to formulate a concise question...

From what I understand about midwives, they act as primary caregiver up to delivery, iff there is no complication. If there arises any indication of complication, there will be a "transfer of care" to an MD. The midwife will still be there for support and post-delivery care for the mother and baby. So depending on circumstances that cannot be predicted, having a "100% midwife" is not an always, however there is always a "100% MD".

Thanks for all your responses, we've already made our decision since the start of the topic, and have opted for a midwife with an in-hospital delivery. It was an offer my wife and I couldn't refuse! :)