The term midwife reflects a philosophy of care–one that is directed toward women and their individual reproductive needs. A midwife usually offers a variety of options and seeks to eliminate or minimize unnecessary interventions. This philosophy is represented by the Midwives Model of Care. he midwives model of care is based on the belief that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. The midwives model of care includes:

• Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle

• Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and    

  delivery, and postpartum support. 

• Minimizing technological interventions

• Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention

 

What are the benefits of using a midwife?

One of the main reasons that women elect to use a midwife is to experience childbirth as naturally as possible. Available options is another benefit associated with having a midwife. Midwives often offer payment plans, sliding fees, and are willing to accept most insurance plans including Medicaid.

 

According to the doctoral research conducted by Peter Schlenzka, the choice of using a nurse-midwife and natural delivery can result in the following benefits:

• Lower maternity care costs

• Reduced mortality and morbidity related to cesarean and other     interventions

• Lower intervention rates

• Fewer recovery complications

 

 

What Services do midwives provide?

The services of a midwife depend on the certification and licensing credentials obtained and the practice restrictions of each state. Because of the additional licensure in nursing, a nurse-midwife can offer the most comprehensive array of health care services to women.

These services include: annual gynecological exams, family planning and preconception care, prenatal care, labor and delivery support, newborn care, and menopausal management. Midwives generally provide reproductive education in fertility, nutrition and exercise, contraception, pregnancy health, breastfeeding, and quality infant care. Midwives often function as a quality economical option for birthing care.