Having a career focused on the care of pregnant women and newborns is as rewarding and unique as you can imagine.
Midwives all over the country dedicate their time (and their sleep) to ensuring their patients get the best care possible. Here are some interesting facts about this profession you may not know.
1. Midwives are certified medical professionals.
There are still a number of misconceptions about midwives’ expertise and credentials. Midwives must hold a graduate degree from a school accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives and undergo rigorous training.
2. Even though midwives only attend about 8% of births in the United States, they might be a better option for some women.
In low-risk pregnancies where women plan on delivering vaginally, a midwife could be beneficial. Studies have shown that births attended by midwives have a lower C-section rate.
3. Midwives use tools like peanut balls during labor.
A peanut ball is an inflatable exercise ball that has been shown to help laboring moms in a variety of positions. It’s one way to labor without medical interference.
4. Midwives can help you give birth where you feel most comfortable.
Midwives can attend your birth at home, in a birth center, or in a hospital. It’s up to the expecting parents to determine what works best.
5. For home births, midwives bring a number of medical supplies and equipment.
Gloves, surgical masks, and nitrous oxide are just a few of the supplies you might find in a midwife’s bag.
6. Another tool midwives use to help women give birth is the birthing stool.
This stool helps women get in a squatting position during labor, which many women find helps the baby move down.
7. Midwives don’t just take of pregnant and new moms.
They are also trained in the care of newborn babies and ensure that they are developing and gaining weight during the first few weeks of life.
8. Many midwives are also breastfeeding experts.
They’ll help new moms learn how to breastfeed properly.
9. Sometimes, they use the Pinard-Stethoscope to listen to babies’ heartbeats.
This tool is from the 1800s but is still used by midwives today.
10. While dopplers have largely replaced this tool, some babies prefer this old-fashioned method.
Some midwives also prefer using it themselves since they can “feel” the babies’ heartbeat as well as hear it.
11. Midwives are also trained in procedures like stitches.
Most new moms experience some tearing during birth and may require stitches once the baby is born.
