In the United States, the majority of births take place in hospitals. These births are attended by obstetricians. While this type of maternity care may be more prevalent, it is not the only model of care available to women.

Some women desire a more personal approach to the care they receive during their pregnancies and the birth of their babies. This can be provided by midwives.

Midwifery is not a new form of health care. From the infancy of our country to the present, there have been women who have acted in the capacity of birth attendants.

Apprenticeship was the original method of midwifery training. Now there are several paths available for those who feel called to become midwives. Students may attend a midwifery school or take courses online. Clinical experience can be presented under the supervision of a qualified preceptor.

The practice of midwifery is open to men as well as women. Although most midwives are female, there are some male midwives. A male midwife is not a doctor. He is a male midwife.

There are several types of midwives. Some midwives are licensed professional midwives. Others are certified professional midwives. There are certified nurse midwives and direct entry midwives. Depending on where the midwife practices will determine whether or not the credentials are considered legitimate.

Midwives work in a variety of settings. Most certified nurse midwives work primarily in hospitals or birth centers. Very few attend women in home births. Most licensed professional midwives, certified professional midwives and direct entry midwives provide care to women who choose the option of home birth. Whether hospital, birth center or home, midwives provide women with the kind of personal care that positively impacts their pregnancy and childbirth experience.

The midwifery model of care has as its foundation in the belief that pregnancy and birth are normal life events. The care they provide is intended to address the woman physically, psychologically and socially. The duration of care is throughout the childbearing cycle and it is highly individualized. Education and counseling as well as extensive prenatal care are offered. Postpartum care and support are all included in the service.

Women receive hands on care and attention during labor and delivery. Attempts are made to minimize technological interventions. Through careful observation high risk pregnancies are identified and women are referred to obstetrical management. The goal is to provide women centered maternity care.

The midwifery model of care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma and cesarean section. The heart of midwifery care has always been to focus on the whole woman while providing personal care and support throughout pregnancy, labor and childbirth. Statistics support the value of midwifery care and the positive outcomes that are derived from its application to pregnancy and childbirth.

Andrea Branagan, MA, CNMI, is a childbirth educator, health care advocate and director of education at Gentle Birth Choices.

To learn more, visit www.gentlebirthchoices.net