Today, women have many choices when it comes to childbirth. One of them is who will deliver their baby. A growing number of expectant mothers are opting for a certified midwife,and for good reasons.
For one thing, midwives are dedicated to providing the highest-quality care, making themselves available to you whenever you have questions or concerns about your pregnancy. A visit with your midwife is likely to be longer and more thorough than your usual appointment with an obstetrician.
A midwife‘s emotional as well as physical support allows you to focus on the natural experience of pregnancy and childbirth, while also providing you with more options for labor and delivery. Midwifery is also beneficial in helping you reach full-term, reducing the risk of preterm birth, cesarean section, and fewer medical interventions. In addition, a midwife can assist you with your initial breastfeeding attempts.
So, how do you find a qualified mid-wife in your local area? Here are some helpful tips:
- Start your search on the internet.It’s one of the fastest ways to create a list of local midwifery practices and likely midwife candidates. You can also ask your family doctor for referrals and/or recommendations from family members and friends who have gone through the birthing experience.
- Check the midwife’s credentials. Focus in on Certified Professional Midwives (CPM). These are experts on community birth (homebirth or birth center birth) and have extensive training in natural, holistic pregnancy care. They are also experienced in taking care of you and your baby after birth in the home setting. Other types of credential midwives include Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) and Naturopathic Midwives (ND).
- Set up consultations with each practice that interests you. This will enable you to meet prospective candidates face-to-face, where you can ask questions about the care the midwives offer and get to know their individual personalities. You’ll want a midwife with whom you not only feel comfortable, but can build a relationship throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.
- Make sure all your questions are answered. Since many practices have midwife rotation, you’ll want to know who will be present at your birth. Other relevant questions to ask include:
- Do you provide informed choice (your ability as a patient to make knowledgeable decisions that reflect your culture, values, and views)?
- How do you maintain safety in your practice?
- What type of medications do you offer to control postpartum bleeding?
- What do you charge and what does my medical insurance cover?
- Choose a midwife with whom you feel safe and compatible. Midwifery is most rewarding when you have a professional midwife who is not only your personal match, but someone who offers a sense of genuine compassion and security.
Midwife Near You in Lithonia, Decatur, and Stone Mountain, Georgia
The certified nurse midwives and nurse practitioners at Dekalb Women’s Specialists are an exceptional team of highly trained experts in the field of women’s healthcare and obstetrics. Our dedicated midwives provide experienced and compassionate care for women before, during, and after the birth of their babies.
To learn more about our midwives and nurse practitioners, schedule a consultation by calling Dekalb Women’s Specialists at (404) 508-2000 or request an appointment now. We have three convenient locations near Atlanta, Georgia, from which to serve your women’s healthcare needs in Decatur, Stonecrest, and Stone Mountain.
