Can I Have a Home Birth? Should I Consider a Midwife?

Should I have a midwife?! Should I SWITCH to a midwife?!

Can I or should I have a homebirth?! What should I know about birth centers?!

I’ve gotten the questions above from more people in the last two months than ever before! The recent COVID-19 outbreak has a lot of families rethinking their care options. For many families, hospital birth once felt so safe and comforting but that is no longer the case. Knowing that families may be separated from their newborns for a portion or the entirety of their hospital stay, or that they’ll no longer be allowed a support person has put the importance of support people at the forefront of the childbirth conversation. It’s also put into perspective the role comfort plays in how birth happens. For some, the new unknowns are too much and having alternative options should be considered. 

If you’re having a high-risk pregnancy or would not consider homebirth for whatever personal reasons - that’s OK too! There are so many more factors than the pandemic to think about if you’re having a baby at this time! The list of things is too great to count and different for each and family. 

I explained a bit on my page this week about the differences between midwives and doulas but that didn’t cover the difference between OBGYNs and midwives!

obgyns

Generally, take a medical approach to gynecological, maternal, and fetal care; they can manage both low and high-risk pregnancies without additional input unless specialty care is needed; they can perform surgeries. Most people find an obstetrician they like via word of mouth, reviews, and recommendations. Oh and insurance! That will play a major factor, it always does. I always suggest researching early! There are obstetricians who believe in using as little interventions as possible and who really listen to the desires of their patients and take those into consideration throughout their care.

midwives

Generally, take a more natural approach to gynecological, maternal, and fetal care. Midwives, like obstetricians are not all created equally however, there are different types of midwives. 

People find midwives the same way they find OBGYNs. Insurance coverage can also be a major factor. If you’re having a home birth, insurance is not likely an issue. A midwife will give you their fees - sometimes they are available on a website. Fees can very greatly by the type of midwife and birth place and location.

CNM: CERTIFIED Nurse Midwife

has also obtained his or her certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB). One of the major differences between a CM and CNM is the CNM has completed an undergraduate nursing degree and obtained their RN license. The CNM, like the CM has completed the Midwifery Program.

CM: Certified Midwife

CM obtained his or her certification through the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB), has completed an undergraduate degree and completed required health and science courses as part of their Midwifery Program. It is important to note that this individual does not have to have an undergraduate degree in a medical specialty but rather has taken courses to fulfill the requirements.

CPM: CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL MIDWIFE

The prerequisites to enter a Midwifery Program for this certification include a high school diploma and demonstration of competency in specific areas of knowledge and skills. Programs vary in requirements but may include science and health courses, experience in childbirth and possible doula certification. The certification is issued through North American Registry of Midwives' (NARM). Midwifery as practiced by CPMs scope is narrowed to prenatal, childbirth, postpartum and 6-8 weeks of care for mother and baby following delivery. They can be found in birth centers, offices and homes. The majority of CPMs attend births in homes or in birth centers. 

Hopefully this information gives you some insight into which provider may be the best choice for you! I can’t answer the question of what type of provider is right for you or which provider will have a personality you’ll like! But I can help you find options to suit your needs.

Now, this is great information but it doesn’t answer if homebirth is the right choice for you. Here’s what I have to say about home birth: it’s an option for many pregnant women! If you’re considering homebirth: you’ve had a relatively low-key pregnancy and are healthy and feeling strong. You’re interested in giving birth in your own power. You have a cozy comfy spot you’re thinking of giving birth. You’ve got a ton of support to birth at home. It may be the right choice for you! With home birth, your midwife options are as open as your preferences! Start the search early and meet with a few! Look into tub options, if that’s something you’re interested in! Hire a doula! If you’re wondering why you should have both, see this midwives vs. doula post!

I know a few doulas in New England who support unassisted homebirth. However, I don’t recommend this for anyone who is currently under care by an OBGYN or midwife and are now scared to have a hospital birth. I recommend talking through those fears with your provider. You haven’t had all those scans and bloodwork to suddenly not care about that information. That’s worth considering! And if you’re comfortable switching to a birth center or even to home birth, do it under the care of someone you trust. Hire a doula to help you adjust your birth plan and comfort measures, then go for it!!