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October 2015 Moms
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Midwife and Doula questions

schpoopyschpoopy member
in October 2015 Moms
Is anyone using a doula or a midwife? I'm super curious, and I don't know where to start. I'm not even necessarily sure what the differences between the two are. If you use an OB AND a midwife, what do they each do? Do they communicate? Also, when are you supposed to start looking for one? I still have a week until my first OB appointment, and I feel like I'm out  in the middle of nowhere. I can never get through to the OB with questions, etc. I figure having a midwife at least has to offer you the comfort of knowing you aren't alone if you have a scary question, but thinking I might want one is the only real direction I presently have.
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Re: Midwife and Doula questions

  • yoopermom824yoopermom824 member
    Following! I am meeting with my midwife in a couple weeks and I'm not sure all of the questions I need to ask. I want to make sure to be thorough!
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  • rizzligrizzlig member

    I had my first appoint on March 3rd.  At the practice I chose to go with after lots of research they offer two routes of care.  Midwife care or care with doctors and I chose midwife route.  The midwife explained that they are connected with a specific hospital in our area (in Cincinnati).  The team of midwives meet with the team of doctors every Tuesday to review all the cases.  If they are concerns then the doctors fully know what is going on with the patients under midwife care as well.  They explained that they basically do the same things during pregnancy but if you end up high risk you will be seen by the doctors.  My midwife will attend my labor/birth at the hospital but explained that she could be looking after up to three different women.

    I explained my wishes for a natural birth and was interested in a doula.  She was able to recommend hypnobirthing classes and a doula that she had worked with for years.  The doula would stay with me during my entire labor and would help me to achieve my natural birth goal.  The midwife explained to me that she is worth every penny.  Most doula's are not covered by insurance, at least that is my understanding.

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  • sschwegesschwege member
    There are different types of MWs with different eduction and training.  I have always seen Certified Nurse MWs, basically they have a Bachelor degree in nursing, then went on to get their Master's in Midwifery.  CNM can do most things an OB can do (write prescriptions, induce labor if need be, stitch you back up if you tear, etc) with the major exception of performing c/s and if you become high-risk your care will be transferred to an OB.  My MWs work closely with the doctors, they all share an office.  Once I had a question a MW couldn't answer and she said, "Let me go ask an OB" left the room and came back a few minutes later with an answer.  This is my third baby and while I have met all the MWs, I have never met the OBs.  The only time I see a doctor for pregnancy related stuff is when I get our level II a/s done, that is done by both a tech and a doctor.  I have always enjoyed seeing MWs (you can even stay with them after the baby is born, they do 'well woman' care as well), my appointments are longer, I get called back quickly and they are more likely to support a low-intervention approach to childbirth. 

    Doulas are there not as medical support but rather to 'mother the mother' to provide whatever support the mother and birth partner need.  They may also come with to your birthing classes or appointments and provide follow-up visits after baby comes, I've heard some come to help with BFing or do little things around the house, dishes, fold laundry, whatever the mother needs.  One of my MWs said, "It's the best money you will ever spend."  All that being said, I did not hire one either time, but I always had second support person in the room, the first time it was my MIL, the second my mom and this time we will invite both mothers.  My hospital actually has volunteer doulas, so I have that as an option if I change my mind.

    As far as where to find a MW, I would start with your insurance, see what they cover.   
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