 Midwives services have both physical and psychological aspects
Added: 02/21/2006 |
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Midwives services are recommended to those women who are going to have uncomplicated labor. Midwives functions are to support the woman, to help her with physical positioning during the labor. Midwives are also supposed to serve the psychological aspect of the labor. They are to encourage the woman to trust in her own instincts as well as to take her own decisions.
Today midwives services are used in about 96% of births that are held in hospitals. There are two types of midwives. The first type is certified midwives. They are not registered nurses. The second type is certified nurse-midwives. They meet the same qualifications. As the latter certification appeared only in 1997 there are very few certified nurse-midwives.
Today midwives services can be provided by women who either have or have no a college certification or degree. There are lay and direct-entry midwives. As for the latter ones, they may receive formal instruction, workshops, apprenticeship or a combination of all. Not all states make them work together with doctors. So, they can practice in non-hospital birth centers or at homes. But not all states regulate direct-entry midwives and allow them to practice.
While giving midwives definition, it is necessary to mention about midwives' philosophy. Their education stresses the fact that birth as well as pregnancy is a healthy and normal event. Midwives functions are to support the expectant woman while letting nature take its course.
It is necessary to emphasize that midwives services also focus on the psychological aspect of the mother's state and feeling about pregnancy. It is midwives who should encourage women to trust their natural instincts as well as to make their own decisions about parenthood, birth and pregnancy.
Of course, there are doctors who use midwives services. But most doctors are more likely to use medical technology and preventive testing. They usually use different pain medications, fetal monitoring and ultrasound. All this comprises a standard part of the care during labor and pregnancy. This approach is appropriate for high-risk pregnancies. But the majority of midwives consider it unnecessary for uncomplicated pregnancies.
So, speaking about midwives services it is necessary to say that they spend a lot of time with the woman during the prenatal visits. They also address their personal needs and concerns. The midwives stay with the women as long as possible throughout the labor. Midwives can encourage the woman to have some physical positioning during the labor, such as rocking, showering or walking around. Traditionally the recommendations are not associated with typical medical doctors. Usually midwives also allow women drink and eat during the labor.
Some studies have proved the fact that the births assisted by midwives provide excellent outcomes with a lower rate of medical interventions than average. However, it can be explained by the fact that midwives usually deal with low-risk pregnancies.
It is not recommended to use midwives services for those women who have high-risk pregnancies. They are women who expect twins or even multiples, who have prior pregnancy complications, high-blood pressure, gestational diabetes and different chronic health conditions. These women should discuss the options they have with their obstetrician or primary health care provider.
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