[mommy2boysaz]

As an OB nurse for 10 years, I have to put in my 2 cents! Our community hospital brought in our first CNM 4 years ago and we now have 2. (We only have 2 OBGYN's) The difference between a midwife delivery and a doctor delivery can be amazing! (Depending of course on the specific midwife or doctor) With the midwife, the room is quiet, unless the mom would like some music, lights are dimmed, mom is encouraged to eat and drink whatever she wants and to be up or down or in any position that feels best for labor and delivery. It is sooo pleasant and beautiful! If she feels like pushing, fine;if not, fine. Then there's the MD. No eating. Only intermittent ambulation during labor. Time to push at 10 cm whether you have an urge or not! Count to 10, hold your breath and push!!! Lights on, stirrups up, sterile drapes out! Oh, and don't push too long or he'll get out the vacuum or the forceps! And, just to speed things along (he's already late for dinner, you know!), a nice BIG episiotomy!


Which would you choose??

[mslinzyann]

I have a couple of questions, ...
I am VERY interested in being a CNM because I have a big interest in alternative, holistic medicine. My two concerns are: 1. If you need an OB-GYN because there are birth complications, is there one around? 2. What are the liability issues? I mean, there are various complications that can occur in labor and delivery, and what happens if (god forbid) something goes wrong.
Do tell!

[Oznurse2b]

Our obs tend to be more "knife happy" opting for the convenience of a c-section just for the "convenience"..

However our hospitals have the midwife based delivery and there is always one obs "on the ward" just incase of problems.

[HeartsOpenWide]

Originally Posted by KellNY

Mnay people want a CNM over a ob/gyn because they don't feel that they need to see a surgeon for their healthy, normal pregnancy. Midwives tend to be more patient, more open to natural remedies, more into allowing the woman to make decisions regarding her pregancy, labor and delivery, and most CNMs having worked as RNs tend to be stronger pt advocates.

I personally wouldn't see an OB unless I had a major medical problem.

Hope this helps a little.

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Midwife means "with woman"
Obstetrician comes from the Latin word obstare meaning "to stand by"

I would not have an O.B. unless I had a complicated pregnancy. Period.

[Elvish]

Originally Posted by HeartsOpenWide

Took the words right out of my mouth.

Midwife means "with woman"
Obstetrician comes from the Latin word obstare meaning "to stand by"

I would not have an O.B. unless I had a complicated pregnancy. Period.

Same Latin root as "obstacle." Apropos sometimes!