We had been seeing a doctor but the question came up some time ago whether we would like to see a midwife, associated with the doctor’s office, instead and have the baby delivered by the midwife. So, we scheduled our next appointment with the midwife. Talking to the midwife and some friends, it seems that people often go for a midwife for the following reasons:
- A midwife can give more time to you during your regular appointments.
- A midwife will be with you from the time you arrive at the hospital till after delivery.
- People who want a natural birth are also one reason.
We discussed these issues with our doctor as well as the midwife and observed that:
- Both the doctor and the midwife give you about equal attention as a patient.
- Since our doctor practises with a group of Gynecologists and Obstetricians, there is always someone at the hospital delivering babies. We were assured that the doctor will be there the whole time and not just arrive at the last minute.
- We don’t really care about natural birth. Any medical technology that helps in pain relief or makes delivery easier would be most welcome.
There was also a sub-issue of the place of delivery. Both our doctor and the midwife deliver at the St Peters University Hospital. But the midwife also delivers at the Somerset Medical Center. The problem with going with a midwife at Somerset Medical Center was that in case a doctor was needed during labor/delivery, the local doctor there would be called instead of our doctor. Therefore, we decided to have our baby at St Peters.
Because of the enumerated list above as well as the fact that we were just more comfortable going with the doctor (especially if something goes wrong), we stuck with our gynecologist.
It makes me recall birth of my first child Zakaria (alias Zack). We had direct contact with the gynecologist and had not engaged a mid-wife. I admitted my wife to hospital in the evening. There was no mid-wife on duty during the night in stead a very young nurse was there. The nurse was scared of calling the gynecologist at 2 AM thinking she would be asleep. Though the gynecologist arrived early next morning and worked for Zakaria’s birth but the damage had been done. My wife suffered prolapse.
So, I think that the gynecologist should be available round the clock. Otherwise, al least mid-wife should be arround.
In my opinion, whatever the mother feels the most comfortable with is what should be done. Some women may prefer a midwife, others a gynecologist. There’s no one solution that will work for everybody.
Gynaecologists get paid for something that would happen anyway. But its a good thing to have agynaecologist present during delivery if nothing else they can help ease the pain.
This midwife versus gynecologist discussion reminds me of a story I recently heard here in Montana.
Before recounting the tail, I shall supply some anecdotal, demographic food for thought. Montana appears populated by conservatives, aged hippies, neo-hippies and a scattering of multi-millionaires. All of these groups, save the millionaires, are connected to the land, which engenders an interesting ethic. People seem more inclined to let nature take its course.
A woman in her early thirties recently gave birth to her second child. The child was born at home in a large water-filled tub donated by a local rancher. Apparently, the local rancher had a good experience with water births and wanted to promote the practice. A midwife served as the only medical support.
Al-Muhajabah: Agreed.
Moiz: Pain relief is definitely important.
Captain Arrrgh: Very interesting.