To Physician or To Nurse-Midwife

Oh, that question.

We were asked yesterday during our OB workup after we watched a very informative video presented by one of the Physicians and one of the Nurse-Midwives at the clinic.  Before seeing that video and hearing some explanations of common misconceptions of midwives (for instance, I CAN have drugs…), I figured I’d just do a doctor and make it all easy.  After all, this is my first and I have no idea what to expect having never even witnessed a birth or really done much reading on it before now.

After seeing the video and reading some of the materials they gave us, I’m now undecided.

Both are equally viable options in my mind.  The OBGyn of Atlanta does all deliveries at Northside, midwife or doctor.  So there’s constant access to any medications or personnel that may be needed in the event of (god forbid) any emergency.  Both provide access to pain killers should I need/want them.  Both are present for the delivery and both are available for the postpartum 6 week checkup.

The major difference, from what I can tell, is the midwife is there for the entirety of the labor, too.  They help with breathing, helping me relax, walking, bathing (if it helps to ease the labor).  They’re there to provide any needed support for me, be it mental, emotional, physical, etc.  They also allow family members in the room for the delivery as no stirrups are used for the pushing.  Basically, they have one leg and Stephen would have the other and he would actually participate in the birth event.

I’m starting to lean towards midwife.  Stephen told me that was completely my decision as I’m the one who’s going through all the pain and everything.  He just wants me to be comfortable and as calm as I can be.  The thought of having someone with me in addition to Stephen who knows what’s going on and has experience in this makes me feel a little more at ease, even now.

The good thing is, throughout the course of my prenatal care at the clinic, I’ll be meeting with a mix of physicians and midwives so I’ll be able to talk to both and get a better feel for what fits us.  I was told I didn’t have to decide until 24 weeks when I have to submit my Birthing Plan so I have plenty of time to talk to the staff there and figure out what I want.