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What Is a Midwife? A Guide for Expecting Moms

31 Jan 2025
What Is a Midwife A Guide for Expecting Moms

When you're expecting a baby, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing who will support you throughout pregnancy, labor, and delivery. While many people are familiar with obstetricians (OB-GYNs), midwives are another excellent option for prenatal and postpartum care. But what exactly is a midwife, and how do they differ from doctors? Let's dive in!

What Is a Midwife?

A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Midwives focus on providing personalized, holistic care, supporting natural birth whenever possible, and emphasizing education and emotional support. Midwives can work in hospitals, birth centers, or even assist with home births, depending on their level of certification and local regulations.

Types of Midwives

There are different types of midwives, each with varying levels of training and certification. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right provider for your pregnancy journey.

1. Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

  • A registered nurse (RN) with advanced training in midwifery
  • Licensed to practice in all U.S. states
  • Can provide prenatal care, deliver babies in hospitals and birth centers, and offer postpartum and newborn care
  • Can prescribe medications, including pain relief
Best for: Those who want midwifery care with access to medical interventions if needed

2. Certified Midwife (CM)

  • Similar to a CNM but does not have a nursing degree
  • Trained in midwifery and certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board (AMCB)
  • Can provide care in hospitals and birth centers in some states
Best for: Moms who want a midwifery-focused approach without nursing-based training

3. Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)

  • Specializes in out-of-hospital births (home births and birth centers)
  • Trained in midwifery but not required to have a nursing degree
  • Certification varies by state
Best for: Those planning a home or birth center delivery with minimal medical intervention

4. Lay Midwife

  • Not nationally certified
  • May have informal training or apprenticeship experience
  • Cannot practice legally in many states
Best for: Typically not recommended due to lack of formal certification

How Is a Midwife Different from an OB-GYN?

Both midwives and obstetricians provide prenatal and birth care, but there are key differences:
Midwife OB-GYN
Focuses on natural childbirth and minimal interventions Trained in medical and surgical interventions
Provides personalized, holistic care Can perform C-sections and manage high-risk pregnancies
Supports birth in hospitals, birth centers, or at home Delivers babies primarily in hospitals
Encourages shared decision-making and emotional support Often follows standard medical protocols
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, or multiple babies, an OB-GYN may be the safer choice. However, if you have a low-risk pregnancy and prefer a more natural approach, a midwife could be a great fit.

What Services Do Midwives Provide?

Midwives offer a range of services throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, including:
  • Prenatal care: Monitoring baby's growth, ordering ultrasounds, and providing nutritional guidance
  • Labor and delivery support: Helping with pain management techniques like breathing exercises, hydrotherapy, and movement
  • Postpartum care: Checking on mom’s physical and emotional well-being after birth
  • Newborn care: Performing basic health assessments and offering breastfeeding support

Can You Still Get Pain Relief with a Midwife?

Yes! If you give birth with a midwife in a hospital or birth center, you can still choose pain relief options like an epidural. If you’re having a home birth, your midwife can help with natural pain management techniques such as:
  • Breathing exercises
  • Water birth
  • Massage and movement
  • Hypnobirthing

Is a Midwife Right for You?

A midwife may be a great choice if:
You have a low-risk pregnancy
You want a natural, personalized birth experience
You prefer minimal medical interventions
You’re considering a birth center or home birth If you have a high-risk pregnancy or want access to advanced medical interventions, an OB-GYN may be the better option. Some women also choose both—receiving prenatal care from a midwife while having an OB-GYN available if complications arise.

Final Thoughts

Midwives offer compassionate, expert care for moms who want a more natural birth experience. Whether you choose a midwife or an OB-GYN, the most important thing is to find a provider who makes you feel comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy journey.

Content Reviewed by Dr V. profile picture

Content Reviewed by Dr V.

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Dr. Vaheh Shirvanian, a family medicine physician and father. With over 17 years of experience, he specializes in inpatient acute hospital care, outpatient family medicine, urgent care, emergency medicine, and hospice care. Dr. V is passionate about guiding new parents through the challenges and joys of parenthood, offering compassionate and expert support at every step.

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