Once pregnant the first important decision you have to make for your baby is what healthcare provider you are going to use for your prenatal care. There are two different types of healthcare providers that can deliver babies, an OB/GYN Doctor and a Midwife. So which one do you choose? The Doctor or Midwife: What’s the Difference?
OB/GYN Doctor
The definition of an OB/GYN Doctor according to the American College of Surgens is “physicians who possess special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders”.
Their education includes 4 years of undergraduate schooling, 4 years of medical school, plus 4 more years of residency. During residency the doctors have their medical degree/license but work under an attending physician. So OB Doctors end up with 12 years of education and work experience before they are allowed to practice on their own.
They are trained for uncomplicated and “High Risk” pregnancies.
Midwife
The definition of a Midwife according to the American Pregnancy Association is “a health care professional who provides an array of health care services for women including gynecological examinations, contraceptive counseling, prescriptions, and labor and delivery care”.
There are different types of Midwives that can deliver babies. One is a Certified Professional Midwife and the other is a Certified Nurse Midwife. Their education varies slightly.
The Certified Professional Midwife’s education includes a graduate-level midwifery degree and a passing score of the American Midwifery Certification Board’s certification exam. The Certified Nurse Midwife’s education includes a bachelor’s degree in nursing, a valid RN license, and a master’s degree in nursing.
They both are trained for uncomplicated normal pregnancies.
Doctor or Midwife: What’s the difference?
How they approach situations during pregnancy, labor, and delivery is where these two really seem to differ.
Doctors have a more traditional medical approach with their care. They tend to use more interventions which lead to an increase in c-sections, episiotomies, and lacerations.
Midwives have a more holistic approach with their care. They are less likely to use unnecessary interventions throughout your pregnancy, labor, and delivery. They have a decreased risk of needing a c-section and an episiotomy. Midwives also tend to have an increased patient satisfaction rate.
Even though they differ with their approaches Doctors and Midwives work closely together to manage your care. So this way if there are any complications that arise a Doctor is there to help.
My Experience
This is not to say there aren’t some great OB/GYN Doctors out there. However, my experience with my OB/GYN in my last pregnancy was not very good.
They were not compassionate with what I was going through. They would basically tell me to suck it up, that this is what happens with pregnancy. So instead of trying to help me through it with suggestions of how to manage they dismissed me entirely.
Also I ended up with an emergency c-section with my last pregnancy. This was the last thing I ever wanted and caused many postpartum issues for me.
So with my next pregnancy I am going with a midwife who I am hoping will be more understanding and compassionate of what I am going through. Also midwives tend to be more supportive of VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarian) which is what I am going to try to attempt with my next birth. Most OB/GYN Doctors don’t support VBACs.
Which One Is Right For You?
When it comes to choosing the right healthcare provider, there are certain questions you should ask yourself.
- Are you considered “High Risk”?
- If considered “High Risk” an OB/GYN Doctor will probably be able to manage your care better.
- Do you prefer a traditional approach or a holistic approach?
- For a more holistic approach you might want to go with a midwife.
- Is a vaginal birth important to you?
- If so midwives have a higher rate of vaginal deliveries over OB/GYN Doctors.
- Do you want a provider that has more time to answer your questions?
- Midwives seem to spend more time thoroughly answering any questions you may have.
- What type of setting do you want for your birth?
- If you want a home birth or birthing center birth you will want to go with a midwife. However midwives also deliver babies in a hospital setting.
By asking yourself these questions it can help you decide which type of healthcare provider is best for you.
Whichever healthcare provider you go with you want to do your research beforehand. With all providers you want to make sure that their practice lines up with what you are wanting and expecting for your pregnancy, labor, and delivery.
Newly Pregnant? Check out our other post Caffeine During Pregnancy: Is It Safe?, Top 10 Must-Haves For First Time Parents, and Best Baby Registries.
-The Caffeinated Mom
Resources:
American Pregnancy Association. (2017, May 15). Midwives. Retrieved from http://americanpregnancy.org/labor-and-birth/midwives/
Nurse Practitioner School. (n.d.). How do I Become a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)? Retrieved from https://www.nursepractitionerschools.com/faq/how-to-become-nurse-midwife
Vogt, V. Y., M.D. (n.d.). Obstetrics and Gynecology. Retrieved from https://www.facs.org/education/resources/residency-search/specialties/obgyn
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