There are pregnant women who choose to give birth the natural way, without any medication an most often with the aid of a midwife rather than a gamut of doctors, anesthesiologists, etc.
Midwives have been around as reliable alternatives to doctors during childbirth. Often, decisions to hire midwives are economical in nature, because midwives can assist in giving birth at the comfort of the mother’s home, something that doctors do not do.
Midwives, however, are not quack practitioners. Midwifery is also a licensed profession with its own regulatory commission in each country. For pregnant women thinking about giving birth at home aided by a midwife, it is important to remember some basic requirements for hiring one.
Community or government clinics have resident midwives who conduct childbirth procedures in the clinics themselves. If this is already a favorable setup for women, these clinics can host childbirth procedures. But if women prefer to give birth at their homes, arrangements can be made between the pregnant woman and the prospective midwife.
Most important on the technical aspect is the midwife’s license. Once a prospect midwife is chosen, women can verify their licenses with the local commission, which keeps a list of all registered midwives in the country. This is to make sure that your midwife has undergone the necessary training to oversee an operation as life-threatening as giving birth.
Years of experience in undertaking childbirth procedures are also essential. Ask your prospect midwife how many years she has been conducting birth procedures, and how many mothers she has assisted so far. Ask her also about these experiences, because you might get some tips or advice in the process. Prefer someone who has had several years of experience over a newbie licensed midwife for obvious reasons.
Discuss the possible scenarios you want with your midwife during your childbirth, such as the childbirth position you want. She may be able to recommend easier positions, or make your preferences work for you. Aside from childbirth position, discuss all your other preferences for that day to ensure that your midwife knows what to expect.
If you are getting a midwife for home birth from a community clinic, it may be best to discuss childbirth procedures to be undertaken with the clinic’s head. This is to ensure that you will be getting the most professional treatment possible. Make sure also that childbirth implements are complete.
While settling all the technical birth aspects, try to strike an amiable relationship with your midwife. Ask birth questions and give suggestions in a kindly manner. Remember that you are talking to the person to whom you are entrusting you and your baby’s life, so be friendly always.
