What Is A Midwife And What Types Of Care Do They Provide?
While most pregnant women in the U.S. still give birth under the care of an obstetrician, more and more women are choosing to seek midwives for their prenatal care and delivery of their baby. Year over year, the number of births attended by midwives has steadily increased.
It’s important to know that a midwife is a trained and certified health professional that helps low-risk pregnant women with prenatal care, labor, delivery, and postpartum care. Midwives deliver babies at birthing centers, at homes, and even in hospital maternity units.
One of the main advantages and reasons women are choosing a midwife in San Antonio to deliver their baby is the choice to have a hands-off approach to labor with little to no pain medicine, limited restrictions during labor, including their mobility and the ability to eat and drink, as well as the option to deliver at home or a birthing center.
Before, during, and after your pregnancy, your midwife’s role is to:
- Provide family planning and preconception care
- Administer prenatal exams and order tests
- Help with your birth plans
- Monitor your physical and psychological well-being
- Advise you about diet, exercise, medicine, and staying healthy
- Educate and counsel you about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care
- Provide you with emotional and practical support during labor
- Deliver your baby
- Make referrals to doctors when needed
If you’re interested in seeing a midwife for your next pregnancy, learn more about Birth Center Stone Oak by visiting our website and calling us to schedule a personal tour.