So when is hiring a midwife a good option, and is it something you should consider?

If youre thinking about a midwife instead of a doctor, this guide can help you decide.

What is a midwife and what does a midwife do?

what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

Midwives provide pre- andpostnatal careto pregnant moms as well as attending births and offering breastfeeding and nutritional support.

Is a midwife a doctor?

No, a midwife is not a doctor.

what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

While licensed and certified midwives are highly trained, they cannot performcesarean sectionson their own.

They can prescribe epidurals and labor-inducing drugs, but they are less likely to do so compared to doctors.

What are the benefits of having a midwife?

what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

(That said, midwives sometimes do use drugs that induce or augment labor.)

Is a midwife right for you?

How much does a midwife cost and is it covered by insurance?

what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

Midwives can range from $2,000 to $6,000 in cost depending on where you live.

Insurance should cover care by most midwives, but talk to your provider to check that.

That said, birthing centers and midwives tend to charge less than hospitals and OB/GYNs.

what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

Do midwives do C-sections or offer epidurals?

Midwives cannot do C-sections without a doctor present.

They do not, however, actually perform epidurals.

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How can I find a good midwife?

The best way to find a good midwife is to do your research.

Are there any risks or downsides to hiring a midwife?

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How do you become a midwife?

Most midwives in the U.S. are CNMs.

Although a CPM can provide pregnancy and postpartum care, she or he cannot prescribe most medications.

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Most CPMs work in homes orbirth center practices.

Direct entry midwives cannot perform births legally in all 50 states.

Midwives perform low-risk births with the goal of reducing surgical intervention and providing mom-centered care.

Signs of Labor

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Signs of Labor

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what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

what is a midwife, doctor or midwife examining newborn baby

Signs of Labor

Signs of Labor

Pregnancy Calculator

Pregnancy Calculator

play video

Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the U.S.

Top 1,000 Baby Girl Names in the U.S.

Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the U.S.

Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the U.S.

Braxton Hicks Contractions and False Labor

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