Midwifery and the "Normal" Birth Experience

Having worked as a midwife for seven years in Ireland, it was a pretty obvious choice for me when I was pregnant on my first child that I’d choose a midwife to deliver my baby. The only problem was, I wasn’t the only one who needed to be comfortable with that decision. John was going to be present with me through my labor and I wanted to be sure he was ok with that as well. When I went to him and asked him if he minded, he admitted that he really didn’t know the difference between using a midwife versus an obstetrician. Many people don’t. So I got him to watch Ricki Lake’s documentary “The Business of Being Born” to help him make his decision. That movie is very informative and gives you an accurate picture of birth both inside and outside a hospital.

Choosing a midwife does not mean you have to give birth at home. But unfortunately in North Carolina you don’t have many options of midwives who also work in hospitals. At New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington there are midwives who also work at the hospital. That’s who I attend and have had a wonderful experience with them. There are also birth centers in different parts of the state such as the one in Chapel Hill --Women’s Birth and Wellness Center and another one in Statesville --Natural Beginnings Birth and Wellness Center, where Marisa gave birth to her second child.   These birth centers are wonderful options to have natural labors in the company of a midwife.  However, birth centers are not for everyone.

Midwives are the guardians of ‘normal ’. That’s how I’ve always viewed it. They take on low risk women without major health problems who have uncomplicated pregnancies. If you are pregnant with twins or diabetic or have a significant health concern they often can’t take you on as a patient. But for the majority of women, midwives are a great choice. They are partners in your pregnancy and birth and want what YOU want. They give you, as the woman, a lot of control over your labor and birth. They want to hear your fears and concerns, wants and desires and are a great support in helping you have the best birth experience possible.

Midwives do not force medications and usually take a more holistic perspective. They believe in the power of the woman’s body to give birth and allow that to happen as naturally as possible. Midwives should have the credentials CNM, which means Certified Nurse Midwife. These midwives have gone to school to become nurses first and then went on to pursue a post graduate degree in Midwifery. There are also ‘lay midwives’ who work in many states in this country but do not have the background of formal education. I caution you to make an informed decision when choosing the midwife you wish to have providing care for you throughout your pregnancy and birth.
Doctors play a very significant role in pregnancy and I am not at all diminishing their importance, especially when unexpected events occur requiring emergency surgery. Whenever things veer outside the realm of normal, obstetricians are the people who take over to ensure a safe delivery. They are also extremely helpful sounding boards for midwives when they encounter things they haven’t experienced before. That is the benefit of seeing midwives who are also affiliated with a hospital. There are doctors present to take over in the event there are complications.

It’s a pleasure and privilege to work as a labor & delivery nurse and be present with women as they bring new life into the world. I love what I do and am amazed every day that the miracle never gets old. It is ever changing and always special and emotional. I hope to instill confidence in women who are nervous and fearful and give them the support and encouragement they need to labor and give birth to the best of their ability.

Birth is a beautiful and empowering experience. Whether you opt for a midwife or doctor, choose natural labor or have an epidural, the experience is life changing and one that will stay with you forever. I have yet to meet a woman who isn’t eager to share her birth story. They are often delighted to recount the experience and remember it all in great detail. So embrace your pregnancy and go with confidence into labor and realize that your story will live with you forever. Make it one to remember.

Be Well,
LEW