My quest for a midwife was largely motivated by my dislike of shots, needles, drugs, and hospitals. After reading a large number of books and several articles comparing and contrasting birthing options, the benefits of using a midwife for the pregnancy and birth of our son was undeniable and 100% desirable.
Here are our top ten reasons for choosing a midwife in no particular order:
Reason Number One — More Control: Instead of being a passive participant with things happening to me, I was actively seeking to ensure the best possible outcome for both pregnancy and birth. The midwives supported and encouraged me to take control of my pregnancy. We can’t of course control everything but we certainly can increase our control by eating whole foods and regular exercise. Having more control requires more responsibility and that was responsibility that I wanted.
Reason Number Two — The Homebirth Option: Labor is uncomfortable and painful but these things can be managed more easily in a familiar environment. In my own home I know where everything is and I don’t have to dig through bags to find what I want or need. I could eat and drink my own food during labor. I can do whatever I need to do because it’s my space and I don’t need to worry about doing something “wrong.” I can leave my room, walk up and down the stairs, change labor positions, and eat or drink without any hindrance. That’s a huge comfort.
Reason Number Three — Waterbirth: I was completely enthralled by the prospect of laboring and birthing in water. Water can ease labor pain, aid dilation, and it helps the perineum stretch without tearing. It is also a familiar environment for the baby who has been surrounded by water for the last 9 months. What a peaceful way to give birth.
Reason Number Four — No managed care: I didn’t have to worry about any interventions. There were no nurses asking me if I wanted my epidural or telling me that I’m not progressing fast enough and need pitocin. I didn’t have to lie on my back (the worst position for labor and birth) with a fetal monitor strapped around by belly and no unnecessary requirement for an i.v.
Reason Number Five — No Episiotomy: I’ve read tons of books and articles outlining the negatives of this most unkind cut. I knew I didn’t want one. If my perineum was going to tear fine, but don’t cut it. An episiotomy actually causes more damage than tearing. I have not come across a midwife that performs episiotomies and my midwives absolutely abhor the practice.
Reason Number Six — Encourages a healthier pregnancy: Maintaining healthy habits during pregnancy ensures a healthier, low risk pregnancy. I was encouraged and reminded to eat plenty of protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and 100% whole grains. I was supported in my desire to exercise and my sugar and protein levels where tested at every visit. Health is essential especially during pregnancy and the midwives were pretty clear about what was healthy and what was not.
Reason Number Seven — Medication Free: Most midwives to not advocate the use of pain medication nor the use of pitocin. These medication wreak havoc on the labor process. Pitocin causes harsher and longer contractions that are more painful than naturally occurring contractions which can also cause the baby to go into distress. Pitocin then can encourage laboring mothers to go ahead and get the epidural which it turn can slow down the contractions which requires more pitocin. It’s a vicious cycle, one that I was interested in avoided at all costs.
Reason Number Eight — Freedom in labor and delivery: While in active labor, the midwife encouraged me to move and walk around, to change to any position that was more comfortable and helped me get through the contractions. I could eat and drink while in labor which gave me the energy to keep going. Once the pushing stage finally came, I was able to push in water, standing, squatting, on my hands and knees and sitting.
Reason Number Nine — Empowering Aspect of Birthing Naturally: Midwives advocate natural childbirth. Women have been giving birth since the beginning of humanity. God designed our bodies in such a way that we instinctively know what we need to do during labor and delivery and the midwives support that. Giving birth without drugs or interventions is very empowering. There is no substitute for giving birth naturally. It creates the perfect environment for welcoming a new life: calm, stress free, and powerful.
Reason Number Ten — Peace of Mind: I wanted to enjoy my pregnancy and have the tools and support to ensure that I would have a healthy complication free pregnancy and birth. That’s exactly what I got!