Midwives are experts in normal pregnancy and birth. They offer women support throughout pregnancy with individualized care, education, and counseling. Midwifery care is woman-centered, acknowledging both that the woman is the foremost decision maker regarding her birth, and that

each woman has unique wants and needs. The majority of midwives promote and utilize the Midwives Model of Care.

THE MIDWIVES MODEL OF CARE

• The Midwives Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. It includes:

• Monitoring the physical, psychological, and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle.

• Providing the mother with individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care, continuous hands-on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support.

• Minimizing technological interventions.

• Identifying and referring women who require obstetrical attention

• The application of this woman-centered model of care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section. By minimizing interventions during pregnancy, midwifery care is characteristic of:

• Low Cesarean section rate

• Very low episiotomy rate

• A high level of involvement by parents and family in the birth experience

• Freedom of movement in labor and birth

• Strong support for breastfeeding

• Referral to appropriate medical care when needed

Choosing a Midwife

• Choosing your midwife is an important decision. We have compiled a list of sample questions to help you make an informed decision when choosing your care provider.