How does midwife care differ from that of an obstetrician?
There are many similarities in the structure and organization of care, but the philosophy that drives our actions is different. Midwives believe pregnancy and birth are usually normal, healthy events in a woman s life, requiring guidance and support but intervention only when medically necessary. This belief is reflected in the way we are educated and the way we manage a labor and birth. We spend a great deal of time at the side of the laboring woman, offering comfort and reassurance, and remaining alert so that if a problem does develop, we can catch it early. We value the opportunity to get to know our clients and develop a relationship of trust and mutual respect. We also take time to educate clients so they can be full participants in decision making concerning their health and health care.
