Trying to decide between an OB/GYN or midwife, considering a doula? Here we explain the differences and share tips from moms about how they decided. The most important thing of all? Finding a practitioner who you trust and who listens to you.
OB/GYN
Description: An OB/GYN is a primary health care professional trained in both obstetrics and gynecology that allows the physician to provide complete care for a woman’s reproductive system including pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Duties: prenatal care; family planning; sonograms; pap smears; delivery; Cesarean sections; other gynecological surgeries
Certifications: OB/GYNs must receive their M.D. from an accredited medical school, complete a 4-year residency program, pass the United States Medical Licensing Exam and be certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).
Covered by insurance: Usually
Midwife
Description: A midwife is a primary health care professional that provides care during labor and delivery at a hospital, birthing center or the mother’s home. Midwives that are appropriately licensed can also help with family planning and perform gynecological exams and prenatal visits.
Duties: prenatal visits, sonograms, gynecological exams, family planning, labor and delivery at home or a hospital, newborn care.
Certifications: There are a variety of certifications for midwives.
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): trained and licensed in both nursing and midwifery. CNMs must have a bachelor’s degree and be licensed by the American College of Nurse Midwives. Because of the additional nursing license, CNMs can provide the greatest breadth of care.
Certified Midwife (CM): trained and certified in midwifery. CMs must have a bachelor’s degree and be certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives.
Direct-Entry Midwife (DEM): trained in midwifery through a college program, midwifery school, independent study, or apprenticeship.
Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs): trained and certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM).
Covered by insurance: Can be. Check with your insurance provider to see if there are member midwives in your area.
Doula
Description: A doula acts as an assistant to the mother, providing non-medical support. Doulas can be used in conjunction with OBGYNs or midwives. Birth doulas provide support during the labor and birthing process; postpartum doulas provide support for the baby and mother in the days and weeks following the delivery.
Duties: provide information, emotional support, and physical comfort; help fulfill the birth plan; act as a liaison between a mother, her partner and medical practitioners; provide breastfeeding education; assist with newborn care; help the family transition; teach newborn soothing techniques.
Certifications: There is no required training to practice as a doula, however it is wise to look for a doula that has been certified through an organization such as DONA International [http://www.dona.org] or CAPPA Academy [http://www.cappa.net/].
Covered by insurance: Not usually
Why I Chose A…
Midwife
“We used a midwife with both of our kids. Our first was born at a birth center and the second was born at home. I wanted a med-free birth, but knew I was not strong enough to say no to them if they were available! We also wanted a more personal connection with the person delivering our child. We were ecstatic with our decision both times. I loved that I didn’t have to wait in a waiting room for each appointment and that my prenatal visits felt like therapy sessions. My midwives know my name, my husband’s name, where we live, my kids’ names, even my dog’s name! This is priceless to me – the fact that someone who is seeing such an intimate side of my life really knows me.” – Danielle A.
OB/GYN
“I decided to go with my doctor, mostly because he is the most laid back doctor, and from the moment I met him, he made me feel like this was all under control. He also made me feel like I was the one in control of the situation, and we’d be working as a team. I also liked that he wasn’t pushing drugs on me or trying to hurry up the process, which unfortunately can sometimes be the case. I’m really happy with my decision. Mostly I’m glad because my doctor is top notch, and had something gone awry, I knew that medically, I was in good hands. For me, knowing that I was in a medical facility, under my doctor’s care in the case of an emergency, I knew I would be attended to quickly.” – Suzuette M.
Doula
“I hired a doula for my first baby. During our birthing class, my husband suddenly felt we needed more support in the delivery room. I happily agreed out of fear that he would pass out when I needed him most! It ended up being a great decision and I accredit my wonderful birthing experience to her. I was most concerned about peace of mind and a positive, natural birth. I needed reassurance that someone was there to help me make decisions and advocate for me. My doula and I met on several occasions during my pregnancy and I totally trusted her. I did pay out of pocket and would gladly do so again. I loved my experience and am so grateful for the way it played out.” -Annie V
And remember…
It doesn’t always go as planned
“I was prepared to go the all-natural route and saw midwives throughout my entire pregnancy. However, at the last minute, I ended up needing a C-section and was so thankful that my midwives were associated with an excellent OBGYN. In the end, I felt like I was in great hands with my midwives and great hands with the doctor who performed my surgery. My insurance covered all because my midwives were under the OBGYN’s practice.” -Adrienne M.
It’s more about the person than the title
“I chose a midwife at a birth center for my first child. I was afraid of medical interventions, and I chose the option that I thought would minimize the chances of interventions. Complications with that pregnancy and with my second pregnancy led me to an OB for my second child. My experience showed me that it’s less about what type of practitioner you have, and instead the practitioner themselves. There are fantastic midwives and midwives that will throw you to the surgeons. Same goes for OBs. My amazing OB helped me have an unmedicated VBAC and was always completely supportive.” – Jessica L.