What Can A Midwife Do For You During Pregnancy?
More and more women are choosing to give birth with the help of a midwife, rather than an OBGYN. Certified midwives are medical professionals, and they are capable of providing the care and guidance most women need, as long as there are no serious complications with the birth. Other than attending and guiding the birth, though, what do midwives do? Actually, they can do a lot for you during your pregnancy.
Ultrasounds
Most midwives either conduct ultrasounds themselves or collaborate with ultrasound technicians that do this for you. There's no need to separately go to an OBGYN for this service. An ultrasound can ensure any abnormalities in your baby are detected early, and they can also tell you the sex of your little one.
Putting Together a Birth Plan
Midwives emphasize mother-led birth, which means they make every effort to ensure you're able to give birth the way you prefer. Early on in your pregnancy, they will help you begin to formulate a birth plan. You will decide what, if any, pain relievers you want to use, whether you want to give birth in a tub, on a bed, or while moving around, and so forth. The midwife will offer advice on these decisions, but they will not tell you what to do.
Answering Questions and Addressing Concerns
Your midwife can also be your go-to source whenever you're wondering if something you experience is normal or not. And this is bound to happen a few times, especially if you're in your first pregnancy! You can call them up, and they'll kindly address your concerns and let you know what you should and should not be alarmed about.
Dietary Counseling
It's important to eat a healthy diet during pregnancy, but what does that mean, exactly? Your midwife can help by recommending certain foods, meals, and dietary changes based on your unique health and individual weight.
Partner Counseling
You're the one who's pregnant, but you rely on your partner for support. They need to know how to best support you throughout the pregnancy and when you go into labor, and a midwife can help them with that. Most midwives prefer for partners to come in for a session or two, and during that session, they'll give them some tips and advice that will help them to help you.
Midwives can be very supportive, not just during birth, but during the whole pregnancy. Reach out to midwives in your area to learn more about midwife services and what they can offer you.