The Midwifery Model Explained

As discussed in the "Midwives vs OB's" post, midwives have a much different outlook and method of care in their practices. The Midwifery Model of Care is based on hands on, women centered, nurturing and compassionate care.

The Midwifery Model of Care according to the American Pregnancy Association 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.

So why does all this matter? Why would this model of care be beneficial to certain mothers?

This kind of care highlights the autonomy of the women’s body, and emphasizes the natural event of childbirth. Less interventions allow for childbirth to unfold the way nature intended, and this perfect cocktail of hormones and body chemistry is extremely important in allowing the safe delivery of baby.

This model of care recognizes and protects those things, and while not every birthing person will want or need that kind of experience, it provides yet another option in how you want to birth and how you want to be treated in the delivery room, as well as pre and postnatally.