So now it's time for me to get serious about finding a health care provider that is truly supportive of my wish to vbac, along with my other birth plans. It's easier said than done. With my last pregnancy and delivery, I used an OB/GYN, but after meeting midwives and learning about the midwifery model of care, I am really hoping to find a midwife this time.
The Midwives Model of Care
The Midwives Model of Care
(from the citizens for midwifery website)
The Midwives Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes.
The Midwives Model of Care 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.
With this birth, I feel that it would be best for me to have a health care provider that:
The Midwives Model of Care is based on the fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes.
The Midwives Model of Care 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.
With this birth, I feel that it would be best for me to have a health care provider that:
-views pregnancy and birth as a natural process
-believes in a woman's ability to give birth naturally
-doesn't use unnecessary interventions during labor or delivery
-offers plenty of one on one time with their patient during pregnancy as well as support during delivery.
-tries to minimize the risks that can arise in pregnancy and birth by providing information to the mother on how she can be healthy during her pregnancy and prepare for a healthy delivery.
-views vbac as a safe option for mom and baby, but can also make quick decisions if complications do arise.
-respects the mom's wishes and offers support
-gives the mom real informed consent when it comes to all of her options and the risks involved.
-isn't afraid of "big babies" or a mom going past 40wks.
-allows the baby to come when they are ready.
-genuinely cares about the mom and baby's health as well as their birth experience.
Here is a great video from YouTube that talks about some of the benefits of choosing a midwife.
I can't remember if you're in Phx or not, but I believe that the Bethany midwives do VBAC, and I think that Brittani Hamilton, CNM, does them too. It's too bad CPMs can't do VBAC, but there are great in-hospital midwives that do VBAC. I'll be interested to see who you find! Good luck with the search!! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Diana:)
ReplyDeleteI have heard great things about the bethany midwives, so we will definitely be interviewing a few of them. Unfortunately Brittani works at hospitals with vbac bans, so she can't do them. I can tell that she is a wonderful midwife though.
I hope you can find a midwife... I wish that here in WA. midwives weren't hunted down and persecuted for attending a VBAC...
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on you pregnancy! I'll look forward to hearing about your experiences!!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, the Bethany midwives are awesome and do VBACs. Good luck with your search, Missy!
ReplyDeleteWow! I'm a L&D nurse and I can't believe all the great information you have on your blog. You've done a fantastic job - Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteKristin
Thanks so much:)
ReplyDeletemissy, thanks so much for the comment on my birth blog. i am so happy you're reading!
ReplyDeletei love your blog. there is so much great information here. i am so excited that you're pregnant again and wish you the best with your VBAC! i think it is wonderful that you are taking your birth into your hands. best of luck finding a midwife...i have also heard that the Bethany midwives are great! another great doctor (although an OB) is Dr. Brass-Jones. she is very into natural birth and probably one of the most alternative doctors you'll find (if finding a midwife doesn't pan out). i'm excited to continue reading about your journey!