Birth Philosophy and the Midwife Model of Care
The midwife model of care is based upon the belief that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. Midwives monitor the physical, psychological and social well-being of the mother throughout the childbearing cycle. The midwife will provide the mother with individualized education, counseling and prenatal care, continuous hands on assistance during labor and delivery, and postpartum support. During the course of care, the patient typically works with only one or two midwives. As a result, there is a relationship between the midwife and her patient, and the midwife knows how to give the best care specific to her patient’s needs and wishes. The midwife gives personalized care and minimizes technological interventions. The midwife model of care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and cesarean section. The midwife identifies and refers women who require physician care.
Florida-licensed midwives graduate from a state regulated and nationally accredited three year, nine semester midwifery program, have eight semesters of clinical internship, attend at least 75 deliveries, manage at least 50 deliveries and pass the national certification exam. Licensed midwives are licensed and regulated by the Florida Department of Heath Division of Medical Quality Assurance.
Minimizing elective technological interventions can reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma, and c-section. Well-educated, state-regulated, and nationally-accredited midwives are ready to assist you.
Compare side by side
Midwife Model of Care
Birth is normal...
- Birth is a social event, a normal part of a woman's life.
- Birth is the work of the woman and her family.
- The woman is a person experiencing a life-transforming event.
Your birth environment is...
- Home or other familiar surroundings, such as a Birth Center.
- Shared-decision making is in place that takes into consideration both the desires of the mom-to-be her medical history and specific circumstances.
Methods and approach of midwife are...
- Pregnancy and childbirth are seen as a holistic process.
- Shared decision-making between caregivers and birthing woman.
- No class distinction between birthing women and caregivers.
- Longer, more in-depth prenatal visits.
- Strong emotional support.
- Awareness of spiritual significance of birth.
Medical Model of Care
Birth is a condition...
- Pregnancy and childbirth are considered a medical conditions.
- Birth is the work of doctors, nurses, midwives and other experts.
- The woman is a patient.
Your birth environment is...
- Hospital is unfamiliar territory to the woman. Although, many hospitals have a tour that can be attended by the expecting woman.
- Hospital have precise policies and procedures in place that are not easily overwritten by a practitioner.
Methods and approach of hospital staff are...
- Doctor and hospital policies are are prioritized over the concerns and wishes of the patient.
- Trained to focus only on the medical aspects of birth.
- Often a class distinction between obstetrician and patients with a dominant-subordinate relationship.
- Information about health, disease and degree of risk not shared with the patient adequately or with use of complicated medical language.
- Brief care with little time for emotional support due to time constraints of a busy practice.
- Spiritual aspects of birth are often overlooked.
*Please keep in mind that this chart is for comparison and contrast only. It is generalized. It is important to research carefully both the midwife / doctor you have chosen as well as the hospital / home / birth center you have planned for your delivery.