Finding the best match, in a provider, is a very individual process. Everyone has different comfort levels with medical intervention. There is a continuum from wanting the most possible to the least – or being some place in between. Knowing where someone’s beliefs are helps to find the best match. Knowing what the midwifery model is can help when interviewing.
Our beliefs are based on many factors and cultural beliefs can have a big impact on our choices. If everyone else is doing “this” is must be ok – right? Maybe not. One big factor is the belief that technology/science knows best through data. The problem with this is that common sense goes out the window. The wisdom of birth is carried by midwives.
Growing up on a farm, close to nature, grounded me in the principles of nature. I consider myself lucky. As an Asian medicine practitioner I also have trust and faith in the midwifery model for all kinds of care. Birth has been happening for a very long time and while there may be a place for western medicine, the vast majority of births don’t need medical intervention.
Getting help finding midwives and understanding that they can have practice philosophies that vary from medical to traditional (and everything in between) helps parents understand their choices. I personally know all the homebirth midwives practicing in the Chicagoland area. There is so much to learn. My wish is that parents learn as much as possible before having their first baby. I also offer preconception planning.
Thank you all for any referrals you may send my way. Building confidence and saving time while becoming informed – what could be better?