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Midwives assist women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. They have a long history dating back to ancient civilizations and can be certified professionals. Midwives often work with obstetricians and provide individualized care, natural remedies, and home births. They are best for uncomplicated pregnancies and can work with obstetricians for high-risk pregnancies.
A midwife is a doctor who assists women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. An ancient and vital profession, midwifery records date back to ancient civilizations, where they were honored and respected professionals charged with safely bringing new life into the world. Midwives today are often certified professionals, though not necessarily doctors. Midwives often work in concert with licensed obstetricians to guide a mother and baby safely through pregnancy and delivery.
The history of the midwife is filled with periods of suspicion and almost mystical reverence. As those who could safely bear children and keep women alive through childbirth, some ancient cultures, such as those of Greece and Egypt, honored them and considered them reliable and necessary professionals. Unfortunately, the mysteries of birthing practices also lead to the occasional accusation of witchcraft or witchcraft, and some historical records suggest that midwives were sometimes the victims of witch hunts around the world.
In modern culture, midwifery can be practiced by a male or female and usually includes some form of medical training to practice legally. Some midwives are also licensed nurses who choose to specialize in the particular area of pregnancy and childbirth. Others obtain certification through training programs or apprenticeships geared precisely towards making midwifery professionals. Many countries, such as the US, UK, and several European nations, offer different forms of midwifery certification depending on the type of training received. Some certifications make hospital training a requirement, but not all licensure programs insist on formal medical training.
The care provided by a midwife can vary based on levels of training and certification. A midwife’s goal is to safely guide pregnant women and their babies through the entire pregnancy and delivery process, including postpartum care. Some women prefer to work with midwives because of the focus on individual care. Midwifery has also long been associated with the promotion of natural remedies and complementary medicine, making many practitioners less inclined to employ drug therapy, invasive procedures, or the unnecessary use of medical technology. Many midwives will assist in home births for women who do not want to go to hospital, or provide delivery facilities focused on the comfort and care of mothers and their babies.
Midwives are best able to provide care for uncomplicated pregnancies where health risks are minimal. If health is a concern, consider finding a midwife who works with an obstetrician on a regular basis. By finding a midwifery team, a pregnant woman can receive both personalized midwifery care and advanced medical services provided by a trained midwife. For those seeking complementary care with an emphasis on personal attention, a midwife can serve as a wonderful companion and advisor during pregnancy.
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