Frequently Asked Questions
What happens in case of emergencies?Our midwives realize that many people have a lot of fears concerning birth. Honestly, many of the interventions have side effects that make more interventions needed. Most of the time, birth is perfectly safe and few interventions are needed; however, when a birth related situation requires skill our midwives are the best in the industry. Emergencies can present themselves in any birth location, both in and out of hospital. Our experience has proven that fewer emergencies happen with less intervention such as induction with pitocin and epidurals. One situation that can be concerning is a mom bleeding too much after the birth. Midwives are trained to manage this with quick skills, as well as herbs, medication and iv fluids. Another area of concern involves the baby and his breathing following birth. What if the baby has breathing issues? Midwives are required through their licensure to be certified in neonatal resuscitation and therefore are qualified to aid the baby if this situation arises. Midwives also have oxygen available at every birth.
What equipment does a midwife bring to my birth?Midwives are licensed health care providers in Texas. Their supplies may include herbal remedies, oxygen supplies, suturing materials and iv supplies.
I have a friend that is planning to give birth in the water with a midwife. Is waterbirth safe?Water has long been acknowledged as a comforting place to be during times of physical discomfort as well as giving one a feeling of “weightlessness”. During labor and birth, both mom and baby feel the support of the water and enjoy its ease. During birth, the differential pressure between inside the uterus and outside the uterus is balanced by mom’s tummy being submerged in water. The reduced pressure makes birth gentler for both mom and baby. As a baby’s head emerges, the glottis (back of the baby’s throat) automatically closes so no water enters and then when the baby’s face comes in contact with the air, baby breathes. www.waterbirth.org gives more information about waterbirth.
How can my midwife help me handle the pain of labor?First of all, don’t believe everything you see on TV and labor without an iv drip of pitocin is dramatically different than a natural labor. (Natural labor is much less traumatic!) Besides the difference in the intensity of labor with and without pitocin, women are often surprised at their strength and how capable they can be of dealing effectively with the discomfort of labor in a supportive environment. During labors overseen by a midwife, women are encouraged to: stay nourished and hydrated, remain active by walking and dancing, use hydrotherapy (tub or shower), and, most importantly, given space to birth in her own way and choice. In addition to the things already mentioned, the midwives at Birth World have many herbal remedies to help alleviate discomfort during labor and delivery!
If I use a midwife for my birth, do I still need to see my doctor for my prenatal care?Midwives are licensed healthcare providers in the state of Texas and can provide prenatal, birth, postpartum and newborn care for you and your baby without needing additional care by other healthcare providers.
What about problems with getting pregnant or if I have a pregnancy loss?Midwives have access to a vast supply of natural resources that can give parents the information they are looking for to help with the life situation they are going through.
Can I have a vaginal birth if I had a previous c-section (VBAC)? VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean) can be an option for women. A more current description is HBAC (Home Birth After Cesarean) and our midwives are experts in HBAC! It is important to know the reason for the c-section and to know how the surgery was performed. Empowering yourself with information can expand your options. An informative site to visit is www.ican-online.org, which is an online resource for moms considering a vaginal birth after a c-section.
Do you have client references that I can talk to?Women that have employed a midwife from Birth World love to talk about their births! Give us a call so we can provide you their contact information.
Do you have a question for a midwife that you didn't find the answer for here? Email your question now or visit the Contact Us page and a midwife will answer your question as soon as possible.
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