Are you finding it overwhelming to choose between an OB/GYN or Midwife? Maybe you feel you don’t have enough information to choose just yet, but you are not alone! With so many options and details to consider, it can feel like you are in the dark when it comes to making the right decision. Deciding on the best prenatal and birthing plan is a big task, so in this article, we will address the similarities and differences between OB/GYNs and midwives, as well as the benefits of each practitioner so that you can make a confident and more informed decision.
How Are They Similar?
Though both practitioners have a wide scope of practices, they do share some similarities as well. OBGYNs and Midwives alike are trained to give guidance in prenatal care, labor and delivery, and contraception. They prioritize the well-being of you and your baby and guide you to ensure a safe delivery with personalized care. But the way that each professional is trained to provide these services varies, as well as their approach to childbirth.
What Makes OB/GYNs Different?
An Obstetrician Gynecologist or an OB/GYN is a medical doctor who is also able to perform surgeries including Cesareans (C-Sections) and Episiotomies. Different from midwives, OB/GYNs are taught to manage pregnancy-related complications using medical interventions like inductions or assisted deliveries to ease your birthing process. The requirements differ for an OB/GYN as they must graduate from an accredited and approved medical school and then complete four years of residency that encompasses multiple areas of study. Now that we’ve given some insight on OB/GYNs, what is it that makes midwives any different?
What Makes Midwives Different?
Although they are not medical doctors, majority of midwives either have a masters degree or went through an accredited education program. If you’re thinking of choosing a midwife, rest assured you are in good hands. A midwife has a large scope of duties and can be placed in two different categories; a Certified Nurse Midwife(CNMs) and a Direct Entry Midwife(DEMs). A CNM is a registered nurse while DEMs are midwives without a nursing degree. The purpose of midwives is to encourage natural birth and provide more holistic care for your pregnancy with an emphasis on nutrition, breastfeeding, and infant care. This does not mean they can’t administer pain medication during birth as they are more than able to do so. If you prefer a more holistic approach to delivery, a midwife may be something to consider. Midwives are also more suited for low-risk pregnancies that require less medical intervention.
Choosing Your Provider Preference
Now that we’ve covered the similarities and differences of each provider we hope that it’s helped you get a better idea of their scope of practice. Both care providers have a wide range of abilities but by considering your medical needs, and preferred birth experience, you can determine which service provider is best suited for you..We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. Please remember to share it with others! You may also be interested in a previous article on the difference between a Doula and a Midwife.
Sources
Smith-Garcia, Dorian. “Midwife vs. OB-GYN: Who’s Right for You?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 30 Sept. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/parenting/midwife-vs-obgyn.
Tesch, David. “Midwife vs. OB-GYN: How to Choose an Expert for Pregnancy Care.” HealthPartners Blog, 2 July 2024, www.healthpartners.com/blog/midwife-vs-obgyn-whats-the-difference/.
