I’d like to learn more about midwives and doulas. What are the basics?
Parents dream about the way they will welcome their newborn into this world, communicating those dreams with their medical team can help turn them into a reality.
An increasing number of women desire a return to physiologic birth, allowing labor to start, continue and end on its own without medical interference. In response, you may notice the availability of more birthing suites, beautifully appointed with birthing tubs and plenty of room for women to experience this journey with their midwives and doulas.
How you arrive at a decision that is right for you starts with understanding what physiologic birth is and then putting together the right team to help you achieve it.
What is a physiologic birth?
A physiologic birth allows your body’s own labor process to unfold with minimal intervention, relying on movement, breathing and other natural coping techniques rather than routine medication. No IVs unless necessary, intermittent monitoring and no epidurals. Many women find this approach brings a greater sense of control, more freedom of movement and a shorter recovery. While our physicians, nurses and midwives fully support this process, many women also choose to bring in doulas as part of their care team.
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained labor companion — think of her as a birthing coach. She isn’t part of your medical team, so she won’t monitor you, administer medication or deliver your baby. Instead, she focuses on comfort measures like breathing, positioning and encouragement, and helps you communicate what you want from your team.
Most families bring their own doula, and we’re happy to have her in the room. The more support you have communicating your wishes, the better.
How is a doula different from a midwife?
A midwife is a licensed medical provider trained to manage pregnancy, labor and delivery. At Hoag, our certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses with a master’s degree in obstetrics, certified by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).
Midwives do prenatal care, deliver your baby, walk you through physiologic pain management and labor techniques and work alongside a nurse and physician team.
Is physiologic birth right for you?
From your very first visit, talk to your medical team about what you want your birth to look like. Some women know they are not interested in a physiologic birth. Others are heartened that they can get the “best of both worlds” in birthing suites that can be transformed into modern hospital rooms, should a medical emergency arise. For those who are unsure, I advise them to meet with midwives and learn more.
The growing number of rooms available for physiologic birth is a testament to how much our culture has changed when it comes to honoring women’s agency in their birthing process. Lean on your medical team to listen, talk through the options and try to make those dreams come true.
Dr. Kenneth James is an OB-GYN who leads the midwifery program at Hoag in Orange County.
