As maternal healthcare in the United States continues to evolve, midwifery arises as a vital and often overlooked alternative that champions both safety and compassion in childbirth. As more expectant parents seek alternatives to traditional obstetric models, midwives offer clinical expertise and a nurturing approach that honors each individual’s unique journey.
Using a midwife can have a transformative effect on birth outcomes and birth experiences, a systemic shift that is an essential part of our healthcare framework to help reduce healthcare disparities.
Can you tell me the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A midwife and a doula have different roles and qualifications. Midwives are trained, certified and licensed healthcare professionals that provide gynecological, low risk obstetrical and postpartum care. Midwives perform medical procedures such as delivery, as well as repair of vaginal lacerations. A doula is a non-clinical support person who provides emotional, physical and informational support to the mother before, during and after childbirth. We work together to ensure your birth is safe and your wishes/wants are respected.
How can I get a midwife if I live in Brooklyn?
If you want to get a midwife in Brooklyn, you can start by researching local midwife practices or community health centers. Websites like the American College of Nurse-Midwives can help you find certified midwives in your neighborhood. Other resources can be parent groups. Talk to your obstetrician for recommendations, look at hospital websites to see if they have a midwifery team. It is much safer to have a midwife that has a great relationship with your OBGYN so they can plan your delivery and manage your labor together.
What is the relationship between midwives, doctors and nurses?
Midwives are part of the healthcare team and often collaborate with obstetricians and nurses. They may call doctors to help with higher risk pregnancies or complications. Nurses often assist in patient care during labor and delivery and may work alongside midwives and doctors in a hospital setting.
What areas of pregnancy do midwives focus on?
Midwives can take care of low-risk patients, prescribe prenatal vitamins and provide labor support and help maximize the chance of you having a safe vaginal delivery. Midwives also focus on holistic care for you and your baby through labor support. Midwives can also see you in the office postpartum to ensure safe healing and birth control discussion. Midwives emphasize natural childbirth, provide education on childbirth options, and support breastfeeding and newborn care.
How do you recommend people choose their midwives?
When selecting a midwife, these are some of the things to think about:
Make sure the midwife is licensed and accredited to practice in the state you live in. You can ask the midwife the number of years, experience and number of births they have been a part of. Also, find out if the midwife will be available for your delivery and how well the midwife and doctor work together. The most important things are compatibility with your personal values and preferences and to find someone who you feel most comfortable with.
Midwifery epitomizes an essential and compassionate approach to maternal care that respects the unique needs of each woman. We not only improve maternal and infant health outcomes but also emphasize a holistic approach to women’s healthcare. Embracing midwifery is not just about supporting mothers, it's about fostering healthier communities for generations to come. Learn more here.
Meleen Chuang, MD, MBA, is the chief of Obstetrics and Gynecology, NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn and medical director of Women’s Health at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone in Sunset Park. Shawna R. Paul, CNM, WHNP-BC, is a nurse midwife (AMCB) at the Family Health Centers at NYU Langone.
