Choosing a Medical Caregiver
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An obstetrician is either a medical doctor (M.D.) or a doctor of osteopathy (D.O.) who provides medical care for pregnant women and delivers babies. These doctors have completed a minimum of four years of training in obstetrics and gynecology. They will have credentials as "board-certified specialist" in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN)if they have passed exams set by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Both medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy are qualified to provide you with good prenatal care and to deliver your baby.
A midwife can be one of four types:
- A certified nurse midwife (CNM) has a nursing degree with at least one year of midwifery training plus certification by the American College of Nurse Midwives and a license from the state in which they practice. They are licensed to provide labor assistance and to deliver babies. Certified nurse midwives must have a doctor on call in case of an emergency during labor or delivery.
- A licensed midwife (or lay midwife) does not have a nursing degree and may or may not have passed a certification exam, depending on the state in which she practices. Most lay midwives have gained their experience from an apprenticeship with another midwife. Licensed midwives may or may not have an on-call doctor as a back-up in the event of a problem birth.
- An unlicensed midwife offers her services to attend home births. Unlicensed midwives by law are not permitted to oversee a birth alone.
- A professional labor assistant can be anyone who is trained to assist in a birth: nurses, midwives, doulas, childbirth educators. Professional labor assistants work with the delivery team (doctors and nurses) to support the woman while she is in labor and often during postpartum (after birth) care.
Of course you want your doctor or midwife to be a qualified and experienced professional. However, it is very important that you feel comfortable enough with your healthcare professional to be able to ask any questions you may have about your pregnancy, your symptoms, and to voice any fears or concerns you might have. It is not unreasonable to expect to be treated with care and respect by your doctor or midwife.
