by Jean Masukevich

Created on: February 07, 2008   Last Updated: November 23, 2008

Labor is defined as work by the Oxford dictionary. In a working relationship, most people would choose a partner to stand by her side in times of need over a busy and preoccupied boss to push them along. Especially if the job you are referring to is child labor and delivery. Every pregnant woman has a responsibility to choose what is right for herself and her unborn child. Most women choose an OB doctor based on a recommendation or insurance plan; without realizing that there are alternatives to the standard " in and out" "controlled" birthing experience offered by most OB doctors. For my first two children, I chose natural childbirth in a hospital setting with an OB catching the baby. My last two children were delivered in a hospital with a certified nurse midwife sharing the birthing experience. There are many reasons I would recommend a midwife over the OB based on my personal experiences with both. Some of these reasons include; quality of care, respect for individual birthing plan, better value, and positive experience from first visit through post partum.

When the OB doctor I had never met before that day told me "shush!" while I pushed my nine and a half pound baby out without drugs, I knew I made the wrong choice. This is why I would recommend serious consideration of all options before deciding which is the better choice for you: the OB doctor or the midwife. When it comes to quality of care the midwife wins hands down. The pre-natal checkups begin with an extensive meeting in which a rapport is built through a series of questions. At this check-up, the midwife I chose was present and available; not just physically, as the previous two groups of OB doctors I had experienced were. She saw me as a whole person and acknowledged the pile of emotional and mental stress I carried in the door. She cared and it showed from the first time I met her. She was not pre-occupied or rushing me out the door. The midwife's philosophy is one which wraps a pregnant women in a cozy blanket. This tells her: "you are safe, you are strong, I will help you through this exciting time so you can enjoy the journey." The amount of time a midwife spends with the pregnant woman throughout pregnancy and childbirth far outweighs the amount of time an OB doctor is able to spend with his or her patients. The extra time spent fosters a better working relationship and more trust which is crucial in the final stages of labor, especially. A first time mother needs extra coaching and encouragement

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