Midwifery Myths Debunked

We have listed 6 myths about midwives in the points below. Check them for a better understanding and decide whether to choose midwives or go to a hospital for childbirth.

#1. Myth: Midwives and Doulas Are the Same

A common misconception is that midwives and doulas are the same, but they are not. A doula is someone who attains certification to become a birthing coach. They can offer invaluable physical, emotional, and practical support for families during birth, but can not provide medical care or deliver babies. 

On the other hand, midwives are healthcare professionals with medical education and training in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as baby care. There are different types of midwives, but specifically nurse midwives, who began their careers as nurses and then came to midwifery.  

#2. Myth: Midwives Only Deliver Babies at Home

Midwives do not just attend home births; instead, they deliver babies in hospitals and birth centers. It means if you want access to the full range of medical services while having a home birth, you can receive individualized care. With an experienced midwife, you get more labor options than a hospital birth, such as wireless monitoring allowing you to walk around freely, labor in the shower, and delivery in various positions. 

Patients opting for a combination of midwifery care and a hospital setting get access to neonatologists, anesthesiologists, and maternal-fetal medicine specialists. Moreover, midwifery care in hospitals is covered by major health insurance plans for your help. 

#3. Myth: Patients Who Have Had a C-Section Can’t Work with Midwives 

Most women with no other medical conditions have a low or moderate risk of complications and can work with midwives. It includes women who have had a cesarean section (c-section) but desire a vaginal birth. For such women, a thorough health history is taken, and factors, including the number of previous C-sections or incision location, can impact their eligibility.

Even patients with some risk factors during pregnancy, such as being of advanced maternal age or having gestational diabetes, may also work with midwives. It’s because there is no one-size-fits-all approach in pregnancy, and midwives provide care depending on your risk factors and preferences. 

#4. Myth: Midwives Don’t Offer Pain Relief During Labor

A major misconception is that a Houston-certified nurse midwife doesn't offer pain relief. The truth is, midwives know everyone’s perception of pain is unique. So, they offer pain management depending on your needs and preferences. They also help you understand the pros and cons of pain relief options.

Throughout your pregnancy, your midwife knows you personally and understands your preferences, so at the time of birth, you can be as relaxed as possible, knowing you have a pain management plan. Whether you choose a natural birth, an epidural, or nitrous oxide for pain management, your midwife will support you. 

#5. Myth: Midwives Only Deliver Babies

Midwives don’t only deliver babies; they can also provide people with compassionate care at all stages of life. People generally seek midwives during pregnancy, from prenatal care to delivery and the postpartum period. However, skilled and experienced midwives can also provide preconception counseling, conduct routine gynecologic exams and Pap smears, prescribe birth control, and evaluate patients for other gynecologic concerns. 

#6. Myth: Midwives Oppose Medical Intervention 

Although we shared that midwives also work in hospitals, some people consider that they oppose medical intervention. Whitney Bryner, a certified nurse midwife in Texas Health Hospital in Mansfield, shares that midwives follow evidence-based practice recommendations. Most midwives, especially CNMs, complete rigorous education programs, training, and certifications. They can efficiently handle various situations and know when to consult with or refer to a medical professional.