As we await a new Royal Baby in the UK this month, it brings up memories of the last royal who gave birth. Do you remember seeing Princess Kate on the steps, in heels (!), a few short hours after delivering a baby? The internet was swirling with commentary about how incredible it was that she was able to function right after giving birth! We came to find out that she had been under the care of a team of midwives who were responsible for her labor and delivery.
So do the midwives double as a full glam squad, too? Well not quite, but the seemingly quick recovery and many other positive experiences have more women choosing to seek options outside of the traditional contemporary hospital experience. Luckily, my very own sister, Marsha, is a local Certified Nurse Midwife who has attended hundreds of births in varied settings. I thought I’d ask her a few questions to give us a little insight into the experience of pregnancy and delivery with a Midwife.
What made you decide to become a Midwife?
My own experience with a Midwife during my first baby. She made me feel normal, special and treated me like a person first, not a number. I delivered my first with her in a hospital. I’ve also had a home birth with my middle child.
Why do women choose a midwifery experience over a traditional hospital birth?
I just spoke with a moms group at the YWCA and talked a lot about the options that midwives provide throughout pregnancy. Many of the moms commented on seeking Midwifery care due to their first birth experiences not being ideal. They felt like their providers and hospital experience focused more on the event of the birth happening TO the moms instead of WITH the moms. Some moms felt like they weren’t participants in decision making during pregnancy and birth. During postpartum, we are more hands- on with mom and baby, we can do newborn care up to do 28 days after delivery and we follow up with moms before the 6 week mark to help with breastfeeding or with any issues in transitioning home.
Are there men who are midwives?
Yes, but very few. I’ve probably met only 3 in my career. They are often more compassionate than other midwives! And no, they aren’t called “Midhusbands”.
What is the most unique place you’ve delivered a baby?
Other than someone’s home (which isn’t that unique in this profession), I’ve delivered a couple of shower babies. Yes, we turned the shower off! I did have a mom labor outside in a backyard, the birth tub was on the patio! She delivered inside the house, though.
What is a common misconception about your profession?
A lot of people think that we’re untrained, doing dangerous things. We’re hippies on a caravan, in skirts going rogue and delivering babies at home. And that we’re all White.
There are two types of Midwives and certifications. A certified nurse Midwife has a masters in nursing and women’s health. We’re certified by the American Midwifery certification board and licensed by the states. Some states (including Missouri), require you to work under a physician. The majority of Midwives work in hospital settings.
What is the most common question you get from your patients during pregnancy?
How do I know that I’m in labor and when do I, “Call the Midwife?” Honestly, no one can really know, we can usually tell over the phone, but generally regular and strong contractions or water breaking.
Not including any medical emergencies or extenuating circumstances, what is the percentage of women who plan for no intervention reaching their goal?
At the last center I worked, 75% of moms plan and complete their goal. 2nd time moms typically have a higher percentage of reaching their goal – the babies come faster and easier, in my experience and they usually don’t feel like they need an epidural.
Do you need a Doula if you have a midwife?
A Doula can be helpful even if you have a Midwife. Midwives have the first priority of taking care of mom and babies medical needs. The Doula has the ability to focus on the physical and emotional support during labor. Doulas are steady and consistent throughout the duration of labor. Doulas also help women who want an epidural and help moms who may have had a previous traumatic birth experience. They are not medical professionals, but go through their own training and certification.
What can women planning a hospital birth (with drugs!) learn from a natural birth experience?
Remember that your voice should be heard in the process! Make sure that you’re getting emotional support from your doctor throughout your pregnancy, labor and birth. It’s okay to ask questions, ask what the risks are and ask if procedures are recommended due to a medical reason or convenience.
What should women seeking a natural birth learn from our belly birthing and epidural moms?
Intervention can be a good thing! Flexibility is key – just because it didn’t go exactly as you planned, you are NOT a failure.
Which hospitals allow Midwives to deliver babies around St. Louis?
SSM, Mercy, Missouri Baptist and St. Joe’s West. These are all fairly recent offerings in the last 5 years. Women are asking for more options! There are also Birth Centers.
Do you ever get tired of screaming moms and babies?
No! Never! I make a lot of sacrifices at home to do the job. I do get tired of being up at night though. Those calls to the Midwife often come in the middle of the night!
Okay, so you saw Princess Kate out on those steps in heels hours after giving birth. Is that real? Have you seen moms recover like that?
Lol. Yes. And I’m sure it doesn’t hurt to have a stylist, makeup and tons of help at your side. Rare, but it does happen. But I have seen several moms up and around looking fresh and fly about 6-8 hours after a baby.
Marsha Hill, CNM, is a 2009 MSN graduate from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Before choosing midwifery as a career, she spent several years working as a hospital RN in Labor and Delivery. Upon graduation she practiced midwifery at a busy inner-city ministry on Chicago’s west side. Since then, she has had the privilege of attending births both in and out of the hospital. She developed a passion for midwifery due to the wonderful care she received by midwives during her own pregnancies. Marsha considers it a blessing to have the opportunity to support women throughout their pregnancy, birth and beyond.
When not at work Marsha enjoys being outdoors, traveling (particularly to the beach), gardening, running, weightlifting, and spending time with her husband of 18 years and her three children. (And her awesome little sister-she helped deliver her two nephews).
I never considered using a midwife… I think I was too afraid to do anything but use my OB. He was wonderful, but I do wish i had really looked into my options for a more personal birth. I’ve already had 4 so it’s too late for me, but your post will likely open up options for many others!
Great piece! I follow you on Facebook and had to click on this post because of the familiar face! Your sister, Marsha, was my midwife at MBC for my second born in February. She is awesome!
Loved reading this and love midwifery care – it’s truly the best.
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