The application of the Midwifery
Model of Care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth injury, trauma,
and cesarean section. May 1996 Midwifery
Task Force
Pregnancy and birth are normal life processes.
Quality of prenatal care has a vast affect on birth outcomes. The best
prenatal care includes one that addressed both the physical and emotional
wellbeing of the mother. The traditional Medical Model of Care has an attitude that
birth is an event that needs to be controlled, monitored and managed within a
certain amount of parameters. Often centered on pain medications, continuous
monitoring and interventions; there is an incredible level of fear around birth
in North America which has lead to the over medicalization of birth.
New study reports that the US is one of only
eight countries where maternal deaths are rising, placing the US at #60 behind
59 countries with better maternal health outcomes. Global, regional, and national levels and causes of maternal mortality
during 1990–2013: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study
2013
This fact Prenatal Care that is more than just diet and lifestyle is
very important to the birth outcomes and the future health of the child. This
consideration is an essential ingredient that all too often lacking within the
Medical Model of Care. The Midwifery Model of Care provides the kind of care
that incorporates physical, psychological and spiritual support. Prenatal care
with midwives and doulas can provide a safe haven, a sub-culture in which women
can reclaim trust in themselves and the birthing process.
Working with a Midwife or Doula
can enhance bonding and attachment through birth and within the family dynamic
which essential to brain health in mothers and babies. They can help women
prepare for birth; exploring with her ways that she can best work through any
issues from her past or present that may impede the full use of her resources,
both physical and emotional during the challenging work of labor and help prepare
her for the mothering experience that lies ahead. Their job is to guide, mentor
her health and well being in a holistic (mind, body, spirit) while offering
expertise and experience in a way that the medical model shy’s away from.
Part of my work as a Doula
and Student Midwife is to empowering women to realize that she is the only real care provider for
her unborn baby. I blend from all my areas of
expertise in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Somatic Therapy as well as Pre
and Perinatal Psychology.
