Why Hire a Midwife? San Francisco's Midwifery Services

Pregnancy is a life-altering state for women, as well as for their partners or spouses. As a pregnant woman's belly grows, so will her need for answers and information about what is yet to come. Many women find the reassurance and answers they need with the help of a labor coach or midwife. San Francisco residents are no strangers to these types of services, and there are certainly some excellent midwives here to choose from. Getting recommendations from people you trust and interviewing potential midwives is the best way to go about finding someone you're comfortable with before, during, and after the birth of your child.

First and foremost, you have to decide if you want a midwife instead of a physician to handle birthing services and pre-natal care. While physicians rely on conventional birthing techniques and medicines, usually in a doctor's office or hospital setting, midwives usually approach childbirth with a natural, holistic, no-intervention-unless-needed policy. Many women find that they're more comfortable with the midwife approach, and many also choose to have a home birth. San Francisco certainly has some excellent hospitals, but no matter where you live and what kinds of medical care you have access to, it's often preferred to bring a baby into the warm and peaceful world that is your very own home. Most midwives will deliver babies at home or in the hospital, recognizing that they can only supplement medical support in clinical settings.

Make sure the midwife you hire is licensed to practice midwifery in your state. If you plan to have a home birth, San Francisco has many direct-entry midwives that provide this service. Licensing and regulations vary from state to state, but you should have no problem finding someone who's qualified. If you're not sure where to start, ask your obstetrician or simply do a Web search for "natural childbirth San Francisco." Don't be afraid to be as scrupulous as possible, interviewing several midwives if necessary. Schedule preliminary appointments with them to see who you're most comfortable with. Feel free to ask the midwives candid questions about their training and experience, what their attitude is towards pregnancy and childbirth, how they handle complications, and what types of services they provide.

The key to finding the right midwife (San Francisco resident or otherwise) is finding someone you trust to back up your choices while making you feel safe and comfortable. Midwives, unlike physicians, are very skilled at helping to absorb some of the emotional trauma that can affect a pregnant or new mother. Furthermore, should you choose to have a natural childbirth, San Francisco is home to many midwives, doulas and labor coaches who specialize in helping women prepare to give birth without any sort of medicinal intervention. For a new mother, a natural childbirth maximizes the probability that both mother and baby will have a healthy post-natal period. Midwives provide great knowledge and support for a woman both while she prepares to give birth, as well as during and after.

About The Author Written by Kacy Suther. California's holistic midwife: San Francisco. Angelika Nugent provides natural childbirth San Francisco and services for home birth; San Francisco pre-natal and post-partum care.