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Additional Information
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Birthing Options
Women can also choose what type of health care provider
they would like to deliver their baby. An obstetrician-gynecologist
(OB) is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of pregnant
women and in delivering babies. Obstetricians also have special
training in surgery so they are capable of doing episiotomies and
cesarean sections. Women who have health problems or pregnancy
complications should see an obstetrician.
A certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
and a certified professional
midwife (CPM) specialize in prenatal care, labor, and
delivery. Both can be a good option for healthy women at
low-risk for problems during pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
A CNM does not need experience delivering babies in home
settings and most practice in hospitals and birth centers.
A CPM is required to have experience delivering babies in
home settings because most practice in homes and birthing
centers. Both should have a back-up arrangement with an obstetrician
in case of a problem or emergency.
Some women also choose to have a doula assist with labor
and delivery. A doula is a professional labor coach who gives
physical and emotional support to women during labor and
delivery. They offer advice on breathing, relaxation, movement
and positioning. Doulas also give continuous emotional support
and comfort to women and their partners during labor and
birth. Doulas and midwives often work together during a woman's
labor. Check with your health insurance company to find out
if they will cover the cost of a doula. When choosing a doula,
find out if she is certified by Doulas of North America (DONA)
or a comparable group.
Reprinted from the WomensHealth.gov site. You can read the
rest of this article on childbirth at their site, please click
here: http://www.4woman.gov/pregnancy/childbirthandbeyond/laborandbirth.cfm#who
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