Here is an interview from one of our clients MJ Ostrowski. MJ had the loving support of her wife, her family, her doula and of course, her attentive and competent midwife. In our experiences, midwives do add that extra layer of tenderness that the birthing process requires. We love working with midwives and recommend them quite often when couples inquire about wanting something a little bit more. And of course, midwives and doulas work quite complimentary during birth as you will read below.

What did you notice the greatest difference was between the care of an OB and midwife?

We started with an OB for the beginning of our pregnancy and switched at 30 weeks. The greatest difference was the time spent with us at appointments. Some follow ups with our OB team were 5 minutes or less versus the care of our midwife team seemed very thorough at each appointment, they seemed to truly want to get to know us, our preferences, questions and fears and build trust.

Why did you choose a midwife for your care provider? What made you choose your specific midwife?

We choose our midwife specifically due to recommendation from other birthing professionals. We made the switch partly due to the big practice nature of our OB team and the uncertainty of not knowing who may be a part of our birthing experience. After our initial consultation with our midwife, we knew immediately that we made the right decision.

Describe your prenatal care experience with your midwife?

They were personalized, warm, never rushed and trust was built. They were inclusive of both me and my wife.

What was your CNMs role during labor and delivery?

She delivered our baby, she came in on her day off to do so. During transition, a time when I was struggling with labor, she provided emotional support, alternative pain interventions and was very caring and supportive.

What was your CNMs role postpartum?

We didn’t see her again in the hospital but we saw another midwife who we worked with in the prenatal who came by often and checked in, and checked in again before discharge.

Do you feel the outcome of your birth experience would have been different under the care of an OB?

Yes, absolutely. I am so thankful that we chose the birthing team we did, or I fear my birthing time could have gone very differently.

Do you feel emotionally your birth would be different under the care of an OB?

Yes, I felt like a number in the OB office as if it was a rotating door. My experience was personalized even with a long labor from my midwife and her team.

What was the biggest benefit of midwifery care for you and your family?

It supported us to have a healing birthing time one that we felt both supported and empowered in.

Why did you choose to hire a doula?

We chose to hire a doula after hearing others positive and empowering both stories, I also wanted to have an unmediated birth and knew I needed support in that.

How did your doulas role differ from your CNMs?

Our doulas were there outside of prenatal appointments for any questions concerns or just to bounce thoughts feelings and ideas off of. They served as a guide and support through the whole process. Also- our doula was with us during our birthing time from 5am to midnight after our baby was born providing emotional support, being so helpful in talking with the staff, providing alternative pain relief measures, making it easier to birth in a hospital.

What was your experience for prenatal care with a doula?

It was wonderful they provided resources for practitioners such as chiropractic care that made my pregnancy more comfortable they ultimately led us to our midwife team as well! They even attended a appointment with us to go over our birth plan and talk in person with our midwife. They helped us find our voice and ask questions that we had as well helping us have the confidence to do so.

What was your doulas role during labor and birth?

Oh goodness- what wasn’t her role?! She was an anchor of support even with stalled labor, and when I started to feel fear and defeat. She provided alternative pain relief, supported me in my decisions whatever they were , allowed my spouse to take breaks during the long process, communicated with our care team- making requests on our behalf filled up the birthing tub several times, provided healthy self talk and affirmations that helped me stay strong, helped with coaching during pushing, providing a calm and strong presence, helped with initial breastfeeding following delivery. She was truly incredible and amazing, I can’t imagine having given birth without her support.

She made me feel really really safe and that was irreplaceable.

What was your doulas role during postpartum?

She came over for a post partum visit asking how we were doing, as well as reviewing our birthing time with us which was really helpful to go full circle in the experience.

What was the biggest benefit of hiring a doula?

The support during labor and delivery. We were able to have the birth we wanted even with dealing with things that were out of control. I felt brace empowered and accomplished following our birth and that’s in part due to her unwavering support, knowledge and presence.

Do you feel you were more educated, confident, and prepared from doula care for labor and delivery?

Gosh yes! I felt like we were able to really plan for the process even with knowing things can be out of our control but that gave us a voice to prepare for multiple outcomes.

Do you feel the outcome of your labor and birth would have been different without the care of a doula?

Very much so- we couldn’t have had the birthing experience we had without her knowledge presence and support and we will always have a doula for any future births.

Do you recommend doulas to other expectant couples?
Yes, absolutely!

Do you recommend midwifery care to other expectant couples?
Yes very much so!

Do you have anything else to share about the care of a CNM?

Do it do it do it- you won’t regret it!