Midwife VS OB/GYN: Which is Better for Prenatal Care?

Many women struggle with the decision of choosing either an OBGYN doctor or a midwife. These women are surrounded by stereotypes, good and bad experiences from other women, and a few good old know-it-alls. What follows is a list of the top ten statements that you may hear from both sides of this controversy.

In this corner we have: Choose your Gynecologist

It is considered traditional to choose your gynecologist to attend to your prenatal care and deliver your precious new gift of life.

Your gynecologist really knows your personal areas.

Your gynecologist is a doctor and if the need should arise for a c-section or another unfortunate emergency, he or she is right there in the room.

If you have had the same gynecologist for many years, you may feel a personal bond with them.

Midwifery is witchery.

Midwifes are very out of date, and on the other hand, they are very new to our advanced ways of medicine.

A midwife is not a doctor. They cannot perform emergency procedures when the time comes.

Midwifes are too "hippy" and I would prefer to just get my epidural right away.

I want a prescription and a midwife might not be able to, or want to, get me one.

A midwife just doesn't have the same training as a doctor.

And in this corner we have: Chose A Midwife

A midwife is more into natural treatments versus pharmaceuticals which is better for you and baby.

A midwife is available to stay in the labor and delivery room, whereas a doctor has to leave a lot and sometimes isn't even present for beginning labor.

Most midwifes work directly under a certified doctor.

Midwifes have specific training for women's prenatal and postnatal care.

Midwifes prefer to work on a birthing plan with the mother.

Midwifes tend to be warmer and friendlier than most OB doctors.

Doctors can be cold and impersonal.

If and when the time comes for a medical procedure that can only be performed by a doctor, the hospital is full of them and they can come running if need be. They have seen hundreds of women's personal areas and yours isn't that different.

Midwifes have more time to spend with you during prenatal care and in delivery.