Looking for some help during pregnancy?  

Here is what to consider when deciding on whether you want to use a Doula or Midwife when you are pregnant: 

First, let's talk about the differences between a Doula and a Midwife. 

Doula: 

Provides emotional and physical support during pregnancy and childbirth. They are not medical professionals and do not deliver babies. 

So, what does a Doula do? 

Doula's have different roles and can provide certain services depending on what you need. 

1. Support women who are on bed rest to help prevent early births

2. Provide support during the birth process

3. After birth they help the mom during the first few weeks to help with feeding the baby and household tasks. How does this work? Before the actual birth a Doula usually:

• Meets with you to go over how they can help you and get acquainted. (normally during the 2nd and 3rd trimester).
• Instruct moms on relaxation and breathing techniques. 
• Answer any questions about the birth process and what to expect. 
• Go over labor and delivery and talk to moms about any possible complications and how they are handled. 
• Develop a birth plan.
  
  When labor occurs a Doula will: 
• Administer Constant support 
• Massage to help mother relax 
• Guide you to comfortable positions 
• Make sure fluids and nutrition is kept up during birth process 
• Be an advocate to communicate preferences to medical staff 
• Support soon to be dad
  
  After delivery: 
• Support to parents when bringing baby home
• Teach care methods to parents
• Breast feeding education 
• Keep mom hydrated, fed and rested
  
  Studies have shown that moms to be that use a Doula have shorter labor, need less medication and are less likely to have a C-section.
  
  

  What a Midwife does: A midwife is a trained health professional. (see more below)

  
  
• They assist with labor, delivery, and after after birth
• Midwives can deliver babies at birthing centers, home or at a hospital.
  
  Most families who choose a Midwife want little medical intervention and have no complications during their pregnancy.
  
  There are different types of Midwives:

1. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are registered nurses who have graduated from an accredited nurse-midwifery education program and have passed a national exam. They can practice in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

2. Certified midwives (CMs) are non-nurse midwives who have a bachelor's degree or higher in a health field, have completed an accredited midwifery education program, and have passed a national exam. Only a few states permit CMs to practice. 

3. Certified professional midwives (CPMs) are non-nurse midwives who have training and clinical experience in childbirth, including childbirth outside of the hospital, and have passed a national exam. Not all states permit CPMs to practice.

What do Midwives do?

1. Provide care before, during and after birth
2. Help with family planning, prenatal exams, order tests, monitor physical and psychological health
3. Provide birthing plans
4. Advise about diet, exercise, medicine and keeping healthy during pregnancy.
5. Educating parents about childbirth and newborn care
6. Support parents during labor
7. Admit or discharge from the hospital
8. Deliver babies
9. Refer to doctors as needed

Precise Moves Chiropractic is referred by many Doula's and Midwives to help prepare for birth and help with breech position.  Contact us today to see how The Webster Technique can help you and your baby!