Why I Love Midwives

birth team midwives postparum prenatal care Jan 04, 2020

Baby wearing a knitted hat with overlay text saying my mommy used a midwife

By Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach — Certified Pelvic Floor Fitness Specialist · Published January 4, 2020

Direct Answer

Midwives treat birth as a normal, healthy process. They offer continuity of care, a choice of home or hospital birth, hands-on perineal protection during pushing, and postpartum home visits — a combination linked to fewer episiotomies, fewer interventions and fewer epidurals, all of which matters enormously for long-term pelvic floor health.

Key Takeaways

Midwifery care is associated with fewer episiotomies, fewer interventions and fewer epidurals.
Midwives typically work in pairs, so you build a relationship with the people who will attend your birth.
Protecting the perineum with warm compresses, oil and unhurried pushing lowers the risk of lasting pelvic floor damage.
Midwives encourage birth positions that work with your body rather than against it.
Postpartum midwifery care includes home visits in the first two weeks and clinic care through six weeks.
Midwives are in high demand, so contact a practice as soon as you know you are pregnant.

Consider including a Midwife on Your Birth Team

The benefits of midwives are numerous, from a reduction in episiotomies and use of interventions to a reduction in epidurals. The care they provide truly supports the normal process of birth.

I believe midwives play a huge role in protecting the perineum which in my world is huge in terms of preventing some aspects of pelvic floor dysfunction. They encourage birth positions that facilitate birth rather than hinder it and they are in no hurry... they let the woman birth.

My Experience Giving Birth With a Midwife

I chose a midwife for the birth of my two children and was so happy that I did!

Part of my reason for choosing a midwife was as a result of watching my sister-in-law through her pregnancy and birth. Watching the birth of my niece I saw firsthand the amazing care that the midwifery team provided. I wanted that for myself.

The prenatal care was great and I got to know both of the midwives that were on my team. They work in pairs (part of their continuity of care model) and alternate in meetings so you get to know each of them. One or both will be at your birth. I wanted to birth with someone I knew and trusted, not with a doctor who I had never met before.

The birth experience was amazing – my midwife Elizabeth was on the phone with me when I was in labour, and met us at the hospital when it was time for me to go.

She coached me through the process and kept me breathing! She supported my birth positions, answered any questions I had, and supported my perineum with warm compresses and oil. She was an integral part of the birth of my first son.

The postpartum support was incredible as well, with home visits and office visits to ensure my son and I were doing well. I believe in a birth ‘team’ rather than one care provider, and I believe a midwife is an integral part of that team.

Some Words From a Midwife

I have had the pleasure of working with midwives both personally and professionally.

Below is a quick note from a midwife in Oakville, Ontario, who has made such an incredible difference in the births of her clients. Kathy has also been a big supporter of my business.

“I have the absolute privilege to be a Midwife. It is such a gift to help women celebrate the miracle of pregnancy and birth.

Midwives are primary care physicians that are trained to care for women from early pregnancy, through birth and six weeks postpartum. Midwives believe that birth is a normal healthy process in a woman’s life. Midwives offer women a choice of birthplace - at either home or hospital - and support informed choice in each woman’s birth.

During the postpartum care, we see women and babies at home for the first two weeks, and then continue care in our clinic until six weeks. We assist with breastfeeding and ensure mom and baby are healthy and well.

Midwives are in high demand, which can make it sometimes challenging to get one. Call your local midwifery office or the midwifery association of your province as soon as you discover you are pregnant.”

The bottom line is that midwives rock! I chose a midwife and I believe you should consider it, too.

P.S. Doulas rock, too! Read my post explaining why I think a doula should be part of your birth team.

Recommended Programs:

My Buff Muff App covers Prenatal and Postpartum with Pre/Post exercises, Birth and Recovery Resources, Meal Plans, and our Birth Like a Boss Challenge.

LEARN MORE HERE and DOWNLOAD APP

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a midwife actually do? Midwives are primary care providers trained to look after women from early pregnancy through birth and the first six weeks postpartum. They handle prenatal appointments, attend the birth, and provide newborn and maternal follow-up care.

Are midwives only for home births? No. Midwives support a choice of birthplace — home or hospital — and their model is built around informed choice rather than one prescribed path.

How do midwives help protect the perineum? They support the perineum during pushing with warm compresses and oil, encourage positions that open the pelvis, and avoid rushing the second stage. That patience is a big part of why episiotomy and tearing rates tend to be lower.

What is the difference between a midwife and a doula? A midwife is a clinical care provider who can deliver your baby. A doula is a non-clinical support person who provides physical, emotional and informational support before, during and after birth. Many women benefit from having both on the team.

How long does midwifery postpartum care last? Typically home visits for the first two weeks, then clinic visits until around six weeks postpartum, including breastfeeding support and checks on both mother and baby.

When should I contact a midwife? As soon as you find out you are pregnant. Midwives are in high demand, so call your local midwifery practice or your provincial or state midwifery association early.

If I have a midwife, do I still need pelvic floor training? Yes. Great birth care and pelvic floor fitness do different jobs. Preparing your pelvic floor and deep core before birth — and rebuilding afterwards — is still your work to do, and guided programming inside the Buff Muff membership walks you through both.

Kim Vopni, The Vagina Coach, certified pelvic floor fitness professional and menopause support practitioner

Kim Vopni, known as The Vagina Coach, is a certified fitness professional, menopause support practitioner, women’s health educator, and author specializing in pelvic floor health. For over 15 years she has helped women worldwide address issues like incontinence, organ prolapse, pelvic pain and core dysfunction through fitness and education. Kim is the creator of the Buff Muff Method and founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc., and co-founder of Buff Muff Wellness Inc where she provides online programs, in person professional teacher training, and other resources designed to help women build lifelong pelvic health.

Credentials & Experience

Creator of the Buff Muff Method™
Founder of Pelvienne Wellness Inc.
Co-Founder of Buff Muff Wellness Inc.
Creator of Kegels & Cocktails™

Certified fitness professional specializing in pelvic health
Certified Menopause Support Practitioner
Author of multiple books on pelvic floor health
Speaker and educator featured on prominent media, podcasts and health platforms