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A Midwifery Resource for Expectant Parents |
Published January, 2001 in
Today's Arizona Woman
by Denise H. Todd
(Reprinted with permission)
View article
Think midwifery is an occupation that went out with the swords and lances? Not hardly. Midwifery is a professional occupation for many women. If you are interested in what a midwife can do for you, this site is a must. www.withwomanweb.com is a midwifery resource for expectant parents, a site where they can find information on the difference between using a midwife and using your traditional doctor. www.withwomanweb.com can tell you what you can and cannot expect from a midwife and where to find one.
According to the site: "Midwives spend more time with their clients at prenatal visits, thus allowing for more interaction between mother and caregiver, more time for the client's questions and concerns, and more time for education. Mothers take an active part in their care while midwives tailor their care to the individual and her family. Most midwives provide one-to-one care during labor, and allow the mother to do what she wants to in labor. This can include walking, showering, eating, drinking, and medications or anesthesia if desired. 'Midwifery care differs from obstetric care in philosophy, style, and practices. It promotes the normal, speaks to the psychological care as well as physical care, is woman rather than doctor centered, empowers women, and looks to simple, non-interventive remedies before resorting to technology' (Goer, p. 301)."
The site does not have a lot of bells and whistles or interactive features, but it does convey a substantial amount of information and guides you to additional resources regarding childbirth and pregnancy, such as breast feeding and choosing a hospital. By the looks of the chat or message board there are not a lot of visitors to this site. Carrie Dickson, the creator of this site, says in the "About the site creator and this project" page that she feels more women would choose midwifery options if they knew all the facts. Perhaps if more women knew all the facts, this site would have more people participating on the message board.
