When it comes to working with your midwives, there’s a lot to think about. Are they qualified? Are they hearing your emotional and physical concerns? Will they handle an emergency situation like you’d hope? Will they create a loving, meaningful experience around the birth of your child?
As with any relationship, it’s important that your communication methods are effective. But, how can you ensure this is happening?
Below, we detail out several ways to effectively communicate with your midwives:
Ask Questions:
You know the age old saying, “there are never any stupid questions?” This definitely holds true. Whether you’re wondering about the situations that may affect your birth plan, or you’d like to talk through a concern you’re not sure anyone else has, your midwives want to hear from you. Their goal is to make you feel comfortable, and taken care of.
Not sure what to ask? Here’s a great list of questions to get you started.
Talk Through Their Protocols:
In her nurse-midwifery handbook: “A Practical Guide to Prenatal and Postpartum Care,” Linda Wheeler writes that, “There is no one way to be a midwife. . . Enter the circle with awe and respect, with hope and with kindness. Bring your presence, your experience, your wisdom.”
Each midwife approaches birth and care differently. Beyond that, each one is comfortable with different medical procedures based on their experience and specialty. Depending on who you are working with, your midwife may have different protocols she follows during emergencies, or specific birthing situations. These are called her “practice protocols.”
Asking your midwives about their specific practice protocols can open up a valuable conversation that helps you know what to expect from your hospital or home birth experience. Having this valuable conversation ahead of time will set expectations, calm any fears you may have, and prepare for a smooth birthing process.
Be honest:
Is one of your midwives driving you absolutely crazy, or communicating in a way you wish she wouldn’t? Honesty is the best policy. After all, she is joining you on one of the most personal (and important) journeys of your life!
Be sure to open up and tell her what you’re feeling and thinking surrounding not just the birthing process, but your experiencing leading up to it as well.
Create a Birth Plan:
Have you heard of the Positive Birth Movement? This is a global grassroots campaign centered on just one thing: making birth a more positive experience. Just think – the birth of this precious baby is a one time event you will remember for the rest of your life!
Do you have a preference for who will be present, whether or not the staff whispers while in your room, or a specific song you’d like to have played to help you feel calm and comfortable? Creating a birth plan with your midwives can help ensure that your birth experience is what you’ve always hoped it would be.
Is there something we’ve missed?
We’d love to hear your personal tips for communicating openly with your midwives. Don’t hesitate to leave us a comment on Facebook, or send us a tweet!