Midwives in Maine will have access to certain medications, thanks to a new law. The law allows pharmacists to give the drugs to certified professional midwives for use in home birth. The legislation will help midwives and their patients. The drugs included under the law are vitamin K injections used to help in blood clotting, antibiotic eye drops and medication to numb the skin for suturing tears after the baby is born. The first two medications are routinely used in hospital births, but often not used in home births. The state is hoping this will change after the law is … Continue reading →

When I was searching for a health care provider at the beginning of my pregnancy, I chose a obstetrician without a second thought. The list of covered providers for my insurance did not include any midwives and I assumed that using one would require giving birth at home. My impression of what home birth might look like did not seem appealing at all. The decision at the time was easy. Since then I have learned more about certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives. They are trained to respond to complications in labor and delivery, and consult with physicians when appropriate. They … Continue reading →