What makes midwifery care different than standard obstetrics and gynecology? #askingforafriend

Dear Midwifery-Curious,

Well for one thing, a whole lot of time.

SOFT CORNER Midwifery Care focuses on informed choice and relationship-based care. We really love to get to know you! And as complex human beings, that of course takes time.

We hold one-hour visits, allowing you to have the time and space to discuss whatever is on your mind. These may be physical concerns, emotional concerns, questions about your care, or merely questions about what’s coming up next. We love sharing the latest evidence-based information to guide you through your reproductive care and ensure that you feel confident and informed throughout the decision making process. Whether it's simple STI screening or complex emotional concerns around fertility, we are here to hash it out. We get pretty nerdy about the whole thing as Licensed Midwives, but it makes the information exchange experience so much more fun! Learning about your body and knowing that you (and only you) are it’s best expert should be exciting!

Unfortunately here in Maine and across the US, visits with most Primary Care Physicians or OB’s in the hospital environment last around only 5 minutes. This of course doesn’t take into account the time spent sitting in the waiting room. Then there’s the time spent with your provider’s assistant, perhaps a Registered Nurse or Physicians Assistant. They typically spend time with you, weighing you and taking your blood pressure and giving you instructions on peeing in cup. They usually also take a list of your concerns to prepare for you doctor, but I personally always feel like I am repeating myself once I see my provider and find this whole system a bit frustrating. 

Let’s not forget about that awkward time waiting uncomfortably on an exam table. :/ I don’t know about you, but I’m a bit shy in that environment and have a difficult time connecting and finding my voice, once I finally see my provider. Especially if, for some reason, they decide I need to wear a paper gown or be half naked (I like to refer to this as Donald-Ducking) with a sheet on my lap shivering. I end up sitting there fake-checking my email, repeating mantras to myself about how calm and confident I am and ready to advocate for myself… Even if I had a list of topics to bring up, perfectly prepared, and written down in front of me, in the moment I find my nerves get in the way and I clam up.  

At SOFT CORNER Midwifery, we’re trying to flip that model of care on its head. We hope you don’t have any nervousness when you see us and know that we’re here to advocate for you and know that we’re on your team. Our visits take place in a beautiful warm and inviting clinic space. We know that you’re busy and we respect you making the choice to see us. We respect the time you are taking out of your day to care for yourself. We want to hang out with you and we hate being rushed as much as anyone else!  

We’re human, of course and sometimes our schedules shift. Babies tend to have a schedule of their own and can throw us off on occasion. Sometimes we run a tad bit behind and you may find yourself in our waiting room for a few minutes, but honestly that scenario is pretty rare. We plan for it anyways (midwives love being prepared for all scenarios) with beautiful local teas available, access to our library, and toys for the kiddos. Even though you may not have too much waiting room hang out time before your scheduled appointment, we always welcome you to hang out afterwards!

Care with a Licensed Midwife means that all of the risks and benefits of services and clinical offerings are discussed at length. This is the concept of informed choice, we’re always referring to.  It is the root of our practice and of course takes time and space for education and asking questions. Instead of receiving cookie-cutter care, we develop an individualized plan based on you, your health history, and your desires. This part of the job does take more time, but its also the part we love most! No two clients are the same. Some choose all the testing offered from genetic screening to nutrient level checks and regular ultrasounds, while others choose a more minimal approach. The best part of making all these decisions is you feeling confident and us getting to know you through the process.

We also love doing the hands-on clinical care ourselves. If you’re desiring some bloodwork, it just makes more sense that we do it, rather than sending you off to another provider. It’s convenient and most often a way more comfortable environment than being referred to a laboratory. Drawing blood is a weird thing that we humans do, if you really think about it. Sure we love all the awesome information you can get from it, but the process itself can give people the heebie-jeebies for good reason. We take the time to make sure you’re feeling ready and at ease before a draw. Whenever possible, we also use the teeniest needles, because why not!? Sure these steps take a little extra time, but what a difference it can make!

If using midwifery care for your pregnancy, you will also receive full continuity of care with your birthing team through prenatal visits. This also includes 24-hour emergency access to your midwife. This time and access is so important. It allows a trusting relationship to build. And we know that pays off! Everyone tends to function best when they feel safe, supported, and in control. All of that time prenatally spent with your Licensed Midwife establishes a mutually respectful relationship that directly benefits your own confidence in labor.

All the pathways work, so long as you, the client, continue to feel in control. Some people prefer more information and some less. Some people see 2% relative risk as low and some see it as high. With a skilled Licensed Midwife, deciphering these numbers and applications to your particular scenario should feel empowering instead of overwhelming. That being said midwifery care isn’t for everyone. There are people that prefer to have routine treatments and less involvement with their reproductive health care plan. Midwifery care really does take your participation. If you’re interested in your body and autonomy, then you’re in the right place with SOFT CORNER Midwifery. We’d love to see you, spend some time together, and hang out! 

SOFT CORNER’s mission is to provide empowering, comprehensive, and holistic reproductive care in Maine. We are here to foster intuitive decisions and self-advocacy throughout the reproductive cycle. These things take time and we’re here to offer that to you!