Midwifery Model of Care
The practice of midwifery and obstetrics are based upon two separate but overlapping arenas of knowledge. Practitioners may adhere more closely to one model of care or may combine elements of the two. Physicians may choose to practice more “like a midwife” and vice versa
Midwifery Model of Care
- Focus on health, wellness, and prevention
- Birth as a normal process of the body
- Use of interventions when there is evidence it is needed
- Midwives “catch” the baby – the mother delivers
- Care is individualized
Medical Model of Care
- Focus on managing problems and complications
- Birth is dependent on technology
- Use of interventions regularly
- Doctor delivers baby
- Care is routine
