I read about a couple approaches to birth: the Midwifery Model (or Humanistic model) of care and the Techno-medical Model of care. It was pointed out that a midwife and a physician can practice either model of care, so I have to say that calling it the "Midwifery Model" is kind of misleading, though I suppose that most midwives have the humanistic philosophy and a lot of physicians practice the techno-medical model of care, whether through personal belief or through pressure of avoiding lawsuits, following procedures, etc.
But let's get onto what each model of care is before you get too lost.
Humanistic Model:
-female-centered
-birth is something women do, not something that happens to them
-recognizes essential oneness of mind and body
-birth and pregnancy are inherently healthy processes
-emotions of mother have very real impact on baby: baby has no choice but to feel what mother feels
-good nutrition is best way to prevent most common complications
-companionship and encouragement during labor to minimize technological intervention
-no arbitrary time limits, not expected in any rigid time frame
-move, drink, eat during labor
-medical intervention should be applied when needed, and is harmful when used for convenience or profit
Techno-medical Model:
-has existed for barely two centuries
-the human body is a machine
-the female body is full of shortcomings and defects
-pregnancy and labor are illnesses best treated with drugs and medical equipment
-some medical intervention is necessary for every birth
-birth must take place within 24 hours
-mind and body considered separate
-labor in bed hooked up to fetal monitors, IV's, and pressure reading cuffs
-pain is unacceptable and analgesia/anesthesia are encouraged
-episiotomies are routinely performed
-the woman is a passive, almost inert object seen as a barrier to baby's passage
-women are treated as one homogenous group, not as individuals
So, of course every level of practice exists between these two, I am sure. But there are some interesting things to think about when you decide who is going to help you have your baby.
