The Midwifery Model: A Holistic Approach to Care
What is the midwifery model of care?
Midwifery care is more than clinical care. At the heart of the midwifery model of care lies a philosophy of compassion, respect, and trust in the body’s natural wisdom. It’s a model built on listening as much as leading, on empowering you to make informed choices, and on nurturing confidence in the body’s innate ability to give birth.
In the following sections, we’ll explore what the midwifery model of care truly means, and how it can potentially improve your experience.
Holistic Support
The midwifery model encompasses the whole person, not just your physical health. We recognize that your emotional well-being, family connections, and your personal values are just as important as medical safety. Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, this model of care celebrates your individuality. Your needs, voice, and preferences shape your care plan, so that birth feels like an experience made just for you. From pregnancy to well-body care, your midwives are there to encourage healthy choices and provide additional resources when needed.
Individualized, Person-Centered Care
With midwives, your care is tailored to your physical, emotional, cultural, and social needs, rather than following a standardized approach. Your experiences and beliefs, both positive and negative, impact your health and well-being. You are your own person and you deserve to be treated based on your unique needs and desires for care, for pregnancy and well-care alike. This applies to clinical choices, but also personal preferences like how you want to be addressed and treated.
Evidence-Based Practice
Evidence-based care means clinical decisions are guided by the best available scientific evidence, your midwife’s professional experience, and respect for your values and individual knowledge. Working with midwives creates a partnership based on mutual respect, conversation, and shared, informed, decision making. You are an active participant in your care, and will receive full information to make choices that align with your values and preferences. When evidence, experience, and individual preferences are all included in the conversation, you get a more personal, satisfying outcome.
Recognition of Pregnancy and Birth as Normal Life Events
Midwives view pregnancy and birth as a natural, physiological process instead of a medical event. Midwives emphasize physical movement and encourage you to listen to your body. Your midwives support your body’s innate ability to give birth safely, and understand your body is capable of growing, birthing, and recovering from birth. When you are working with midwives, you will receive education and support throughout your pregnancy to facilitate this natural process.
Evidence-guided use of interventions
The midwifery model of care emphasizes treating you as an individual, so they do not require routine interventions. Interventions are used only when medically necessary or requested, helping to reduce complications and encourage natural birth experiences. This approach is linked to better outcomes and a more satisfying birth experience. For example, at Indiana Birth Center, laboring clients are not routinely provided IV fluids like in most hospitals. You are encouraged to hydrate orally, but if you are not able to, we have IV fluids available when they are needed. Midwives observe and then respond to indications for intervention or treatment, instead of administering routine interventions.
Collaboration and Referrals
Holistic care means that midwives work closely with other healthcare professionals and refer you to higher levels of care when complications arise. Midwives often work closely with other practices such as:
Lactation consultants
Mental health services
Pelvic floor therapy
Chiropractors
The midwifery model is built on respect for your dignity, your choices, and your unique journey. The goal of the midwifery model is to walk beside you, providing the information and guidance you need to feel confident and cared for every step of the way. If you are looking for a kinder, warmer approach to care, send us a message!
