This assists postpartum adjustment for all family members. The baby's experience at birth can be made as gentle and loving as possible, and routine procedures such as deep suctioning, bright lights and artificial warming can be avoided unless medically necessary. The healthy baby remains with the mother, preserving the mother-infant bonding so crucial to the development of attachment parenting. The baby is more likely to be born vaginally without breathing difficulties so often associated with anesthetics and cesarean birth. Breastfeeding is easier to establish when the baby can nurse on demand, and the mother is given immediate encouragement and instruction in proper technique.
Baby is less likely to develop an infection at home.
While midwives are trained in emergency measures, access to some equipment may be delayed, and transport to a hospital may be required. In urban areas, access to emergency medical services are expeditiously obtainable, and most midwives work in consultation and collaboration with an obstetrician who is willing to assume care of their patients if necessary. She is the co-founder of The Wholistic Midwifery School of Southern California. Highlight a word to use our Active Glossary .