Lay Midwives approved

[Marilyn]

There is no way that I would every want to utilize a lay midwife, unless she was assisting with birth in a hospital. The daughter of a friend of ours gave birth at home, using a midwife, but she gave prenatal care doing bloodwork and everything. The baby was over 10 lbs though, and got stuck briefly coming out. All was well and baby was born healthy to a healthy mother, but I'd have been a nervous wreck if it had been my daughter giving birth like that & they were way out in the country, 20 or 30 miles maybe more from a medical facility.

[Mandy]

Most woman here give birth at home, if they are sure its uncomplicated, and the mom is in great shape. I would never consider it, too many things can go wrong.

[Tink]

I'm wondering if part of the reason it got approved here is related to our sizeable Amish communities. They have most of their babies at home and have been allowed to have one of their own ladies attend. Making it legal for the rest of us to do the same would only be fair I suppose.

I've had 3 babies, and got to attend one delivery as part of my EMT training. I'd have loved to have been able to have my kids at home, but if I had, I think I'd have been sorry. My oldest was born with heart problems and was hospitalized for 2 weeks, and my second one had the cord around his neck which isn't a big deal if it's noticed and dealt with, but could have killed him or caused brain damage if not noticed.

Most of the time it might go fine, but there are times when skilled intervention is life saving. Because of that, I don't think I'd dare use a lay midwife.