Lay Midwives approved

[Tink]

Wisconsin has just now decided to allow Lay Midwives to legally practice in the state. It is the 25th state to approve the practice.

The term "Lay Midwife" has been used to designate an uncertified or unlicensed midwife who was educated through informal routes such as self-study or apprenticeship rather than through a formal program.
Other similar terms to describe uncertified or unlicensed midwives are traditional midwife, traditional birth attendant, granny midwife and independent midwife.

Lay midwives generally work in the patients home for both the prenatal care and deliveries.

Would you ever use a "lay midwife"?
Would you care to work as one?

[AngieDoogles]

I am scared to death to give birth, so I would probably have to go to a hospital or I'd be a nervous wreck. I'd be way too scared to allow someone with no formal medical training to deliver my child. What if something went wrong and it was too complicated for the "lay midwife" to handle? What if the baby needed immediate medical attention? Also, you have no way of knowing for sure where her information came from, if it is accurate and up to date, and how well she knows it if there is no standard or certification. It's just too risky in my opinion and I just don't think there's anyway I would ever even be able to consider it.

[Janet]

Our neighbor had both her kids at home and with one there was a medical emergency and he almost didn't make it. I personally wouldn't want to take the chance giving birth without the medical advantages.

[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.