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Midwives: Births
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Midwives generally spend a lot of time during prenatal visits addressing a woman'sindividual concerns and needs, and will stay with her as much as possible throughout labor. They sometimes encourage physical positioning during labor such as walking around, showering, rocking, or leaning on birthing balls — recommendations that aren't usually associated with a typical medical doctor. Midwives ... usually allow women to eat and drink during labor.
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In Europe, doctors commonly prescribe inhaled nitrous oxide gas for pain control; in the UK, midwives may use this gas without a doctor's prescription. Pethidine (with or without promethazine) may be used early in labour, as well as other opioids, but if given too close to birth there is a risk of respiratory depression in the infant.
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During pregnancy, midwives offer guidance on proper nutrition, exercise, sleep and travel. They encourage women to make birthing choices unique to their personal needs. They support a variety of labor options, including the freedom to move around, massage, a rocking chair, a deep tub or shower, a birthing ball, moist heat, pain medication and waterbirth.
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At the turn of the century, midwives attended 40 percent of all births in the United States, but their role diminished as obstetricians and other doctors took over deliveries. In Europe, meanwhile, midwives attend 75 percent of births.
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All the European countries with perinatal and infant mortality rates lower than that of the United States use midwives as the sole birth attendant for at least 70% of all births. (Suarez, S.H.; Midwifery is Not the Practice of Medicine, Yale Journal of Law and Feminism 5, 2 1993)
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