[monkey10262]

I am looking into schools. Who delivers more babies, Midwives or Obstetricians? Which takes longer to learn. Which pays more? Would I be able to become just an OB not a gyno? What do most people recommend? And could I prescribe herbs and such instead of strictly drugs?:confused:

[DoulaLC]

Where do you live? In some countries midwives deliver more babies, in others... such as the US, OBs deliver more babies. Becoming an OB takes longer and normally would pay more partly for that reason, but also because OBs will also need to be trained surgeons since they will perform c-sections... midwives do not. OBs are trained to care for higher risk pregnancies as well, whereas many midwives will refer a mother who becomes high risk to an OB.

In either practice you will be able to prescribe what you feel is beneficial and necessary... whether that is herbs or drugs... (this will depend on the scope of your practice however and is not always the case when you are a midwife). While herbs are often beneficial, they are not always regulated, that would also be a consideration... hence why you don't see them "prescribed" as such, but perhaps mentioned as a possibility. Generally midwives will discuss the use of herbs more than OBs.

Part of your decision may depend on your philosophy around pregnancy and birth as well. Generally, OBs are trained to be proactive... prevent potential problems... sometimes erring on the side of caution, whereas midwives often are more reactive... see how things are progressing and intervene when they feel it is necessary.

Certainly there will be exceptions to both of those as I have worked with OBs who practiced very much like traditional midwives and midwives who have practiced much like "typical" OBs.

Again, depending on where you live, midwives may be more accepted in the hospitals, or they may not be. You may be able to have your own practice, or you may not legally be allowed to practice. Often certified nurse midwives (sometimes thought of as being the best of both worlds) are more accepted than lay midwives since they will have the medical background first as a nurse and many will work along side OBs in a practice.