The method you choose to deliver your baby should be based on safety – not convenience – and having a nurse-midwife/obstetrician team can help moms-to-be feel a part of the labor decision-making process.

Studies indicate that labor is induced too often in cases in which it is not medically necessary. Unnecessary inductions can lead to additional unnecessary interventions – including cesarean sections that substantially increase health and safety risks for mom and baby.

Some common complications of C-section births can include infection, heavy blood loss and blood clots. There is also a risk of damage to the mother’s organs and complications from anesthesia. The scar tissue from the surgery can also present problems in future pregnancies. If it is not necessary for medical reasons, studies show that patients should let labor happen on its own. As long as there are no complications, vaginal delivery for births is better for babies as they are less likely to develop breathing problems and more likely to take to breastfeeding when mothers are not recovering from major surgery.

The patient’s team of the midwife and obstetrician will advise a patient if inducing labor is medically necessary. Some cases in which the team would advise inducing labor are:

• There are complications from hypertension, preeclampsia, heart disease, gestational diabetes, or abnormal bleeding.
• The baby is in danger of not getting enough oxygen and nutrients.
• The amniotic sac has been ruptured for more than 24 hours and labor has not begun on its own.
• The mother has an infection inside of her uterus.

Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and obstetricians collaborate with mothers on birthing options and work together to provide women with the optimal combination of primary and preventive care with specialized services. CNMs are advanced practice registered nurses who provide counseling and care during pre-conception, pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. Using skilled midwives can significantly reduce the need for surgical intervention for women in labor, and practicing midwifery has been found to help to lower C-section rates in non-complicated births.