Explore delivery options

As Americans, we are blessed with an abundance of choices - from insignificant to life changing.

But perhaps some of life's most vital choices are those expectant parents make when they decide who will attend to the birth of their baby and where the birth will occur. Aside from genetics, a newborn's health and development hinges primarily on prenatal care and safe childbirth. Consequently, parents should make informed choices.

Basically, Idaho parents-to-be have the following provider options:

Physicians - Medical doctors are trained to provide prenatal care and deliver babies, usually in hospital settings. Licensed by federal and state boards, they've earned four-year college degrees, completed four years of medical school and additional internships and residencies anywhere from three- to eight-years long.

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) - Nurse midwives are registered nurses. As such, they've earned bachelors' and masters' degrees specializing in midwifery. They're qualified to provide prenatal care and assist with uncomplicated births. Typically affiliated with obstetricians - who assist should complications arise - their patients deliver in hospital settings too.

Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) - Neither doctors nor nurses, professional midwives must successfully complete requirements set by the North American Registry of Midwives to earn their midwifery certification. Their patients typically deliver in non-hospital birthing centers or in homes.

It is important to note that beginning July 1, non-nurse midwives will be required to be licensed to practice in Idaho.

The state's lawmakers recently passed a new law establishing the Idaho State Board of Midwifery within the Idaho Bureau of Occupational Licenses. This governing board will set practice standards, issue licenses and regulate the practice of Certified Professional Midwives.

As you can see, families in our area are fortunate. They have access to many birthing options and should research and choose carefully. One resource is The Idaho Perinatal Project, which compiles information on various types of providers and posts recommended questions that expectant parents may use when interviewing potential birthing providers.

Visit the organization online at www.idahoperinatal.org or call (208) 342-7642.

Other resources include websites of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, www.acog.org, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, www.acnm.org, and the North American Registry of Midwives, www.narm.org.

If you are expecting, please take time to explore your many options, meet with several different providers, tour various birthing facilities and ask direct questions about how each provider handles unexpected health issues should they arise.

Your child's life will be in the hands of your chosen provider.

Consider it just the first of many important decisions you'll make in parenthood.

Lori Schneider, R.N., director of Women's and Children's Services at Kootenai Medical Center is an advisory board member of The Idaho Perinatal Project.