Once my baby is born can the midwife act as a pediatrician?
Q: Once my baby is born can the midwife act as a pediatrician?
A: The answer to this question is not a straightforward yes or no. Nurse-midwives are trained to perform care for infants up to a year of age as part of their academic education. However, the practical reality is that very few nurse-midwives perform this role in clinical practice. In some settings, such as a birth center or home, midwives typically perform the initial newborn assessment. This is usually done by a pediatrician if the birth occurs in a hospital. However, even if the midwife performs the initial newborn assessment, she will usually expect the parents to have the baby’s care followed by a another caregiver beyond the first few days. Most midwives have suggestions for area pediatricians, pediatric nurse-practitioners or family practice physicians.
Colette says:
This is an important question, b/c state doctors’ groups who are fighting on the state level against licensure of certified professional midwives often accuse CPMs of trying to be pediatricians (among other things). Your answer is thoughtful and accurate, and yes, all of my midwives advised me to get further care for the baby shortly after the birth. My children all saw an extremely well-respected pediatrician after their home births, based on the ped’s recommended schedule.