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In past centuries, women (midwives) were the ones who supported and attended women during labor and childbirth. It wasn’t until the 19th century that male physicians started surpassing midwives in maternity care and dominating the childbirth industry due to medicine and advanced technology. By 1951, 90% of births took place in hospitals with physicians,1 and it increased to 99% by 1969.4 However, midwives have been able to increase their education, with the option of becoming Certified Nurse Midwives, and more people are starting to learn the benefits of having a midwife.
In 2013, 90% of the births in the United States were attended by physicians and 9% by midwives.2 And data shows that in 2021, 12% of all births were attended by a midwife. Thankfully, the number of births attended by midwives and the number of practicing midwives have increased in recent years.3 We believe in a future where there is collaborative care — doctors and midwives supporting women through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. One doctor, Dr. Darrell Martin, believes in this idea as well and talks to us more about this topic.
Who is Dr. Darrell Martin?
Dr. Darrell Martin is a gynecologist and a dedicated healthcare advocate with four decades of expertise in women’s health. His dedication to patient care and choice propelled him to testify before Congress, championing the rights of Certified Nurse Midwives and advocating for patients’ freedom to select their healthcare providers. A standout moment in his career was his fervent support for nurse-midwifery in Nashville, Tennessee, showcasing his commitment to advancing the profession. Additionally, Dr. Martin takes great pride in having played a pivotal role in more than 5,000 births, marking a legacy of life and joy he has helped bring into the world.
What Did We Discuss?
In this episode, we chat with Dr. Darrell Martin about midwifery and the five key roles of midwives in creating a safe birthing environment. Here are several of the questions that we covered in our conversation:
- How did you become passionate about women’s health, midwifery, and patient rights?
- Please give us a brief explanation of what a midwife is. What does their role encompass in the context of childbirth?
- Also, to our listeners, tune in to our episode #43: What is a Midwife? for more information!
- In your opinion, how is the role of a midwife different from an OB/GYN when it comes to childbirth?
- Please tell us about the five key roles of midwives in creating a safe birthing environment.
- How do you believe midwives contribute to a positive birthing experience for individuals and their families?
- What are some common challenges or misconceptions that midwives face in their practice?
- How do you see the role of midwives evolving in the future of childbirth?
My Thoughts
It was a pure delight chatting with Dr. Martin about midwifery care and his beliefs about women’s care and childbirth. Hearing about his experience was moving. I so appreciate his advocacy for women to have a choice regarding their care. His passion, perseverance, and commitment to evidence-based, patient-centered care are leading to meaningful change.
His book “In Good Hands: A Doctor’s Story of Breaking Barriers” is a lot about this topic. It’s his story about a man’s dogged pursuit of better, safer, more collaborative healthcare for women and the immense challenges he and his colleagues were forced to overcome. Dr. Martin is a physician who dared to question the norms of his profession and advocate for a more inclusive, respectful approach to women’s health. For his work, we are incredibly grateful.
Dr. Martin’s Resources
- Website: darrellmartinbooks.com
- Book: In Good Hands: A Doctor’s Story of Breaking Barriers for Midwifery and Birth Rights
Thank you for listening to this episode! Follow us on our podcast Instagram page @thebabychickchat, and let us know what you think and if there are any other topics you’d like us to cover. Cheers to midwifery and safe, beautiful births!!
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