Which is right for me, an OB or Midwife?

Definition of Midwifery Practice:

Midwifery practice as conducted by Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) is the independent management of women’s health care, focusing particularly on common primary care issues, family planning and gynecologic needs of women, pregnancy, childbirth, the postpartum period and the care of the newborn. The CNM practice within a health care system that provides for consultation, collaborative management or referral as indicated by the health status of the client. CNMs practice in accord with the Standards for the Practice of Midwifery, as defined by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).

A commonly used abbreviation. OB is short for obstetrics or for an obstetrician, a physician who delivers babies. Obstetrics (from the Latin obstare, “to stand by”) is the surgical specialty dealing with the care of women and their children during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium. Midwifery is the non-medical equivalent.