Edward's syndrome and midwives

[Palooka]

Over the weekend we were at a wedding and I started chatting with a very nice couple who were expecting their first baby. We had the usual due date and morning sickness discussions, then they mentioned being unhappy with their OB. I got on my little soap box about loving my midwives, and said that for healthy moms with healthy babies midwives are a wonderful option. they said they knew nothing about midwifery, so I explained that for births that don't require a lot of medical intervention they are fabulous, and if you go to a hospital there are still obs to help in an emergency. A little while later the father told me that their baby had Edwards syndrome and would most likely not be born living. I felt like such a jerk for preaching about midwives, but now I'm wondering if it would still be an option? They were very interested in the idea of a midwife, and I wonder if a midwife would be a more gentle, caring person to be present for a still birth? Their complaint with their OB was that she seemed totally unconcerned and unsympathetic that their first child was so seriously ill. I recommended switching doctors, but now I wonder if another doc is the best option.

Would Midwives even be able to take this family on as patients? the mom was very sweet and she deserves a peaceful birth.

[EmilytheStrange]

I sure hope so!

I cannot imagine

[cacasey1981]

My mw delivers in the hossy - unless there is soemthing that would require a cs a mw should be able to deliver.

I think facilities for the child would be more important than for the mom

[yellowitchgrl]

yeah, a lot of midwives would (although some might not). It's not going to reflect badly on them for a baby not surviving when it's expected.

Poor mama

[A21Lee]

Don't feel bad about suggesting a MW. You were offering her an alternative for her birth (regardless of the outcome of the baby). You couldn't have known. It's true that a majority of babies don't survive, but, whether she uses a MW or not, it might be a good idea to deliver in the hospital should thier child need special care. I think a MW was a wonderful suggestion to make since she was unhappy with her OB. She can do everything on her own terms and I think a MW would be more accommodating to her needs at a very unique birth.

[LittleLights]

I don't see any reason why this mother could not be seen by a midwife. If the family is opting to provide comfort cares only, delivering with a midwife or even having a home birth may be a really great option for them. Having their baby at home would ensure that they will be able to spend as much quality time as possible with their baby during the short time he or she is alive.

There are also many doulas who specialize in supporting mothers who are expecting to lose an infant. This may be a good option as well.

[chandni3]

I don't know. A friend was told that her baby would likely have Down Syndrome and the midwives wouldn't deliver. They took her for the beginning but then she had to transfer to an OB. They also made her sign a form that they weren't responsible if the baby died. Her baby was fine, he doesn't have DS or any other genetic problems.

[Caz]

Originally Posted by chandni3 I don't know. A friend was told that her baby would likely have Down Syndrome and the midwives wouldn't deliver. They took her for the beginning but then she had to transfer to an OB. They also made her sign a form that they weren't responsible if the baby died. Her baby was fine, he doesn't have DS or any other genetic problems.

We went for weeks unsure if our baby had Down Syndrome after abnormal u/s findings and my midwives were 100% committed to continuing to provide my care and deliver me, regardless. Instead of delivering at the birth center, it would be a planned hospital delivery, but that was the only difference. So, I guess it depends on the provider...

[JennTheMomma]

A homebirth would be out. As for a MW in a hospital being able to care for the family, it really depends on hospital policy as well as the MW's training and education. There are many MWs out there who are not educated or trained in births that revolve around mom or baby complications, and this would be considered a baby complication. Some MWs though are more medicalised and would be able to care for this situation. While many babies with Trismony 18 do not survive birth, others do, and so this family needs to have a team ready for this baby when he/she is born. If she was interested in a MW she has every right to look around for one who could provide the proper care for her and her baby.

[Palooka]

Originally Posted by JennTheMomma A homebirth would be out. As for a MW in a hospital being able to care for the family, it really depends on hospital policy as well as the MW's training and education. There are many MWs out there who are not educated or trained in births that revolve around mom or baby complications, and this would be considered a baby complication. Some MWs though are more medicalised and would be able to care for this situation. While many babies with Trismony 18 do not survive birth, others do, and so this family needs to have a team ready for this baby when he/she is born. If she was interested in a MW she has every right to look around for one who could provide the proper care for her and her baby.

Thank you, this is very helpful. They don't yet know how severe the syndrome is as the heart isn't developed enough for them to determine possible defects. But the chromosomal tests were positive for trisomy 18 and there was a cyst on the brain, so they are preparing for the worst. I think I'll contact them and mention looking to find a midwife group at one of the larger hospitals near them, since that's the most likely place to also find neonatal specialists--if that's what they want.