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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

I never thought of myself as an addict, but I did end up addicted to anti-anxiety medication after developing Generalized Anxiety Disorder. At some point, the medicine stopped being a way to deal with the nervousness and panic attacks, and became something my body craved. I knew that I needed help fast. Fortunately, a local drug rehab program includes support for people like me. They helped me wean off the medication, use methods like massage therapy to help my nerves heal, and even provided ongoing counseling for our family. I don't know how I would have made it without their help. If you suspect that your medication has crossed the line from being helpful to hurtful, take heart. Let me tell you about my journey out of addiction and back to wholeness.

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Recovering from Addiction to Prescription Medications

Why Women Are Increasingly Choosing A Midwife For Their Birth

by Valerie Stevens

Midwives have been traditionally used for births throughout history, and many women are increasingly turning once again to midwives to deliver their child for reasons surrounding safety and comfort. However, it's important to know what the benefits of choosing a midwife are and whether a midwife is right for you. Here is some information to help you make the right choice for your baby:

Midwife Basics

Midwives are specialists trained to help you throughout your pregnancy, during your delivery, and after your delivery as well. Midwives are available in a number of different settings. Some hospitals staff their own midwives while birthing centers offer a more traditional birthing approach free from doctors unless necessary. Midwives are also often available for home births as well, an option that some people find best fits their comfort level.

A Different Approach To Pregnancy And Birth

Midwives often take a natural approach to birth that not only can help lead to a better experience during birth, but can also be safer for women in many situations. Midwives are more likely to spend a significant amount of time with you during your pregnancy than you would receive from a doctor. You'll get to know your midwife and build your trust up over time, giving you the opportunity to properly prepare for your birth.

Midwives see themselves as a guide and a resource, and often women feel a closer connection to a midwife than they do to a doctor. Many midwives practice a holistic approach, and even provide a spiritual connection for some women in connection with the birthing process. This can help women approach their pregnancy in a calmer and more relaxed manner, which can actually lead to a less stressful birth for many women.  

Less Intervention

One of the main reasons people are considering a midwife is that women using a midwife are far less likely to have a medical intervention performed. The number of interventions during labor have risen dramatically, such as C-sections, forceps birth methods, and induced labor.  C-section rates have skyrocketed, going from approximately 4.5 percent in 1965 to 32.8 percent in 2011, and many medical experts indicate that the procedure is being overused.  

In fact, one study found that choosing a midwife is safer for most women who have a low-risk birth. The study even recommended that these women should try to avoid hospital births if possible.  Other studies have published similar results, with one meta-analysis indicating that low-risk pregnant women were just as safe as they are with doctors, and also saw other health benefits in the form of reduced medical interventions during labor.  

Ultimately, choosing a midwife is a personal decision that you have to make, but the evidence increasingly supports the benefits of using a midwife. Research your options and speak with a midwife to see if this option is right for you. To learn more, contact a company like Women's Healthcare Associates LLC with any questions you have.

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