Midwife
Malpractice
Midwifery refers to the practice of obstetrical care by a midwife. A midwife is healthcare provider with
specialized training in obstetrics. Most midwives today are also known as nurse-midwives, and many receive
certification as a nurse midwife through the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
Midwives often promote their practice by stressing it as a more natural approach to birthing, including advocacy
for increased homebirths.
In addition to private practice midwives, many work in a clinic, outpatient surgery center, hospital, or with an
obstetrician (OBGYN).
Many OBs have a midwife on their staff so they can provide more care for pregnant mothers, as well as ease the
burn of more deliveries. While a midwife can often perform an uncomplicated labor and delivery, when problems
arise and fetal distress exists, and OB should be present.
Most States do not permit midwives to perform cesarean sections (C section) in the event of a labor and delivery
emergency which can result in catastrophic birth injury. An OBGYN, who is a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor
of osteopathic medicine (DO), attended medical school and typically a four year residency following medical
school. Because of this advanced education and training, and OBGYN should be present in the event of fetal
distress or labor and delivery complications.
Midwife Malpractice - Midwifery Malpractice
Medical malpractice may arise when a midwife fails to detect, or fails to properly address, labor and delivery
complications or fetal distress. Such failure may include seeking an OBGYN consult stat for an emergency.
Like physicians and health care professionals, midwife malpractice does occur. Unfortunately, the
consequences of midwife malpractice can be catastrophic, resulting in a child born with severe deficits, including
cerebral palsy, brain damage, erb's palsy, and significant birth injury.
If you suspect that you or a family member has been a victim of midwife malpractice, midifery malpractice, or
other form of labor and delivery malpractice, then contact our personal injury law firm. We are experienced
in birth injury claims, including midwife malpractice, obstetrical malpractice, cerebral palsy, and related child
injury.
We proudly serve deserving clients and their families who are seeking to overcome the challenges of serious
birth injury throughout Florida and beyond.
|