Quick question about use of the word "delivers"

[*MamaJen*]

Okay, so I think here we all agree that the mom is the one who delivers the baby. So what's the best way to phrase the actions of the midwife or OB? Assist with the delivery? That seems bulky. I'm not looking for a more emotive phrase like "be a guardian and witness of the birthing process."
I'm on deadline, so quick responses are appreciated.

[alegna]

catches? not sure how I feel about it, but seen it used a lot.

-Angela

[mommajb]

not a birth professional but attend or assist?

[*MamaJen*]

I think "catches" is sweet as a more informal phrasing. I'll probably use "attend the delivery." It's short, clear, and it acknowledges that the mother is the one doing the actual delivering.
It's nitpicky, but those little semantic differences really are important. Like, "the doctor let me walk around during labor" or "insufficient progress."

[thefreckledmama]

I generally use the word attend or attendant. Because they're attending the birth.

[Belle]

Originally Posted by *MamaJen*

I'll probably use "attend the delivery." It's short, clear, and it acknowledges that the mother is the one doing the actual delivering.

I don't use the word "delvery" at all. The word delivery implys that the baby wasn't there in the first place and comes from somewhere else. Even saying that the mother delivers the baby can be misinterpreted.

The midwife "attends" the birth. Catching is not a good word, because anybody can catch. I caught my own baby. It doesn't mean that I had an uc.

[*MamaJen*]

Originally Posted by Belle

I don't use the word "delvery" at all. The word delivery implys that the baby wasn't there in the first place and comes from somewhere else. Even saying that the mother delivers the baby can be misinterpreted.

The midwife "attends" the birth. Catching is not a good word, because anybody can catch. I caught my own baby. It doesn't mean that I had an uc.

I think you're right on both counts. The midwife or doctor or whomever "attends the birth" while the mother "births the baby."

[ursusarctos]

Another vote for "attend". Clear and concise.
I don't like to use the word "deliver" at all either. I prefer "give birth". It's more active and more descriptive.

[Evergreen]

I use attend too. Sometimes catch depending how specific I am being.

[nashvillemidwife]

In find that using "catches" in conversation minimizes the hard work that I do at my job and makes people think it's just a hobby. I'm not saying that I work harder than the mom does, just that I am a professional at my job and prefer to use terminology that reflects my knowledge, skill, and dedication. Usually I say "attend". In some circles I just say "deliver" as everyone knows that that means and I don't see every conversation as an appropriate teaching moment.

[Veritaserum]

I use words like help, assist, attend, catch, receive....

[zjande]

I always say my MW "attends my birth", she is my "birth attendant" . I also always correct people that use the word "deliver" to describe anyone but me. *I* will be delivering my baby. Such as when my MIL asked "who will be delivering your baby this time?" ME of course! lol

[meganmarie]

Shortly after seeing your post I happened to read this article and watch the audio slide show clip, which profiles a DC midwife in an underserved area. The midwife says the exact quote "I don't deliver the baby. I attend the birth." Its a beautiful little NPR segment, worth checking out.

http://www.npr.org/blogs/health/2009...u_to_mark.html

[AlexisT]

"Catch" might sound cute, but I think it minimizes the midwife's role in labor--like she's just standing there to get the baby at the end. "Attend" is better.

[Drummer's Wife]

My mom is a CNM and She usually says catches, but I've heard her say attending, too.

She has told my kids, "grandma has to go have a baby" but they are quick to correct her!

[Sudonk]

I agree that "attend the birth" is the most appropriate. I often go a step further by reminding parents that they give their caregiver the "honor of attending their birth" to remind them that it is ultimately their right and responsibility to be in charge of their choices and the caregiver is there to provide support and an additional level of safety.

[clemrose]

I would agree with attend.

As for "deliver" I saw on A Baby Story (or similar show, can't remember for sure) the narrator said, "So&So (the woman) is going to HELP Dr. So&So deliver her baby today." WHAT???!!!

[Mrs.Floyd]

Mom gives birth, Dr's and midwives attend the birth. 'Deliver' to me implies that the baby is being 'saved' from the mother or something. ("deliver us from evil" etc.) I don't like the feeling I get from that word...

[katelove]

"Catch" for talking casually with colleagues but "attend" is more formal although it still isn't great for conveying what we actually do.

I don't like "assist" as it sounds too handmaiden-y, like we are just there to mop the doctor's brow or something.

[nashvillemidwife]

Originally Posted by Mrs.Floyd

'Deliver' to me implies that the baby is being 'saved' from the mother or something. ("deliver us from evil" etc.) I don't like the feeling I get from that word...

I don't get that. When the Fed Ex guy delivers my packages I don't get an imagine that they were sent up from hell. He just hands them to me from where he got them.