Choosing a certified midwife for labor and delivery is a deeply personal decision, often rooted in a desire for a more natural, personalized birth experience. Many families find comfort in the holistic care midwives provide.
However, as with any procedure, negligence or delayed intervention can lead to birth injuries during a midwife delivery. Families that choose this path should know they still have legal options if a birth injury occurs.
Understanding midwife responsibilities
Certified midwives are trained professionals who work directly with patients, monitor maternal and fetal health, guide labor and aid with delivery. However, they must recognize when a situation exceeds their scope and refer the patient to a physician or hospital.
Under Idaho law, midwives must act promptly in emergencies (fetal distress, abnormal bleeding, etc.), which helps prevent serious injuries like cerebral palsy, brachial plexus injuries or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).
Common causes of midwife-related birth injuries
Often, midwifery birth injuries result from delayed hospital transfers, improper use of birthing tools or failure to monitor vital signs. In some cases, midwives may not recognize complications like umbilical cord prolapse or shoulder dystocia in time to prevent harm.
Unfortunately, these oversights and knowledge gaps can have lifelong consequences for the child and emotional trauma for the family.
Your legal options after a birth injury
If you suspect a midwife’s negligence contributed to your child’s birth injury, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim. Acting quickly may allow you to recover compensation that can help with your child’s long-term medical care, therapy and other support your family may need.
A successful medical malpractice claim can also hold negligent providers accountable for birth injuries. With dedicated legal guidance, you can obtain justice for your child and help prevent harm to others.