Midwife or nurse practitioner?

I really like my NP, but I have heard so many great things about having a midwife. is it possible to have both? Does anyone know the difference, and does anyone else think that one is better than the other?

You should definetly pick one or the other. Midwives tend to be more natural and less medical. So consider what you had in mind regarding pain control. If you want a very natural drug free birth, a midwife might be a good choice. But you can have a midwife deliver and still get an epidural.

both will be being supervised by an MD. It just depends on what you like. Most NPs can't deliver babies that I know of, so be sure yours will be the person doing the delivery. Both will have had the same amount of education, just not in the same areas.

i just went to the hospital. my ob was there, some nurses and another resident doctor. epidurals are great. everything went fine. honestly, i felt safer in a hospital with doctors. something about worrying over things going wrong...

They both have to work under an OB unless you are having a home birth. Home birthing midwives have their own set of licensing.
A NP is going to have to support the OB where a midwife is in support of YOU, and your baby and the birth experience that you want. Women who want to allow their body to birth naturally (no pain meds little intervention etc.) prefer midwives.
There are varying degrees of midwives. Not all of them are focused on You. Some simply serve the greater AMA purpose of controlling your body & your delivery. You have more choices that you realize about your delivery!
Research and ask questions!!

Midwives are nurses. They are registered nurses who go on to complete a course for becoming midwives. CNM stands for certified nurse midwife. Nurse practitioners are just that -- they are practicing to become registered nurses. I would go with a midwife. They have been through all the courses and know how to get you through your pregnancy well. They only let doctors get involved when it is medically necessary. I had midwives for both of my pregnancy and it really helps having someone there with you throughout your pregnancy. They are very good in coaching and will help you deliver naturally.

In my state you there are two types of midwives - CMP's (certified midwife practicioners) and the more common CNM's (certified nurse midwives). The first are midwives that have training other than medical school, and the second are Nurse Practitioners who had midwife training as well. The former deliver in the home, and the latter in a hospital or birthing center.

I have a CNM and she's awesome. She works in an a women's health clinic, and I'll be delivering in a hospital. I'd rather deliver at home but my insurance will not cover it (or a CMP). However, I'm totally happy with her - she is a perfect mix of clinical and natural.