BILLINGS - Most people give birth to their children with OBGYNs in hospitals, but there are actually many of options when it comes to picking how you want to deliver your child. More than 300 babies are delivered every year with Certified Nurse Midwives at the Elizabeth Seton Prenatal Clinic in Billings. CNM Pam Rox said there is two nurse midwives at the clinic now, but they are in the process of hiring another.

"Most of us have had children and we become midwives because we think there's something important about the process of giving birth," Rox said.

CNMs are trained to give pre-natal care and to conduct normal deliveries. On the other hand, OBGYNs are trained to deal with more risky births and any complications that might come up.

"An OBGYN is trained to perform surgical procedures necessary for obstetrical care," said Doctor John Joyce an OBGYN with Big Sky OBGYN. He said there's no reason a healthy woman should feel uncomfortable delivering a child with a CNM at the Elizabeth Seton Prenatal Clinic.

"I work with them very closely," he said. "They're well trained and I trust their judgment."

But, Dr. Joyce warns people against delivering with a direct entry midwife who is not a certified nurse. He said these midwives might not be able to deal with any complications that arise.

Rox said the Clinic was designed to provide care for women who don't have health insurance but now they're seeing even more demand.

"Nowadays we can take patients who have private health insurance who just want the experience of having a midwife," she said. "We're really happy about that."

Weather you choose to give birth with a doctor or a CNM, Rox said it's an experience you will not soon forget.

"Whenever you have a baby you feel like you can do anything," she said.

In the next installment of alternative birthing we'll walk you through the option of adoption.