For many women having a midwife present for the birth of their child can be a calming influence. That is why women are choosing more Certified Nurse-Midwives to care for them. For women seeking a holistic birthing experience, midwives may be an appropriate choice. Midwives are supportive of natural birth, but do offer pain medicines if women request it. In labor, midwives tend to spend more time by a woman’s side supporting her and watching for any health complications. Midwives are highly trained and respond to most complications in labor and delivery. Research has shown that women who give birth with midwives do tend to have lower Cesarean section rates and lower rates of premature birth. Nurse-midwives do not perform surgery or care for high-risk cases but they can first-assist with cesarean deliveries and gynecological surgeries.