Choosing a provider for your birth is no easy task. It’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy—and it can have a big impact on how you feel about your care, your birth experience, and your postpartum recovery.

Let’s walk through your options so you can feel informed and confident in making the choice that’s right for you.

Midwives

• Midwives are healthcare providers who deal with pregnancy, childbirth, newborn care & postpartum health
• You can access care with a midwife in some hospitals, in birth centers, & for home births
• Midwives are experts in lower intervention, low risk birth

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM)

• CNMs go through nursing school to become a registered nurse & then a nurse-midwifery program
• They can deliver in hospitals (in some states), birth centers or at home births
• They typically have more privileges than CPMs as far as scope of practice & prescribing medication

Certified Professional Midwives (CPM)

• CPMs typically get trained through apprenticeship or educational programs, & passing the NARM exam
• They can deliver at birth centers (in some states),& at home births

Obstetricians (OB)

• OB’s are physicians who specialize in perinatal & gynecological health
• They exclusively deliver in the hospital
• They are experts in high risk & complicated pregnancies
• They also perform cesarean births

How to Choose the Right Provider for You

After reading about the different types of providers, you may already have a gut feeling about what sounds like the best fit for your birth preferences and comfort level. Now it’s time to dig a little deeper.

Here are your next steps:

1. Research Providers in Your Area
   • Search for birth centers, OB practices, and midwifery collectives
   • Ask for recommendations from friends, doulas, or online parenting groups
   • Check provider reviews and social media presence to get a feel for their philosophy
2. Understand What Your Insurance Covers
   • Some midwives, especially CPMs, may not be covered by traditional insurance plans
   • Call your insurance company to ask what’s included, or speak with the billing departments at local practices
3. Interview a Few Providers
   • Don’t be afraid to “shop around.” This is your care, and you deserve a provider who listens, respects your wishes, and makes you feel safe
   • Ask about their approach to things like informed consent, interventions, pain relief options, and postpartum support
   • Pay attention to how they communicate—do they rush you, or make space for your questions?

If you want more guidance about how to interview providers, what questions to ask, and how to pick the right one for you check out our Ultimate Pregnancy Guide!