Here's something I think about a lot -
You are absolutely the most important person at your own birth. You make the decisions. You do the prep. You show up.
But the provider you choose to be in that room with you? They're a close second, and most people don't give that choice nearly enough thought.
A provider who genuinely supports the birth experience you want can make all the difference between walking away feeling strong and empowered, or feeling like something was done to you.
So let's talk about who your options actually are.
Your Birth Provider Options
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist (MFM): An MD or DO with specialized training in high-risk pregnancies. If you have a complex medical history or a pregnancy complication, an MFM may be involved in your care, either directly or in a consulting role alongside your primary provider.
OB/GYN: An MD or DO who is a surgeon, specialty trained in the female reproductive system and birth. OBs are incredible, life-saving practitioners, and their training is heavily oriented toward surgical and medical intervention. That's a gift when you need it. It's worth knowing that their training in supporting physiological, low-intervention birth is not a focus compared to the midwifery model of care.
Family Medicine Doctor: An MD or DO whose general training includes attending births. They can attend most births, including higher risk. Some family medicine doctors have done further training that allow them to perform cesarean births, but not all. Less common than it used to be, but often an option in more rural communities.
Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM): A registered nurse who has completed a master's degree in midwifery. CNMs are trained to support low-risk, birth in hospitals, birth centers, and at home. Research consistently shows that midwifery-led care for low-risk pregnancies is associated with fewer interventions and high satisfaction rates. CNMs may also support clients who have 1-2 more common complications of pregnancy.
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM/Licensed Midwife): A midwife who has completed an in-depth apprenticeship or accredited midwifery program. CPMs are trained to support low-risk, physiologic birth in birth centers and at home. Scope of practice and licensure requirements vary by state. CPMs are able to carry different medications for births - including Pitocin, antibiotics, and Rhogam.
Lay or Traditional Midwife: Often found in Amish, Plain, and rural communities in the U.S. - they are trained through traditional apprenticeship and community practice. In many states, their practice of midwifery is considered illegal, which limits their ability to access potentially life saving medications and options.
What this means for you
Here's the honest truth about the U.S. hospital system: in most cases, you won't get to choose which individual provider is actually at your birth. You choose a practice or a group, and whoever is on call that day walks through the door. The nurses on shift that day? Also not your pick.
This is exactly why your preparation matters so much, and why many families find it helpful to have a doula present. A doula knows you, your birth preferences, and your values, and they stay with you regardless of who rotates in and out. They are non-medical support people, but can provide some continuity of care.
It's also worth knowing: most pregnancies qualify as low risk - even those with minor complications. Midwifery-led care is specifically designed to support low-risk birth beautifully, both in and out of hospital settings.
Ready to feel truly prepared?
This is exactly what the Empowered Pregnancy Program is built for.
It's a fully digital, comprehensive program that combines birth education, a templated fitness and mobility program, pelvic prep, nutrition support, and postpartum recovery, all with direct support from me throughout. Whether you're planning a hospital birth, a birth center, or a home birth, this program helps you show up informed, strong, and ready.
$697 for 9 months of access (prenatal through postpartum) or a monthly payment plan starting at $127/month, which is especially great if you're in your third trimester.
๐ Learn more + sign up hereโ
Not sure yet? I get it. Schedule a free discovery call and let's talk through what support looks like for you.
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With peace and love,
Dr. Ellyn Halley, DC, Doula, Coach
โDoc Halley Solutionsโ
Follow me on Instagram + TikTok for more content - ellynhalley.dc
In person chiropractic care! You can find me at 1500 Green Bay St, La Crosse WI 54601 within the same space as the Parenting Place and The Motus Project. I am excited to offer in person care to women in the Coulee Region, and offer hybrid care - in person + online. You can book your first appointment or schedule a consult below!
If you're looking for an "all in one" program that includes a prenatal exercise program, birth education, pelvic prep + mobility, nutrition information, and more - combined with regular support + check ins - I have you covered. Check out my Empowered Pregnancy program for incredible prenatal support.
Looking for more support around exercise, pelvic health, and nutrition (and birth prep if you're pregnant!)? Apply for 1:1 coaching with me:
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**Disclaimer: The content in this email is not intended to be medical advice. The content here is for informational purposes only. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment options.
