Aren't midwives just for home birth?

Here’s something most people don’t realize: you might have more options for your provider than just an OBGYN (OB).

For thousands of years, birth was the realm of midwives. They were the guardians of normal, physiological birth - and yes, mostly attended to birthing women at home. Then, in the early 1900s, things changed. The Flexner Report restructured medical education in the U.S., and in the process, midwifery was pushed out. Birth moved from homes into hospitals, and obstetricians replaced midwives as the “authorities” on birth. 

And we’re still living with the aftermath of the systemic removal of traditional midwives today.

But here’s the good news: in recent decades, midwives have been making a comeback — not just at home or in birth centers, but in hospitals, too.

So what’s the difference?

✨ OBs are surgeons. Their training focuses on complications and surgery, like c-sections. They’re essential in some births, but their perspective often leans medicalized, even when birth is healthy and normal. Since they're trained in (and looking for) complications, they often find evidence of them - leading to more intervention.  But for healthy, uncomplicated pregnancies, an OB might be overkill.

✨ Midwives are specialists in healthy pregnancy and physiological birth. Since they know normal, physiological birth really well, they can easily tell the difference between what's normal, and what's a true complication. They can also do a lot of the same things an OB can - order labs, prescribe medications, and provide pain relief (even an epidural!). The main thing they don’t do is surgery, however most midwives work closely with an OB who can provide surgery when necessary. In hospitals, midwives often offer the same medical options you’d expect with an OB — but with a more personal, relationship-centered approach.

✨ Doulas (hi, that’s us 👋) don’t catch babies or order labs. Instead, we offer continuous emotional, physical, educational and advocacy support through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. We’re the ones who remind you of your power when the system tries to strip it away.

Why does this matter? Because the provider you choose will shape so much of your experience — and most parents don’t even know midwifery care is on the table.

If you’ve only ever thought of OBs as the “default,” it’s time to zoom out. Ask questions. Explore your options. And find a provider who doesn’t just check boxes, but actually supports your vision for birth.

And if you’re ready to go deeper, that’s exactly what we’ll be doing inside The Birth Prep Circle. Our next cohort starts October 1, and it’s where you’ll learn how to prepare for birth with confidence, clarity, and unapologetic self-trust - including how to find not just a great provider, but the one that's right for YOU.

✨ Check out The Birth Prep Circle here

Always in your corner,
💛 Kayla & Leslie