CHoosing A Provider When Pregnant

Medical model of care

Midwifery Model of Care

Is a holistic approach important to you?

Is client-centred care important to you?

Do you expect care that includes true Informed Consent/Refusal?

Physician  (OB/Gyn, D.O., MFM, or Family Practice)

Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)

Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)

Other midwife (Traditional, community, indigenous, or religious)

depending on your state’s laws, some providers can only provide care under supervision or only in certain places

Hospital

Birthing Centre connected to or inside hospital

Freestanding Birth Centre

Birth Cottage (some rural midwives have a guesthouse that’s been turned into a single bed birthing suite/cottage)

Homebirth

depending on the place you choose to give birth & your local laws, your choice of provider may be limited

Do you desire all typical/standard screening & tests?

Moderate: only those things you & your provider decide are necessary

Minimal: only the very basic lab work

As Needed: necessary diagnostic testing/screening if concerns arise

Religious or Cultural customs

Variations of normal birth (#VBAC, #twins, #breech)

Alternative Healthcare (Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy)

Alternative Care Providers  (#Herbalist, Acupuncturist, #Massage Therapist, #Chiropractor)

Additional Support (#doula, #monitrice, childbirth educator, photographer)

Older children present at birth