RESOURCES: Choosing a Care Provider

Two professions: midwifery and medical obstetrics. Each of these disciplines is based on a different understanding of the nature and significance of pregnancy and childbirth  Read more...

Citizens for Midwifery
Pregnancy and childbirth involve every part of you. Your feelings, hopes, fears, physical and practical needs, and spiritual or religious beliefs can all affect your pregnancy and birth. A midwife providing the Midwives Model of Care addresses all of these aspects to help you give birth naturally, safely and confidently. Read More...

The Birthing Site
In choosing a hospital birth, it is likely that you first choose a prenatal care provider who is connected with the hospital you were told you would be birthing at (this was surely the case for me.)  It is essential that you now learn as much as you can about your care provider’s practices regarding prenatal care and testing, labor, induction, and c-section practices. Read more...

Warning Signs To Look for in Your Care Provider
We need to shift our beliefs about childbirth in order to choose an appropriate care giver.
If you desire a natural childbirth then you need to find a care provider who works in an environment that supports natural childbirth. Read more...


An overview of research and statistics released today by the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) Division of Standards and Practice shows that women who receive the care of a midwife reap tangible benefits, including reduced infant mortality rates, decreased risk of cesarean section, and higher satisfaction with care. Read more...

The Myth of A Safer Hospital Birth for Low Risk Pregnancies: Since the beginning of hospital birth, research supporting its use for low risk women has been lacking. The last 15 years has produced 17 studies all supporting attended planned homebirth as safer for low risk women.  Read more...

A note about our "Resources" pages: We offer these resources as one step of your informed decision-making process.  Each mother and each circumstance are unique.  There is no one "right" way.  One article or study does not an informed decision make.  Read more.  Research more.  Talk openly with your carefully chosen care provider and those who will support you.  Then, make the decision that is right for you.