Whether you’re planning a home birth, hospital birth, or a birth center birth, assembling a birth team who align with your values, preferences, and needs is one of the most important steps you can take toward a positive experience. But who exactly should be on your birth team?
The answer will depend on your birth setting, goals, and level of medical risk. In this article, we’ll walk you through the many possible players—from doulas and midwives to OB/GYNs and more—to help you build a supportive, informed, and empowered birth team.
Pregnancy & Birth Care Providers
These are the professionals responsible for overseeing the health and safety of you and your baby during pregnancy, labor, and birth.
Midwives
Midwives are experts in supporting physiologic birth, offering care that is often more personal and less intervention-heavy than traditional obstetrics. They can attend home births, birth center births, and even hospital births depending on their credentials:
- Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) – Trained in both nursing and midwifery; often work in hospitals or birth centers (1).
- Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) – Often specialize in home births and birth center births (1).
- Traditional or Community Midwives – May not be licensed but often bring deep cultural or ancestral birth knowledge. Please do plenty of research before working with an unlicensed midwife (1).
OB/GYNs
Obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are medical doctors who specialize in both reproductive health and pregnancy care. They are trained to manage everything from routine prenatal visits to high-risk pregnancies and cesarean births and typically practice in hospital settings.
What’s the difference between an OB, an OB/GYN, and a GYN?
- OB (Obstetrician): A doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care.
- GYN (Gynecologist): A doctor who specializes in female reproductive health outside of pregnancy—such as menstrual issues, fertility, menopause, and general pelvic care.
- OB/GYN: A doctor trained and board-certified in both obstetrics and gynecology, providing comprehensive care for reproductive health and pregnancy and birth.
Many doctors providing maternity care are dual-certified OB/GYNs, meaning they provide both types of care depending on your needs.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists
If your pregnancy is high-risk (due to potential factors like diabetes, twins, or a history of complications), you may be co-managed or referred to a maternal-fetal medicine (MFM) specialist for specialized monitoring and care.
I have a comprehensive list of midwives and OBs who respect medical freedom on my website here: Obstetrician & Midwife National Providers List
Your Support Circle
Supportive non-medical professionals can offer you comfort, encouragement, and reassurance during childbirth. Doulas can be an incredible resource, as can anyone in your circle that you feel at ease with, whether that’s a partner, a friend, or another trusted companion.
That said, not everyone has access to a doula or partner or has close family nearby—and that’s a reality I want to acknowledge, too. Please don’t feel like your birth experience hinges on having a specific support person there with you. You can still create a birth space that feels safe, grounded, and supported. Mama, you already have that power within yourself.
Below, I’ll share some ideas of people who may be in your support circle:
Birth Doulas
A doula is trained to provide emotional, physical, and informational support during labor and birth. Studies indicate that support from a doula can reduce cesarean rates and improve maternal satisfaction (2). Doulas are there to support you—but it is important to know that they don’t replace medical care.
Co-Parent or Trusted Partner
Often the most emotionally invested member of your team, your partner—or another chosen support person—can be a powerful source of reassurance during childbirth. Clear communication is key. Let your partner know what kind of support you hope for, whether it’s quiet presence, physical touch, words of encouragement, a steady supply of labor-aid, or simply holding space.
I want to add a note to be mindful of who you invite into your birth space. It’s essential that anyone present helps you feel safe, calm, and respected. If someone causes tension, stress, or discomfort—however well-meaning they may be—it’s okay to set boundaries or reconsider their involvement.
Postpartum & Infant Support
The birth team will include professionals who offer support to you and baby immediately postpartum, too. Beyond your baby’s pediatrician, your team may include:
Lactation Consultants
Feeding support is now offered in many hospitals by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). These are specialists who are highly trained to support feeding in all forms (breast, bottle, combo, pumping). Getting support early can make a big difference! If you are giving birth outside of a hospital setting, many IBCLCs offer home visits or virtual consultations, too.
To learn more about breastfeeding, read this article: Dr. Green Mom’s Guide to Breastfeeding Basics: Mastering Latch, Supply, & Common Challenges
Postpartum Doulas
Postpartum doulas assist in the days and weeks after birth. They may help with newborn care, breastfeeding support, emotional processing, household chores, sibling care, and preparing nourishing meals.
Placenta Encapsulation Services
Some families choose to have their placenta prepared for consumption after birth, usually by encapsulation. This practice may support postpartum recovery, energy levels, and milk production. If this is something you’re interested in, it’s important to arrange services ahead of time with a trained and reputable provider who follows proper safety protocols.
To learn more about placenta encapsulation, read this article: Placenta Encapsulation: The Benefits & Risks
Friends and Family
Loved ones can play a huge role in your birthing experience! If you have a village to lean on, please allow yourself to do so. This may be as simple as a supportive friend who drops off essentials, a relative who watches older siblings, or a neighbor who checks in on pets while you’re in the hospital.
Additional Birth Support Options
Many families also find value in complementary or holistic care providers during and immediately after birth. While not essential, these options can enhance well-being, comfort, and recovery:
- Acupuncturists – Commonly used for labor induction and preparation
- Herbalists – Offer gentle support for pregnancy symptoms, postpartum care, and lactation. It is not uncommon for midwives to also be herbalists.
- Birth Photographers or Videographers – A birth photographer should make you feel comfortable and is there to help document your experience in a way that feels personal and empowering.
Planning Tips: How to Assemble the Right Team for YOU
Every family is different, and so is every birth. As you begin to assemble your birth team, think about the type of support that will help you feel most confident, informed, and cared for throughout your journey.
Here are a few factors to consider:
Where You Plan to Birth
Your setting—whether at home, a birth center, or a hospital—will influence which care providers and support roles are available or appropriate. For example:
- Home births and birth center births typically involve midwives and may allow more flexibility in who you invite into the space.
- Hospital births may offer access to more interventions or specialists but can come with institutional policies that affect support roles (such as doula presence or number of visitors).
How You Plan To Birth
Think about your hopes and preferences for your birth experience:
- Do you hope for a water birth?
- Are you hoping for an epidural?
- Are there specific practices you want to prioritize?
Your birth preferences can help you choose providers and support people who are aligned with your goals.
Any Known or Potential Risk Factors
If you have medical considerations such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, multiples, or a history of complications you may need specialist care (like an OB/GYN or Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialists). In some cases, certain providers like homebirth midwives may not be able to take you on as a client if your pregnancy falls outside their scope of practice.
Backup Plans
Things can change—and that’s okay. A thoughtful backup plan can help you feel more prepared, even if the unexpected happens. Consider the following:
- If planning a home or birth center birth, where would you go in case of transfer?
- Who will accompany you if your primary support person is unavailable?
- How will you communicate your wishes in case of unexpected interventions?
Communication & Compatibility
My biggest piece of advice? Choose care providers and support people you genuinely feel comfortable with. Ask questions, and pay attention to the following:
- Do they listen and respond respectfully?
- Do their views on birth align with yours?
- Are they supportive of your preferences and open to your questions?
Trust, mutual respect, and clear communication are foundational for a great birth experience.
I have a comprehensive list of midwives and OBs who respect medical freedom on my website here: Obstetrician & Midwife National Providers List
Summary
Most birth teams include a midwife or OB/GYN to ensure the health and safety of you and your baby. Some parents may choose to bring in additional support during birth and immediately after—such as a doula, lactation consultant, or other holistic care provider.
It is important to note that not everyone has access to additional supportive providers, and that’s okay, too. A meaningful, empowered experience doesn’t depend on how many people are involved—it depends on feeling prepared, respected, and supported in whatever way is right for you.
Planning ahead is helpful, but so is staying flexible. Birth is unpredictable, and even the best-laid plans may shift. Having backup options, clear communication, and a trusted birth team can help you navigate changes with greater confidence and peace of mind.
References:
- American College of Nurse-Midwives. (2023). Comparison of Certified Nurse Midwives, Certified Midwives, and Certified Professional Midwives. https://midwife.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/CNM-CM-CPM-Comparison-Chart.pdf
- Kozhimannil KB, Attanasio LB, Jou J, Joarnt LK, Johnson PJ, Gjerdingen DK. (2014). Potential benefits of increased access to doula support during childbirth. Am J Manag Care. Aug 1;20(8):e340-52. PMID: 25295797; PMCID: PMC5538578.
