Your Birth, Your Way: A Midwife's Guide

What images come to mind when you think of birth?

Do you see an instagram-worthy scene of twinkly lights and a birth pool? Or does your mind show you a person being rushed into an operating room? Or perhaps something in between? Do you wonder where you fit into this narrative - and how you could possibly get through a task as monumental as birth?

Well, you’re not alone. In our culture, childbirth has been hidden away, sensationalized, or presented as something to be feared. Giving birth is one of the last “unknowns” in our world, so it’s natural to feel trepidation and fear alongside the excitement of meeting your baby! As a midwife, I am frequently asked what parents can do to have the best birth possible. While there is no simple answer, here are some proven steps you can take to optimize your experience.

Search out robust prenatal care

Preparing for your birth begins long before the big day. One of the most important things you can do is to seek out powerful prenatal care. These visits not only serve to screen for complications, are also a time to support and educate parents about pregnancy and birth options.

Additionally, prenatal appointments offer a time to get to know the providers in your practice. You should leave each appointment feeling reassured, capable, understood, and positive. If you don’t feel this way, speak up! If your concerns are not addressed- you may need to find a practice that is a better fit for you, this is no time for compromise.

Additional tips for getting excellent care and support include the following:

1. Ask for more! Tell yourprovider that you need more appointments or longer visits. You and your babydeserve to get the care that you need during this important time.
2. Seek out group prenatal care.Many practices provide prenatal visits in a group setting. These appointmentsinclude a visit with your provider as well as education with a group of otherparents. You have time to get all of your questions answered, and anopportunity to form a community.
3. Join a pregnancy support group. Portland has many options including virtual groups as well as in-person offerings.
4. Find a professional to walk alongside you. Consider hiring a doula and/or a pregnancy navigator. Having anally to call on, who is up to date on current birth and pregnancy issues, can be invaluable.

Considering Midwifery Care?

In the U.S., the majority of pregnancy care is provided by OB-GYNs, which is a different model than many other developed countries where midwifery care plays a larger role. Both midwives and OB-GYNs provide safe, expert care—and the best choice is the one that aligns with your preferences, health needs, and goals for your pregnancy and birth.

Midwifery care is associated with lower rates of certain interventions—such as cesarean births, inductions, and episiotomies—while still maintaining excellent outcomes for both parents and babies. People under midwifery care often report high satisfaction and increased support around things like breastfeeding and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean). Oregon is a leader in midwifery care, and in 2023, 27% of our babies were born into the hands of a midwife. If you're curious about the midwifery model of care, many practices offer a “meet and greet” visit. It's a great way to explore your options, ask questions, and see what feels like the right fit for you.

Hire a doula and book a quality birth class

A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a birthing person before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas are an effective way to reduce surgical birth, to decrease rates of postpartum depression, and increase breastfeeding success. In fact, their value is so well known, that many insurance companies are covering this important service. Pediatrician John Kennell famously said, “If a doula was a drug, it would be unethical not to use it”.

Childbirth education is the final piece to preparing for the big day. Understanding the birthing process can promote feelings of agency and decrease fear around the process. In addition, it's important to have time to consider your options and create a birthing plan that aligns with your values prior to the start of labor. One recent, large study showed that people who took childbirth education, or who had developed a birth plan, were less likely to give birth by cesarean section. We are fortunate to have a large variety of classes throughout Portland, Oregon  - you’re sure to find one that suits your needs.

Finally, ask any parent about the day they welcomed their baby and you’ll find that our births never leave us. The intense emotions and joy are forever woven into our lives. Your labor day not only brings your baby into your arms, but it also births a family! It’s important to remember that your body was made exactly for this task. Many (if not most!) people feel some sense of overwhelm when preparing for birth. Don’t forget that just as our bodies know how to breathe, they know how to birth. So, be sure you have the support and birth team that you desire, develop a working knowledge of what to expect, and then relax and let the magic of your birth unfold.

I’m sending my warmest congratulations to you and yours!