Celebrating Midwives: Understanding the Midwifery Model of Care

When it comes to giving birth, the choice of where to give birth and who is present at your birth is one of the most important you will make. Your care provider greatly influences your birth experience and often birth outcomes. From OBGYNS to Family Practitioner and Midwives-- understanding these different approaches to birth is critical to make informed choices. The midwifery model of care is one option. Whether you’re curious about home birth, birth centers, or hospital midwives, understanding midwifery can help you feel informed, confident, and empowered as you plan your birth.

What Is the Midwifery Model of Care?

The midwifery model of care centers the birthing person as the expert in their own body. Unlike traditional obstetric care that often emphasizes interventions and strict protocols, midwives focus on physiological birth, personalized support, and holistic care. This means you get more one-on-one time, emotional support, and guidance to navigate your birth in a way that feels right for you.

Different Types of Midwives

If you’re new to midwifery, you might be wondering about the different types of midwives you can work with:

• Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs): Licensed healthcare providers who often practice in hospitals, birth centers, and home births. They have nursing backgrounds and are trained to manage both low- and high-risk pregnancies.

• Licensed Midwives (LMs) and Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs): Typically practice in birth centers or at home. Their focus is on natural, low-intervention birth.

• Traditional Midwives: Often pass down knowledge through community or familial experience. They may support home births and provide a strong focus on the emotional and spiritual aspects of birth.

  
  

Regardless of the type, all midwives prioritize respect, informed consent, and individualized care—which are pillars of the midwifery philosophy.

Home Births, Birth Centers, and Hospital Midwives

One of the strengths of midwifery is its versatility.

• Home Birth: A safe option for low-risk pregnancies, home birth allows families to give birth in a familiar environment. Midwives attending home births bring the necessary equipment, support, and expertise to ensure both the birthing person and baby are safe.

  
  

• Birth Centers: These are facilities designed to feel more like home than a hospital, often midwife-led, and focus on low-intervention births. They provide a welcoming environment for families seeking a natural birth experience without leaving the medical safety net entirely.

  
  

• Hospital Midwives: Many CNMs work within hospitals, blending the midwifery philosophy with access to medical interventions if needed.

  
  

A Brief History of Midwifery

Midwifery is one of the oldest professions in the world, dating back all the way to the Paleolithic Era. Seriously, the first midwives were women supporting other women based on their knowledge of childbirth from other mammals. Historically, midwives were the primary caregivers for birthing people before obstetrics became medicalized. Over time, midwives were marginalized in many parts of the world. Today, their expertise is being starting to be more widely celebrated and as a growing resurgence to reclaiming sovereign birth returns.

Philosophy and The Midwifery Model of Care

At its core, midwifery is about trusting the birthing process. Midwives see birth as a natural, physiological event rather than a medical emergency. They support autonomy, informed decision-making, and evidence-based care. Their approach often includes continuous labor support, education, comfort measures, and advocacy to ensure families feel empowered at every stage.

Why Families Choose Midwives

People choose midwives for many reasons:

• Desire for a personalized, hands-on birth experience

• Support for home or birth center birth

• Minimizing unnecessary interventions while staying safe

• Emotional support throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum

• Guidance from someone trained to advocate for your wishes

In our local Michiana community, midwives are thriving in home births, birth centers, and hospitals, helping families have births that are safe, respectful, and deeply personal.

Partnering with Local Midwives

As a birth doula in the Michiana area, I work closely with local midwives across home births and birth centers to amplify your voice and protect your birth space.

My Bold Birth Framework method ensures you feel informed, confident, and empowered from your first consult through postpartum care. I help you navigate your options, advocate for yourself, and create a birth experience that aligns with your vision.

If you’re expecting and want a doula in your corner—someone to support you, honor your choices, and partner with your midwife—book a consult today.

Let’s talk about how we can create a birth experience that’s as unique and powerful as you are.

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