When a mother is choosing who she would like to attend her birth, there is much to consider. She wants care providers and family members to be supportive of her needs, as well as being emotionally and physically supportive during the labor process, to help her feel safe and calm. The spectrum of care providers ranges from those who offer specialized surgical care, to others who do not offer medical care at all. Find out more about the modern birth team and how you can work with them to receive the type of maternity care and labor support that is right for you.

Yes, that is an option. However, pregnancy is a time when a woman's health care needs expand; therefore it is a great opportunity to reassess your choice of care providers. During pregnancy, birth and postpartum, women want to find support and respect for their health care needs and preferences. Who takes the time to answer your questions? Which provider brushes off your concerns? Which providers leave you feeling confident after you visit them?

When choosing a care provider, it may help to look at the statistics on the outcomes of midwifery care, obstetrics and family practice physician care in the United States and in your area. Ideally, parents will begin by finding a midwife that they like, knowing that midwives screen their patients for health concerns. If there are concerns that arise during pregnancy, labor or beyond, a physician will be consulted. If necessary, care can be transferred to that provider.

Homebirth midwives are the most likely to offer water birth, using portable tubs and handheld Dopplers for monitoring the baby. There are hospitals and birth centers that are certified as providers of water birth. An easy way to locate them is to visit www.waterbirthinternational.org. Many hospitals suggest using the shower or tub as a comfort measure during active labor, before the mom is ready to push. However, if a mother receives medication, including Pitocin, laboring in the water is no longer an option.

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