At UnityPoint Health – Meriter, we understand that the childbirth journey is unique for every family. Here’s a breakdown of the roles of obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs), midwives and doulas, and how they support birthing parents and families.
OB-GYNs
Role: OB-GYNs are medical doctors who handle all aspects of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum care in both the primary care clinic and hospital. They are trained to manage healthy pregnancies, monitor both the baby’s and birthing person’s health throughout the pregnancy and perform surgical interventions (such as C-sections).
When to choose an OB-GYN:
- Care in a clinical setting
- Preference for a hospital birth with quick access to advanced medical interventions
Midwives
Role: Midwives are healthcare professionals specializing in low-risk pregnancies and normal deliveries. They provide personalized care, emphasizing a natural birthing process. Midwives often work in birthing centers or hospitals or provide home birth services.
When to choose a midwife:
- Low-risk pregnancy
- Preference for minimal medical intervention
- Desire for a more personalized, continuous care experience
Doulas
Role: Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical and informational support to the birthing parent before, during and after childbirth. Doulas do not provide medical care, but focus on enhancing the birthing experience through comfort measures, advocacy and education. They are advocates for the birthing parent and baby throughout the pregnancy journey.
When to choose a doula:
- Need for emotional and physical support
- Desire for a personalized birthing experience
- Additional support for the birthing partner
Collaborative Care for a Positive Birthing Experience
OB-GYNs, midwives and doulas often work together to provide comprehensive care.
- OB-GYNs and midwives: Midwives can manage most prenatal care and normal deliveries, while OB-GYNs are available for consultations, emergencies and surgical interventions if needed.
- Midwives and doulas: Midwives handle medical aspects while doulas offer continuous support, enhancing the mother’s comfort and overall experience.
- OB-GYNs and doulas: Doulas support mothers through the emotional and physical aspects of labor, even in hospital settings with OB-GYN-led care.
Birthing Resources at UnityPoint Health – Meriter
We offer a variety of resources for birthing parents before, during and after childbirth.
- Birthing classes: Comprehensive classes cover labor, delivery, breastfeeding and newborn care.
- Lactation support: Certified lactation consultants are available for breastfeeding guidance.
- Birth center: Our state-of-the-art facilities provide a comfortable, family-centered birthing experience. This includes delivery rooms and water birth options.
- Postpartum care: Support services include follow-up visits, postpartum depression screening and parenting resources.
- Maternal fetal medicine: Provides care for high-risk pregnancies through Meriter ’s Center for Perinatal Care.
For more information, visit our birth and newborn services page at unitypoint.org.
