I recently had the privilege of helping a close friend navigate her pregnancy and birth options. She had just learned she was pregnant for the first time and wasn’t aware of the many options available to her. As a former doula (and mother of three!), I was able to share information about the different types of care providers and birth experiences she could consider.


We talked through hospital births, home births, and birth studio options, exploring the differences between them. She ultimately chose to give birth at the Helena Birth Studio and had a wonderful experience.


No matter where you choose to give birth, being informed about your options and what matters most to you, can make all the difference between a positive and a negative experience.


I’m not going to dive too deep into each option in this post, but here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons for each!

A father strokes his wife's head as she cries with joy as her newborn is laid on her chest
A new mom smiles at the camera with her newborn baby on her chest moments after birth
a woman sits in a tub as she labors

Hospital Birth


Pros:

  • Covered by most insurance
  • Immediate access to medical care for unexpected situations
  • Access to pain management options like epidurals and other medications


Cons:

  • Can feel less personal and more clinical
  • Higher rates of unnecessary interventions
  • You might end up with a doctor you haven’t met or don't want
  • Water birth is not an option
  • Your doctor may only be present during the pushing stage



Birth Center


Pros:

  • A “home away from home” feel, more personal and comfortable
  • Your midwife is with you throughout the entire process
  • Fewer interventions
  • Freedom to birth in whatever way feels right for you
  • First follow up appointment is done in your home
  • Higher chance of birthing with your chosen midwife, or a backup midwife you’ve already met


Cons:

  • Possible need for emergency transfer to a hospital
  • No access to medical pain management like epidurals or other drugs
  • May not be covered by all insurance plans



Home Birth


Pros:

  • Comfort of being in your own home
  • Your midwife is with you throughout the entire process
  • Fewer interventions
  • Freedom to birth in whatever way feels right for you
  • First follow-up appointment happens at home
  • Option to include your other children in the experience, if desired
  • Higher chance of birthing with your chosen midwife, or at least a backup midwife you’ve already met


Cons:

  • Possible need for emergency transfer to a hospital
  • No access to medical pain management like epidurals or other drugs
  • May not be covered by all insurance plans
A laboring woman is on her hands and knees on a bed while her husband and midwife support her
A laboring woman rests her head against the bath tub during contractions

Things that could be seen as a pro or a con, depending on your situation and preferences:

    Length of Stay:

    Hospitals typically keep you for 24–48 hours after birth. In contrast, a birth studio will usually discharge you within 3-4 hours, as long as you and baby are doing well. With a home birth, your midwife will also leave around 3-4 hours after delivery, once everything is stable.

    Cost Savings:

    This depends on several factors, including your insurance (if you have any). It’s worth looking into what each option will cost you, and also considering what each birth experience is worth to you.



Differences Between Prenatal Care with an OBGYN and a Midwife

Midwife

Tends to offer more personal and individualized care during prenatal appointments. Appointments typically last 30 minutes, giving you plenty of time to ask questions and share any concerns. Midwives often provide a more welcoming environment for bringing other children along. The relationship is usually more personal, while still professional.


OBGYN

Generally takes a more clinical approach to prenatal care. Appointments may involve longer wait times and shorter visits with the doctor. The relationship with an OB is typically more formal and professional, with less time for in-depth conversation.



I’ve only had good experiences with births at St. Peter’s Hospital. I’ve worked with some wonderful OBs who were kind, respectful of birth plans, and supportive throughout the process. The pros and cons I’ve listed here are based on common experiences and general facts, but remember, there’s no “one size fits all.”

Experiences vary. Some have struggled with midwives, others have thrived with OBs. It often comes down to the individual you’re working with and how much you respect one another. I'm truly thankful for hospitals and the dedicated staff who serve there, I've been in their care myself.  With my long health history, I’ve spent plenty of time with OBs and have had both positive and negative experiences.

That’s why I want to be clear, I don’t see hospitals or OBs as bad choices at all, the best choice is an informed choice.

The main goal of this post is to encourage you to do your own research, get informed, and make sure that wherever you choose to give birth, you feel safe, respected, and heard.

Remember: You are in charge.

You have the freedom to hire the provider that feels like the best fit for you.


You’re worth the very best.

Happy birthing!