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The Most Important Pregnancy Decision You’ll Make? Choosing Your Birth Team
- dralyssabrooksmcpe
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
By Dr. Alyssa McPeak, DC, CFMP
The second that little plus sign shows up on the pregnancy test, everyone suddenly has opinions.
Your mother-in-law.
Your best friend.
That random woman in the grocery store who somehow always has a traumatic birth story to share.
And then comes the big assumption:
“Well, I guess I just call an OB and go from there.”
Umm… let us lovingly interrupt that thought.
One of the most important decisions you will make during pregnancy is who you hire as your care team.
And yes, we said hire.
Because here’s the truth more women need to hear:
Your providers work for YOU.
Not the other way around.
You are not there to be managed, dismissed, pressured, or intimidated.
You are the CEO of this pregnancy.
You are building the team.
And if someone is not aligned with your vision, values, or needs?
You can absolutely fire them.
At Roots Wholistic Health, we’re passionate about helping women understand that they have options when it comes to pregnancy and birth.
A lot of options.
And the right fit can completely shape your experience, your recovery, and your baby's health.
First Things First: You Are Allowed to Interview Providers
Read that again.
You are allowed to ask questions.
You are allowed to challenge recommendations.
You are allowed to ask about intervention rates, induction philosophies, cesarean statistics, VBAC support, pain management options, delayed cord clamping, movement during labor, intermittent monitoring, and what happens if your birth plan changes.
If a provider acts annoyed, dismissive, rushed, or makes you feel like your questions are inconvenient?
That’s your sign.
A provider who is offended by informed consent probably wasn’t someone that you want assessing and addressing your most intimate parts anyway.
Your Pregnancy Care Options
Let’s break down the main players.
Because no—your only option is not “show up at the hospital and follow their plan.”
OB/GYN
The traditional route.
Pros:
Great for high-risk pregnancies
Immediate access to medical interventions
Surgical expertise if complications arise
Hospital-based protocol care
Cons:
Often shorter appointments
Higher likelihood of intervention-based management
May follow hospital policy over individualized care
Less continuity (you may not get the provider you know and love at delivery)
Best for:
Women with higher-risk pregnancies or those who feel safest with immediate medical access.
Hospital Midwife
A beautiful middle ground for many parents.
Pros:
More holistic and supportive approach
Typically lower intervention rates than OB care
Hospital safety net available
Often more birth-plan friendly
Cons:
Still subject to hospital policies
Your options may depend on hospital protocols
Some hospitals market “midwifery care” but maintain highly medicalized systems
Best for:
Women wanting more natural birth support with hospital backup.
Birth Center Midwife
For women wanting a natural, low-intervention birth experience.
Pros:
Home-like environment
Strong focus on physiologic birth
Lower medical intervention rates
Often longer appointments and more personalized care
More attentive postpartum support
Cons:
Designed for low-risk pregnancies
Transfer may be needed if complications arise
Insurance coverage varies
Best for:
Low-risk women wanting autonomy and a calm, supportive birth environment.
Home Birth Midwife
Yes, this is a legitimate option. And no, it is not “risky or unsafe.”
Pros:
Ultimate comfort and autonomy
Familiar environment
Personalized care
Minimal unnecessary intervention
Often deeply empowering
Cons:
Requires low-risk pregnancy status
Transfer plans are essential
Insurance coverage varies
Requires confidence and preparation
Best for:
Low-risk women desiring maximum control and comfort.
Doula
The MVP your friends should be talking about more.
A doula is not your medical provider.
They are your emotional, physical, and advocacy support.
Pros:
Continuous labor support
Helps you advocate for your wishes
Lower intervention rates shown in research
Helps partners feel more confident making decisions
Emotional support before, during, and after birth
Cons:
Usually out-of-pocket
Not all doulas have the same training or philosophy
Best for:
Literally everyone.
If birth had a secret weapon, it’s a doula.
Prenatal Chiropractor
We might be a little biased here… but hear us out.
Prenatal chiropractic care helps optimize pelvic alignment, nervous system function, and baby positioning.
Pros:
Supports pelvic balance
Helps baby get into ideal position
Can reduce back pain, sciatica, and discomfort
Supports a smoother labor and delivery
Helps your body adapt to pregnancy changes
Cons:
Requires finding a provider trained in prenatal care
Usually out-of-pocket
Insurance coverage varies
Best for:
Every pregnant mama.
Prenatal Massage Therapist
Because growing a human is a lot of work.
Pros:
Reduces muscle tension
Supports circulation
Decreases stress
Helps with swelling and discomfort
Stimulates labor
Cons:
Frequency can be limited by budget
Best for:
Moms needing relaxation, tension relief and muscle support. (Every pregnant mama.)
Prenatal Acupuncturist
The underrated pregnancy support tool.
Pros:
Helps with nausea
Supports breech positioning
Can help prepare the body for labor
Supports nervous system regulation
Cons:
Requires a qualified prenatal practitioner
Out-of-pocket costs
Best for:
Women wanting additional holistic support.
How to Know If a Provider Is Right for You
Ask yourself:
Do I feel heard?
Do they answer questions without defensiveness?
Do they support informed consent?
Do they respect my birth preferences?
Do I leave appointments feeling empowered… or intimidated?
If your provider makes you feel small, pressured, dismissed, or fearful?
That is not “prenatal medical care.” That is misalignment.
And you are allowed to walk away.
Your Birth Plan Should Be Supported—Not Mocked
A supportive provider understands that a birth plan is not a rigid script.
It’s communication.
It reflects your values, preferences, and priorities.
The right provider will help you navigate options, explain risks and benefits, and collaborate with you.
They won’t roll their eyes.
They won’t pressure you.
They won’t use fear as a decision-making tool.
Some of Our Favorite Local Birth Support Providers
We’re big believers in building your village.
Here are some wonderful options in our area:
Midwives & Birth Centers
Doulas
Massage Therapy
(And of course, your prenatal chiropractic support team right here at Roots.)
Final Thoughts
Pregnancy is not the time to settle for mediocre care.
It is the time to get informed, get clear, and build a team that reflects what matters most to YOU.
You deserve providers who:
✔ Respect your voice
✔ Support your choices
✔ Educate instead of intimidate
✔ Partner with you—not dictate to you
Because this is your pregnancy.
Your birth.
Your body.
And yes—you absolutely get to choose who gets invited to your birth party.
Choose wisely.
Hire intentionally.
Fire when necessary.
At Roots Wholistic Health, we’re here to help you build a pregnancy support team that leaves you feeling confident, informed, and fully empowered. 🤍
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