Finding Your Birth Team!

Photo Credit by Eternally Motherhood and Birth Photography

Choosing the Right Birth Team

Selecting your birth team can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important steps in creating a safe and empowering birth experience. Your team will support you through one of life’s most transformative moments, so finding the right fit is essential. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect birth team for your journey.

Start with Your Birth Plan

The first step is understanding your birth plan and priorities. Consider what’s most important to you:

Do you prefer a medicated or medicated birth?
Are you planning to give birth at a hospital, birth center, or at home?
What type of support and care aligns with your values?

For example, if you envision a hospital birth, you may want to seek an OB-GYN or a nurse midwife whose approach matches your goals. If you’re aiming for a natural birth, midwives and doulas experienced in supporting unmedicated births might be a better fit. Clarifying your preferences will help guide you toward the right care providers.

Begin Interviewing

Once you have a vision for your birth, it’s time to interview potential care providers. Each provider brings a unique personality, perspective, and approach to labor and birth. Finding a team that aligns with your personality and goals is key.

During interviews, ask questions that reflect your priorities and help you gauge their compatibility. For instance, if you’re reserved, you may prefer a provider with a gentle and patient demeanor. Likewise, if someone dismisses your concerns or disregards your input, they’re likely not the right fit.

Your birth team should make you feel safe, respected, and heard. Use the interview to determine if they’ll honor your birth plan and address your concerns with care.

Helpful Resources:

Where to Find Your Birth Team

Online Searches: The internet is a great tool for locating birth teams in your area. Many providers have websites or profiles where you can learn more about their philosophy and services. Use scheduling tools or contact information to set up interviews. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you can also go to our website theutahbirthplace.com and take our survey for finding a midwife. Then we will email you a list of midwives that are close to you, accepting clients and fit what you are looking for.

Networking Events: Meeting providers in person at networking events is invaluable. It allows you to experience their personality and values firsthand while exploring multiple options at once. At The Utah Birth Place, we regularly host events to connect you with local birth professionals. Check our events page for upcoming opportunities.

Word of Mouth: Recommendations from trusted friends or family members can provide valuable insight. If someone you trust had a positive experience with their birth team, consider reaching out to those providers.

Tours of Birth Centers or Hospitals: Touring facilities is another excellent way to meet care providers and assess whether their location and philosophy align with your needs. Take this opportunity to ask questions about their techniques and values. You can schedule a tour of The Utah Birth Place from a link on our website theutahbirthplace.com.

Your Personal Birth Support Team

In addition to professional care providers, it’s equally important to choose personal support people, such as family or friends, who will stand by you during your birth journey. Whether it’s your spouse, partner, mother, or a trusted friend, select someone who will provide unwavering support, help you feel safe, and respect your choices throughout the process.

Trust Your Instincts

Ultimately, you get to decide who will support you during your birth. Trust your instincts and prioritize what feels right for you. Others may offer opinions, but the most important thing is choosing a team that helps you feel confident and supported as you bring your baby into the world.

At The Utah Birth Place, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Explore our Midwife Questionnaire and join one of our networking events to start building your ideal birth team.