For Black Christian Women Seeking a Supported and God-Honoring Birth Experience
When it comes to pregnancy and birth, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is who will be guiding you through it. Not just who’s “delivering the baby”, but who’s actually supporting you, listening to you, respecting your voice, and supporting your values every step of the way.
And let’s be real: not every provider is equipped to do that for Black women… especially Black women who carry both a strong faith and the weight of healthcare disparities. That’s why we’ve got to be intentional: both prayerful and proactive.
When it comes to pregnancy care, you have options! Choosing between an OBGYN and a midwife can be confusing, let’s break it down.
OB vs. Midwife: What’s the Difference?
First up, let’s get into the nerdy definitions between the two main types of providers most folks consider:
Obstetricians (OBs) are medical doctors. They’re trained in surgery and specialize in managing high-risk pregnancies and complications. OBs typically work in hospitals and follow more traditional, medicalized protocols. If you’ve got a medical condition that needs to be closely monitored, this might be the route for you.
Midwives, on the other hand, are trained medical professionals who specialize in supporting low-risk pregnancies. They often offer a more holistic, relational approach. Midwives can work in birth centers, at home, or in hospitals settings (depending on their specific license). In general, they focus heavily on physiological birth, meaning they trust the body to do what God designed it to do.
Both options can be powerful, but it’s about what aligns with your needs, desires, and spirit.
Questions to Ask Yourself (and Your Provider)
- Do I feel seen and heard when I speak to this provider?
- Are they open to my birth preferences, or do I feel shut down?
- Do they make me feel anxious… or empowered?
- Are they supporting my faith and values, or side-eyeing them?
Discernment is key. If you feel like you’re being rushed, dismissed, or pressured into decisions that don’t sit right with you, that’s a red flag waving in the wind.
Red Flags to Watch For
- “We don’t do that here.” (Translation: No room for flexibility or your voice.)
- Dismissive answers to your questions. (You deserve to understand what’s happening in your own body.)
- A lack of informed consent. (If they’re not explaining your options, that’s not care – that’s control.)
- They make you feel like you’re the problem.
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s time to consider switching providers.
How to Transfer Care Without the Guilt
Let’s be clear: You are not stuck. Transferring care is your right. It’s not about being dramatic or difficult; it’s about protecting your peace and your pregnancy.
Here’s how to do it (in this order):
- Start by researching other providers: look into birth centers, midwives, or OBs with good reputations in your area. Prioritize practices that value informed choice and who understand the Black maternal health crisis.
- Call the new provider’s office and ask if they’re accepting transfers. Share your due date and any medical history they need.
- Request your records from your current provider. You don’t need to explain yourself, just ask. Your new provider will take it from there. *note: do not stop your current care until you’re established with the new one.
Remember: Your care should feel like partnership, not pressure.
You Deserve a Beautiful and Supported Birth
Choosing the right provider is about more than credentials. It’s about alignment. You deserve someone who doesn’t just care about your data points, but cares for you as a whole person, honoring your story, your faith, and your voice.
This is about walking confidently into motherhood with support that reflects your values, your vision, and your God-given worth.
Pray on it. Research. Trust what the Holy Spirit reveals to you. And never be afraid to pivot if the path you’re on isn’t leading toward peace.
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