5 Reasons to Consider a Midwife for Your Pregnancy

When you think of pregnancy care, you might immediately picture a hospital setting with an OB-GYN. But there’s another option that’s been growing in popularity: working with a midwife.

Whether you’re hoping for a more natural birth, seeking extra emotional support, or simply craving a more personalized experience, our expert team — led by Andrea Das, MD, FACOG — at  Advanced OB/GYNE Associates is here to help you find the care that fits you best.

Here are 5 compelling reasons to consider a midwife for your pregnancy journey: 

1. Personalized, holistic care 

Midwives take the time to get to know you. They look at the whole picture: your physical health, mental well-being, lifestyle, and goals for pregnancy and birth. With a midwife, you can expect various benefits — whether it’s more in-depth prenatal visits, conversations that go beyond lab results, a strong focus on your emotional and mental health, and guidance on your nutrition, movement, and self-care throughout your pregnancy. 

This holistic approach means you’re treated as a whole person, not just a patient. Many women feel more heard, respected, and supported throughout their pregnancy when working with a midwife. 

2. Support for natural birth (but options if you change your mind)

If you’re considering a natural, or unmedicated birth, midwives are experts in supporting that process. They’re trained to help you work with your body, using movement, breathing, and comfort techniques to manage labor without unnecessary interventions. 

However, if you decide during labor that you want an epidural or need to be transferred to a hospital, a certified nurse-midwife can help make that transition seamless. 

3. Lower risk of unnecessary interventions 

Studies show that midwife-led care is associated with fewer medical interventions, including: 

• Lower rates of cesarean sections 
• Fewer episiotomies
• Less use of forceps or vacuum deliveries
• Lower rates of labor induction

That’s not because midwives are anti-medicine — it’s because they prioritize letting labor unfold naturally when it’s safe to do so. They’re trained to recognize when medical help is necessary, but they also trust the birth process and your body. 

4. Continuity of care 

One of the biggest emotional benefits of midwifery is continuity of care. Instead of seeing a different doctor at every appointment (or wondering who’ll show up on delivery day), you often build a close relationship with the same provider (or a small team) from start to finish. This means: 

• You’re more likely to give birth with someone you know and trust
• You don’t have to re-explain your preferences at every visit 
• You’ll feel more relaxed and confident knowing who’s in your corner 

This sense of connection can make the whole pregnancy and birth experience feel more grounded and personal. 

5. Midwives offer options beyond the hospital 

Lastly, midwives don’t work only in hospitals. Depending on your health and birth plan, you might be able to choose a: 

• Birth center
• Home birth
• Water birth
• Hospital with midwifery care 

This gives you more freedom to shape your experience. Whether you want the comfort of home, the support of a birth center, or the backup of a hospital setting, midwives can help guide you through your options and create a birth plan that aligns with your values. 

Choosing a midwife doesn’t mean giving up safety or medical support; it means gaining a partner who sees your pregnancy as a powerful, personal journey. If you’re curious about midwifery care, call us at 847-755-1111 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment today. We have offices in Hoffman Estates and Arlington Heights, Illinois.