When many people hear the word midwife, they often think of historical images: a woman helping deliver babies in rustic settings, or perhaps the characters from Call the Midwife. While these images are part of midwifery’s long tradition, modern midwives are integral to today’s hospital and clinical care. In fact, midwifery is now closely connected with OB/GYN practices, offering families more options, safety, and personalized support during pregnancy and childbirth.

At Suncoast Women’s Care, we are proud to provide comprehensive OB/GYN services in Trinity and Tampa, Florida, where women are cared for by women. From annual exams to maternity services, our mission is to deliver gentle, evidence-based, and compassionate care. Understanding how midwives and OB/GYN physicians work together can empower patients to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

According to the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), over 90% of births attended by midwives in the United States occur in hospitals. This fact challenges the misconception that midwives only attend home births. Many certified nurse midwives (CNMs) are licensed, highly trained professionals who hold advanced degrees and collaborate daily with physicians in clinical and hospital settings.

At institutions like Einstein Medical Center Montgomery, certified nurse midwives and obstetricians collaborate to deliver thousands of babies each year. This physician-midwife collaborative model has become an example of how the two specialties can complement each other. Patients benefit from the personalized, holistic approach of midwives, along with the advanced surgical and medical expertise of obstetricians when needed.

The choice between a nurse-midwife and an OB/GYN often depends on personal preferences and medical needs.

• • • Women seeking a natural, low-intervention birth may feel more comfortable with a midwife.
    • Women with high-risk pregnancies or those requiring advanced medical support may rely more on an obstetrician.

At Suncoast Women’s Care, our patients have the option of both. We believe in listening to every woman’s wishes, whether she prefers a midwife-led birth experience or obstetrician-led care.

Not all midwives work exclusively in hospitals. Many women choose a private practice midwife for prenatal care, drawn to the personalized attention and continuity of care these practices provide. These midwives often collaborate with hospital systems, ensuring that if a transfer is needed, patients can access the full spectrum of medical support.

Similarly, the obstetrician’s private practice model remains essential for women who prefer direct access to an OB/GYN physician. At Suncoast Women’s Care, we combine both approaches, offering patients access to the compassionate care of midwives alongside the advanced expertise of board-certified obstetricians.

The discussion of midwives and OB/GYNs is not about choosing one over the other; it is about understanding their roles and the benefits they offer. Instead, it is about creating systems that bring professionals together. When this happens, women experience:

• • • Safer deliveries due to immediate access to medical or surgical interventions if needed.
    • Personalized care that prioritizes emotional well-being and informed decision-making.
    • Better outcomes for both mothers and babies through evidence-based practices.
    • Continuity of care that reduces stress and builds trust between patients and providers.

Every woman’s journey through pregnancy and childbirth is unique and individual. By learning about the roles of OB/GYN physicians and midwives, women can make informed choices about their care. The collaborative models being adopted in hospitals and private practices nationwide show that modern healthcare does not force patients to choose between compassion and expertise. They can have both.

At Suncoast Women’s Care, we remain committed to empowering women in the Tampa Bay area with access to the best of both worlds. Whether you are considering a private practice midwife, seeking a trusted obstetrician private practice, or exploring the advantages of a physician midwife collaborative, our team is here to support you every step of the way.