Midwives

Midwives and OB/GYNs are both trained professionals who care for pregnant and birthing people, but their roles differ.

• Midwives specialize in supporting healthy, low-risk pregnancies with a holistic, relationship-based approach. They focus on education, informed choice, and low-intervention care.

• OB/GYNs are physicians trained to manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies, perform surgeries (including cesareans), and address complex medical concerns.

Many families choose midwives for their personalized model of care, while also appreciating collaboration with OB/GYNs if medical needs arise.

No. In Vermont, many hospital and OB/GYN practices include Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) as part of their care team. You may see a midwife for most or all of your prenatal visits, and a midwife may attend your hospital birth. In many “traditional” clinics, midwives and OB/GYNs work together, offering families both low-intervention support and access to medical care if it becomes necessary.

Common types include

• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs): Medically trained nurses who provide care in hospitals or clinics.

• Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs): Specialists in out-of-hospital birth, typically attending home births and birth center births.

• Traditional or community midwives: Training varies; they often follow more traditional or culturally specific models of care.

Insurance coverage varies. Hospital-based midwifery care is typically covered, while coverage for home birth or birth center care depends on the plan. Some families use HSAs/FSAs or request reimbursement from their insurer.