---
title: Differences between Maternity Care Providers
date: 2026-02-04T11:39:00-05:00
author: Jonese Austin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/differences-between-maternity-care-providers"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Differences between Maternity Care Providers

What’s the best type of maternity care provider? This Childbirth Connection article reviews the differences among obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs), family physicians, and midwives.

Researchers found that when midwives provide the care, birthing experiences are better. That means more vaginal births after cesarean (VBACs) and more births without forceps. Birthing parents use less pain medication and less electronic fetal monitoring when under midwives' care. It also costs less to give birth with a midwife compared to with OB-GYNs or other physicians.

Family physicians and OB-GYNs differed little from one another on maternity care. However, birthing people with low risk and those in certain regions found family physicians more beneficial than OB-GYNs.

Overall, the best maternity experiences occur when we have supportive care providers, when we’re involved in the decision-making process, and when our providers exceed our expectations. When seeking a maternity care provider, we can consult with different providers to discuss our needs and preferences, our care team, and the birth setting. The article provides more detailed information concerning what to look for and questions that we can ask.

> Maternity care providers have a broad range of practice styles. Some variation occurs from individual to individual. However, systematic reviews have identified overall differences between different types of maternity care providers – obstetrician-gynecologists (OB-GYNs), family physicians and midwives.

[Read the full article ](https://nationalpartnership.org/childbirthconnection/healthy-pregnancy/choosing-a-care-provider/collecting-information/)

SOURCE: National Partnership for Women & Families: Childbirth Connection

![A pregnant woman talks to another woman who is holding a clipboard](data:image/png;base64,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) AntonioDiaz/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birth care providers](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-care-providers)
- [midwife](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/midwife)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)
- [self-advocacy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/self-advocacy)
- [cesarean section](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cesarean-section)
- [vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbac)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
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- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Searching for a Midwife

L talks about her process preparing to give birth, noting how her experience in the US differed from her experience in Paris.

![Pregnant woman](data:image/png;base64,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)

L talks about her process preparing to give birth, noting how her experience in the US differed from her experience in Paris.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-searching-for-a-midwife)

[ResourcesRead

## Choosing a Maternity Care Provider

This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider.

![Baby Hand with Adult](data:image/png;base64,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)

This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choosing-a-maternity-care-provider-2)

[ResourcesRead

## Ten Tips for Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care

A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.

![volodymyr-hryshchenko-87ev1NvhDsU-2048x1365](data:image/png;base64,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)

A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ten-tips-for-taking-charge-of-your-maternity-care)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## The Home Waterbirth of Ava Skye

A woman shares the story of giving birth to her daughter via waterbirth, beginning with the loss of her mucus plug.

![An artistic depiction of a woman in a tub full of water giving birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

A woman shares the story of giving birth to her daughter via waterbirth, beginning with the loss of her mucus plug.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-the-home-waterbirth-of-ava-skye)

[ResourcesListen

## Jen Kamel on Understanding Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBACs)

Former content expert Jen Kamel discusses the facts and language around vaginal birth after caesarean alongside her personal experience, in order to dispel the myths around VBAC and make our own empowered choices.

![gabriel-tovar-_da74khfvBM](data:image/png;base64,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)

Former content expert Jen Kamel discusses the facts and language around vaginal birth after caesarean alongside her personal experience, in order to dispel the myths around VBAC and make our own empowered choices.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/finding-your-village-podcast-an-overview-of-vaginal-birth-after-cesarean-vbacs)

[ResourcesRead

## FAQs about C-sections

A guide to c-sections, with answers to frequently asked questions.

![22 What Every Pregnant Woman Needs to Know About Cesarean Birth22 1 scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

A guide to c-sections, with answers to frequently asked questions.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/what-every-pregnant-woman-needs-to-know-about-cesarean-birth)

[ResourcesRead

## Jennie Joseph on the Importance of Black Midwives

Jennie Joseph, a Black certified professional midwife, an educator, and a Time 2022 Woman of the Year, discusses her calling to midwifery.

![A Black mother holding a baby](data:image/png;base64,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)

Jennie Joseph, a Black certified professional midwife, an educator, and a Time 2022 Woman of the Year, discusses her calling to midwifery.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/jennie-joseph-on-the-importance-of-black-midwives)

[ResourcesRead

## A Disabled Person's Guide to Talking With Your Partner(s) About Sex

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.

![Pexels judita tamosiunaite 2026764 scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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)

Disabled writer Carrie Kaufman created this excellent guide for disabled people who want help communicating sexually with their partners.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-disabled-persons-guide-to-talking-with-your-partners-about-sex)