A Full-Circle Moment
Today I had the sweet pleasure of accompanying my little sister to her six-week postpartum visit. And let me tell you—nothing will humble you faster than walking back into a space that once held your own postpartum self. It was a full trip down memory lane, because this is the very same practice I used with my second—and last—child, a casual five and a half years ago.
Now, a gentle reminder for those who may have forgotten: my pregnancy happened during the 2019/2020 season. Yes, that season. Meaning I attended every appointment alone. No hand-holding. No moral support. Just me, my belly, and the spirit of resilience. COVID was really out here testing us.
I was also present for my sister’s delivery, which made today’s visit even sweeter. I reunited with her midwife—who, bless her heart, shared with me how traumatizing the delivery experience was. I’ll spare you the details, because that is my sister’s story to tell. This is not a trauma-dump blog.
So then… why am I writing this?
Because sometimes midwives (and nurse practitioners) have their place—and frankly, they deserve more respect in the conversation around childbirth.
Midwives, MDs, and Knowing What You Actually Need
Since we’re all in healthcare, we had a really thoughtful discussion about why having a medical doctor is not always the right—or necessary—answer.
Let’s consider this: childbirth is a natural process of the life cycle, just like puberty or aging. It is not inherently a medical emergency. As nurses, we’re trained to support patients through life transitions—childbirth, illness, aging—by assessing the whole person, not just a problem list.
Medical doctors, on the other hand, are trained extensively to identify, diagnose, and treat pathology. They are brilliant at solving problems, managing complications, and intervening when things go left. And thank God for them—because when you need one, you really need one.
But here’s the key distinction:
- A midwife is often focused on guiding you through a physiologic process.
- A medical doctor is focused on identifying and treating disease or complications.
Neither is superior. They simply serve different roles.
So, Pregnant and Choosing a Provider? Be Intentional
If you’re pregnant and offered care with a midwife, pause before you clutch your pearls. Ask yourself:
- Am I looking for someone to guide me through what could be a natural childbirth experience?
- Or do I have risk factors or complications that require ongoing medical management?
Some people absolutely have complicated pregnancies—and that is not a failure. It’s just reality. If there’s a rise in complications, you want to make sure your practice has a medical doctor readily available and integrated into care. The best setups don’t compete—they collaborate.
This is not a blog about birthing doulas or medical residents (because whew, I have thoughts). Those opinions deserve their own dedicated space, and I will share them in the future—when I’m feeling especially honest and well-rested.
Final Thought
Choosing a provider isn’t about prestige or titles. It’s about alignment. It’s about knowing your body, your pregnancy, your risks, and your preferences. Sometimes the most luxurious thing you can do for yourself is choose care that feels supportive, informed, and intentional—not just traditional.
And today, walking alongside my sister, I was reminded that full-circle moments don’t just happen in delivery rooms. Sometimes they happen six weeks later, in a quiet office, with a provider who remembers you—and a little wisdom you didn’t have the first or second time around.
Always Have, Always Will ~ Kalie
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