Navigating pregnancy and postpartum care can feel overwhelming, especially with so much information available. You may have heard of an OB-GYN, but what about a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist or a Pelvic Floor Therapist? There are many care providers who can offer you critical support throughout your pregnancy, birth, and recovery. From midwives to lactation consultants to prenatal chiropractors, Charlottesville is full of experts who can help you feel confident and cared for on your journey to parenthood.
BumpRise March 22, 2025
Founded by University of Virginia student Gabrielle Guido, BumpRise is an initiative designed to provide warm, welcoming events for parents and families to access essential resources, connect with local providers, and build a supportive network. Regardless of background, BumpRise’s main goal is clear: everyone should have access to the health education and wellness resources they need during pregnancy and beyond.
Why Knowing Pregnancy Health Care Providers Matters
Choosing the right care provider can make a huge impact on your pregnancy journey. Each provider offers unique support, so understanding your options can help you feel confident in making the best choice.
“There is a plethora of prenatal and postpartum information that is often contradictory, and it can be difficult to guide patients through the dense medical terminology and conflicting opinions on the expectations we place on motherhood,”” says Gabrielle Guido, founder of BumpRise, a Charlottesville-based initiative connecting families with pregnancy and postpartum resources. “Additionally, in my talks with patients, there can be challenges in continuity of care after pregnancy, where many women may feel they have a lack of support after they have given birth.”
That’s why it’s so important to know where to go and who can help. There are many great research-based resources including the CDC Guide to Pregnancy and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Types of Pregnancy Care Providers & Their Roles
Choosing the right care provider can make all the difference, but still not sure which one is best for you? Learn the key differences between OB-GYNs, midwives, doulas, and more—so you can choose the best fit for you. Here’s a look at some of the experts you may need in your prenatal and postpartum journey:
Chiropractors:
Prenatal chiropractors address pregnancy-related discomfort like back pain, pelvic alignment, and sciatica. Some also provide adjustments that may assist with breech positioning.
Doulas (Non-Medical Birth Support):
Doulas provide emotional and physical support before, during, and after childbirth. While they do not perform medical procedures, they assist with comfort measures, birth planning, and postpartum care.
Family Practice Doctor (Prenatal & Newborn Care):
Some family doctors offer pregnancy care and continue caring for both parent and baby after birth, providing a seamless healthcare experience for growing families.
Lactation Consultants:
These specialists help new parents with breastfeeding challenges, such as latch issues, milk supply concerns, and pumping strategies, ensuring a smooth feeding experience for both baby and parent.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist (MFM):
These specialists care for high-risk pregnancies, providing advanced monitoring and treatment for conditions such as gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and multiple pregnancies.
Midwives: Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) vs. Certified Professional Midwife (CPM):
Midwives offer personalized, holistic care during pregnancy and birth. CNMs typically work in hospitals or birth centers, while CPMs specialize in home births and low-intervention care. Both focus on natural birth options and patient-centered care. Did you know that the University of Virginia Health Center in Charlottesville offers midwifery care?
Nutritionists:
A pregnancy and postpartum nutritionist can help parents understand the best foods for pregnancy, recovery, and breastfeeding, supporting both maternal and infant health. Read more about nutrition during pregnancy.
OB-GYN (Obstetrician-Gynecologist):
OB-GYNs specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. They provide medical care, manage complications, and perform surgeries when necessary. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, an OB-GYN is often the best choice for comprehensive medical care.
Pelvic Floor Specialists:
These providers focus on strengthening and healing the pelvic floor, aiding in postpartum recovery, addressing incontinence, and offering C-section scar therapy.
Prenatal Massage Therapists:
Specializing in pregnancy massage, these therapists help relieve tension, swelling, and stress while promoting circulation and relaxation.
How to Choose the Best Pregnancy Care Provider
Understanding the differences between providers is a great start, but choosing the right one is key to feeling confident and supported throughout your pregnancy. Here are a few things to consider when making your decision:
- Risk Level: If you’re having a high-risk pregnancy, you may want to go with an OB-GYN or a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist.
- Birth Preferences: Midwives and doulas are great options if you’re aiming for a low-intervention birth experience.
- Location & Accessibility: Think about whether you’d prefer hospital-based care or an out-of-hospital birth setting, depending on what feels best for you.
- Insurance & Cost: Be sure to check which services are covered by your insurance and what you might need to pay out of pocket.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
Not sure what to ask when you meet with your potential provider? Here are a few helpful questions to guide your conversation:
- What is your approach to patient care, and how do you make sure I’m comfortable throughout my pregnancy and delivery?
- How do you keep your patients involved in making decisions about their care?
- How do you handle emergencies or urgent situations, especially outside of regular office hours?
- What’s your experience working with other healthcare providers like specialists, doulas, or lactation consultants?
- What kind of support do you offer after childbirth, particularly for follow-up care or helpful resources?
FAQs About Pregnancy Care Providers
Can I switch providers during pregnancy?
Yes, many parents switch providers if they feel their current care does not align with their needs or preferences.
What’s the difference between a midwife and a doula?
A midwife provides medical care, while a doula offers emotional and physical support without performing medical procedures.
Do I need both a midwife and an OB-GYN?
It depends on your health and birth plan. Some parents choose midwives for primary care during their pregnancy and OB-GYNs for backup medical support.
How can I find a provider who aligns with my birth plan?
Do some research, ask for recommendations, and schedule interviews or consultations with potential providers to ensure their philosophy and approach match your preferences.
What if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
If you have a high-risk pregnancy, your provider will work with specialists or additional care teams to ensure you and your baby receive the best care possible.
Can I have a home birth in Central Virginia?
Yes, there are licensed midwives and home birth services in the area who can support you through a home birth if you’re healthy and low-risk.
Resources To Guide You Through Pregnancy & Beyond:
Charlottesville’s Favorite Pediatricians
Preparing For Birth
Sleep Training Guide
Teething Tips
A Pediatrician’s Guide to Baby Proofing
Water Safety for Babies & Toddlers
Charlottesville Prenatal Support Classes
Charlottesville Doulas & Night Nurses
Mommy & Me Classes
Diaper Bag Checklist
Working With A Doula
AMANDA DANAHER is a busy mom of five who is passionate about bringing encouragement to other parents through writing. She focuses on freelancing for Virginia parent and family magazines where she can utilize her journalism degree and share her parenting experience.