Maternal Health

Midwives, ob/gyns, and family physicians are trained to deliver babies in California. In California, a worsening ob/gyn shortage paired with hospital labor and delivery unit closures have generated urgency for expanding access to midwives.

This series of conversations takes a look at the critical roles of doulas, lactation professionals, mental health professionals, and midwives.

Midwives provide comprehensive health services during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, including as the primary birth attendant. This issue brief describes the scope of practice and integration of midwives in California; their relationships with physicians, hospitals, and health plans; and their levels of career satisfaction and burnout.

A conversation with birth equity advocate Kimberly Seals Allers about improving maternity care for Black women and birthing people.