How to Build Your Dream Birth Team for a Confident & Supported Birth
How to Build Your Dream Birth Team for a Confident & Supported Birth
Bringing a baby into the world is one of the most life-changing and vulnerable moments of your life, and the people you surround yourself with during birth can make all the difference. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or something in between, having the right birth team ensures you feel supported, safe, and empowered.
As a doula and mom of three, I’ve experienced firsthand how a strong birth team transforms your birth experience. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to build your birth team, the questions to ask, and red flags to watch out for—so you can step into birth with confidence!
Why Your Birth Team Matters
Your birth team is more than just the people in the room; they shape your birth experience. A strong, supportive team will:
✔️ Advocate for your choices
✔️ Provide emotional and physical support
✔️ Help you make informed decisions without pressure
✔️ Ensure you feel heard, not dismissed
But how do you choose the right people? Let’s break it down!
Who Should Be on Your Birth Team?
1. A Supportive Provider (OB-GYN or Midwife)
Your provider’s philosophy on birth should align with yours—whether you want a hands-off approach or prefer more medical guidance. Not all OBs and midwives support birth the same way, so asking the right questions is KEY!
📝 Questions to Ask Your Provider:
“How do you support physiological birth?”
“What are your views on interventions like inductions and epidurals?”
“How do you handle birth emergencies while respecting my birth plan?”
“Will I see you at my birth, or will it be another provider from your practice?”
🚩 Red Flag: If your provider brushes off your questions or dismisses your birth preferences, it may be time to look for someone who better aligns with your vision.
2. A Doula (Your Birth Bestie!)
A doula is your emotional and physical support person who helps you feel calm, confident, and prepared. Unlike a provider, who focuses on medical care, a doula ensures you feel heard, supported, and informed throughout labor.
📝 Questions to Ask a Doula:
“How do you support moms during labor?”
“What’s your philosophy on birth and medical interventions?”
“How do you involve partners in the process?”
“Do you offer postpartum support as well?”
3. Your Support System (Partner, Family, Friends)
Not everyone should be in your birth space! The people you invite should bring peace, encouragement, and respect for your choices.
Ask Yourself:
✅ Does this person make me feel calm and confident?
✅ Will they respect my birth plan and not project their own fears?
✅ Do they believe in my ability to birth my baby?
🚩 Red Flag: If someone tends to be negative, anxious, or controlling, they may not be the best fit for your birth space.
4. Your Birth Setting (Hospital, Birth Center, or Home Birth Team)
Your birth location impacts your experience just as much as the people around you. Make sure the environment aligns with your birth vision.
📝 Questions to Ask About Your Birth Location:
“What are your policies on movement and position changes during labor?”
“Can I have dim lighting, music, or other comfort measures?”
“What’s your stance on delayed cord clamping and golden hour bonding?”
“Can I decline certain routine procedures if I choose?”
🚩 Red Flag: If your birth setting has strict policies that don’t align with your birth plan, you may need to explore other options.
Final Thoughts: Your Birth, Your Choice!
The right birth team can turn fear into confidence and uncertainty into empowerment. Take the time to ask questions, set clear expectations, and surround yourself with people who truly support your vision.
💛 Want a step-by-step guide to building your birth team? Download my FREE ‘How to Build Your Birth Team’ guide here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10Qlr3TMOlfUITl0Ot2KnhIBAKuE9Yeeo/view?usp=sharing
📢 Let’s Chat! Who’s on your birth team? Comment below and share your experience!