Midwifery and Whole-Person Birth Care: Reimagining Pregnancy with Presence, Trust, and Time
The way we experience pregnancy and birth can be shaped long before we ever see two pink lines. For some, the hustle of quick appointments and concern that medical intervention will become part of their pregnancy journey provokes anxiety. Yet, there is room to design the birth that is right for you.
In this episode of Health Youniversity, we sat down with Jennifer Buonamassa, a licensed midwife and prenatal educator who offers care from preconception through postpartum. With a deep trust in the birthing process and years of hands-on experience, she brings a grounded, compassionate lens to what midwifery can offer. Her insights help us understand how whole-person pregnancy care rooted in time, presence, and informed choice can transform not only how we birth, but how we feel in our bodies throughout the process.
Understanding Fertility Care Models
Most people begin their fertility or pregnancy journey by booking an appointment with an OB-GYN, and for many, that care is essential and supportive. Yet there are multiple models of care available, each offering a unique approach to pregnancy, birth, and reproductive health Understanding how midwifery and obstetric care differ can help you choose the path that best fits your values, health status, and vision for your journey.
Both models meet an important need; matching the model to the individual is key. Many, families find that blending aspects of both brings comfort, balance, and clarity to their care journey.
The Midwifery Model of Care
Midwifery care is rooted in the understanding that pregnancy and birth are natural physiological processes. Licensed midwives are clinical providers who work primarily with low-risk pregnancies, offering whole-person care that integrates medical knowledge with emotional, nutritional, and spiritual support.
What sets midwifery care apart:
Longer, in-depth visits (typically 45–60 minutes)
Whole-person focus, including emotional health and lifestyle
Family-inclusive care, welcoming partners and support people
Emphasis on informed consent and collaborative decision-making
Continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
Comfortable settings in warm, non-clinical environments.
This model allows space for relationship-building and empowers families to take an active role in their care decisions.
Midwifery Team Approach
Midwifery care is a collaborative model that ensures a fully supported pregnancy, labor and delivery. A typical birth team includes two licensed midwives and may also include a trained birth assistant or a student midwife. Each team member plays a distinct role to ensure both the birthing person and baby are closely monitored and cared for at every stage.
This team-based approach allows for:
Focused care for both parent and baby: One midwife typically attends to the birthing person, while another focuses on the newborn immediately after birth.
Familiarity and trust: Clients often meet members of the team during prenatal appointments, building a sense of ease and connection before labor begins.
Continuity of care in varied settings: Whether planning a home birth or choosing a hospital setting, midwives can adapt their roles or collaborate with OBs to ensure seamless care.
This intentional structure ensures that every birth is attended by a trusted, well-prepared team, creating a calmer, safer, and more personalized experience for the entire family.
The Obstetric Model of Care
Obstetricians are medical doctors trained in managing pregnancy, complications, and surgical interventions. This model plays a critical role in identifying and treating pathology and is essential for individuals with moderate to high-risk pregnancies.
Core features of obstetric care:
Shorter, more standardized visits, focused on clinical markers
Access to hospital-based technology and surgical intervention
Specialized expertise in managing complex or high-risk conditions
Medical decision-making is led by the provider, with a focus on safety and protocol
Structured timelines and routine testing schedules
This model is best suited for individuals who need or feel most comfortable with a medically supervised, hospital-based approach to pregnancy and birth.
For many, blending clinical expertise of obstetric care with the emotional depth and relationship-based approach of midwifery can offer a balanced and empowering care experience, especially for those navigating nuanced health needs or seeking additional support throughout their journey.
Trauma-Informed Support in Prenatal Care
It’s not just the medical care you receive — it’s how you’re treated that shapes your entire experience. Trauma-informed prenatal care emphasizes emotional safety, respect, and consent at every step. For many, especially those who’ve felt overlooked in traditional healthcare, this approach can be the difference between feeling anxious and feeling empowered.
When your care provider explains procedures and truly listens, it fosters trust that impacts your ability to feel calm, confident, and in control throughout your journey.
Here’s what trauma-informed care can look like:
You’re asked before being touched or examined — nothing is assumed.
Your options are explained clearly, without pressure or judgment.
Appointments are spacious and unrushed, allowing time to process and decide.
You see familiar faces and build a real connection with your care team.
Your boundaries and pace are respected, emotionally and physically.
If anything in your care feels unsettling or dismissive, trust that signal. You’re not being “too sensitive” — you’re picking up on what your body already knows. Your voice belongs in the room, and your care should always reflect that.
Check out all of our episodes on the following platforms:
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Boost Employee Productivity by Investing in their Fertility Health. Check out our Corporate Wellness program and know the benefits it can bring to your company: https://www.healthyouniversity.co/corporate-wellness
Jennifer Buonamassa is a licensed midwife and prenatal educator who supports families through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum with presence, trust, and whole-person care. With a grounded approach rooted in evidence-based midwifery and intuitive support, she helps create empowered birth experiences that honor informed choice and the sacred nature of pregnancy.
Website: www.laboroflovela.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laboroflovela/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/laboroflovela
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to the Health Youniversity podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice to treat any medical condition for yourself or others. Consult your healthcare provider for any medical issues you may have. This entire disclaimer also pertains to any guests or contributors to any Health Youniversity podcast.
