Birthing Choices: Health Care Providers
Michigan offers a comprehensive range of healthcare professionals and support services to assist families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. These resources ensure that families across the state have access to personalized care that meets diverse needs.
Perinatal Providers in Michigan
Physicians
Obstetricians (OB-GYNs) in Michigan manage both routine and high-risk pregnancies. They are available in hospitals and clinics throughout the state, offering comprehensive obstetric specialized care, including fetal interventions and perinatal services.
Nurses and Midwives
Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) and Licensed Midwives provide patient-centered care, often emphasizing natural childbirth experiences with minimal interventions.
Michigan licenses Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) through the Michigan Board of Midwifery. Licensed midwives must maintain their CPM credential from the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) or an equivalent approved by the board.
Physician Assistants (PAs)
Physician Assistants collaborate with doctors to provide prenatal care, routine checkups, and postpartum support, enhancing accessibility in both urban and rural areas. Their role is particularly vital in Michigan, where some rural areas face challenges in accessing obstetric services.
Other Perinatal Professionals
Doulas: offer non-medical, emotional, and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Doula Initiative supports a broader statewide goal of reducing infant and maternal mortality and addressing birth inequities.
Organizations such as the Michigan Chapter of Postpartum Support International can connect families with trained professionals across the state.
To get help, call the PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 or Text “Help” to 800-944-4773 (EN)/ Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Home Visitors: Programs like the Maternal Infant Health Program (MIHP) provide home visiting services. These initiatives guide parents on infant care, breastfeeding, and maternal health, especially in underserved areas. Learn more
Behavioral Health Professionals
Specialists provide support for maternal mental health issues like postpartum depression and anxiety. The Michigan Chapter of Postpartum Support International (PSI) connects families to mental health resources and support.
The Michigan Clinical Consultation & Care (MC3) program offers free same-day access to behavioral health consultants for perinatal patients in select counties.
Lactation Consultants
Certified lactation consultants assist with breastfeeding challenges and provide education and support. Resources are available through hospitals and organizations like the Michigan Breastfeeding Network.
Rural and Underserved Healthcare Support
Michigan supports maternal and infant health through various community-based programs. The Michigan Perinatal Quality Collaborative (MI PQC) comprises nine Regional Perinatal Quality Collaboratives (RPQCs) that work to improve birth outcomes and reduce infant mortality by bringing communities together through cross-sector collaborations. Learn more
Additionally, the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Quality Improvement Coalition (SEMPQIC) is developing strategies that address the life-course and social determinants of health to reduce infant mortality and support the perinatal system of care.
With these comprehensive options, families across Michigan can find the care and support they need, from specialized medical providers to community-based services, ensuring a safe and healthy start for both parents and babies.
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Hospitals, birth centers, doulas, WIC clinics, milk banks and more are listed by county. Enter a ZIP code or city to see yours.