Did you know? In the United States, there are over 40,000 OB-GYNs, 60,000 pediatricians, 90,000 labor and delivery nurses, 75,000 obstetric nurses, and 14,000 neonatal nurses.*
Each group plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and babies, yet their roles and contributions vary significantly. Each group plays a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and babies, yet their roles and contributions vary significantly. As a practicing doula, childbirth educator, and maternal care executive, I work closely with and alongside all these birth professionals. This experience has given me a deep understanding of who they are and the invaluable contributions they make.
OB-GYNs: Specialists in Women's Health
OB-GYNs (Obstetrician-Gynecologists) are medical doctors specialized in women's reproductive health. They are trained to provide comprehensive care from adolescence through menopause and beyond. Their primary focus during pregnancy is to monitor the health of both mother and fetus, identify and manage any complications that may arise, and ensure a safe delivery. OB-GYNs perform prenatal screenings, ultrasounds, and diagnostic tests, and they provide guidance on nutrition, exercise, and overall maternal health. Their expertise also extends to managing labor and delivery, performing cesarean sections when necessary, and providing postpartum care to new mothers. The terms "OB" and "OB-GYN" are related but refer to different aspects of medical practice. Look to my next blog to explore the detailed differences between them!
Pediatricians: Care for Newborns and Children
Pediatricians specialize in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents. While not exclusively maternal health professionals, pediatricians play a crucial role in infant health, providing essential care immediately after birth and throughout childhood. They conduct newborn screenings, monitor growth and development, administer vaccinations, and diagnose and treat childhood illnesses. Pediatricians collaborate closely with OB-GYNs and neonatal nurses to ensure a smooth transition from prenatal to postnatal care and to address any health issues that may arise during infancy and childhood.
Labor and Delivery Nurses: Frontline Support During Birth
Labor and delivery nurses are integral members of the maternity care team, providing hands-on care and support to women during labor and childbirth. They monitor maternal vital signs, assist with pain management techniques, and provide emotional support to laboring mothers and their families. These nurses are trained to recognize signs of complications during labor and are skilled in emergency childbirth procedures. Their role is crucial in ensuring a safe and positive birth experience for both mother and baby.
Obstetric Nurses: Specialized Care Throughout Pregnancy
Obstetric nurses specialize in caring for women during pregnancy and childbirth. They work closely with OB-GYNs to provide prenatal care, including conducting routine check-ups, educating expectant mothers about pregnancy and childbirth, and assisting with labor and delivery. Obstetric nurses also play a vital role in patient advocacy, ensuring that pregnant women receive appropriate medical care and support throughout their pregnancies. Their expertise helps promote healthy pregnancies and reduces the risk of complications during childbirth.
Neonatal Nurses: Specialized Care for Newborns
Neonatal nurses specialize in caring for newborn infants who are born prematurely, have birth defects, or experience health complications shortly after birth. They work in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and provide round-the-clock care to vulnerable newborns, including monitoring vital signs, administering medications, and ensuring proper nutrition and development. Neonatal nurses collaborate closely with pediatricians, OB-GYNs, and other healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans for each infant, aiming to promote optimal health and development during the critical early stages of life.
The diverse roles and contributions of OB-GYNs, pediatricians, labor and delivery nurses, obstetric nurses, and neonatal nurses are essential in safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and babies across the United States. Their specialized expertise, compassionate care, and commitment to continuous improvement contribute to healthier pregnancies, safer deliveries, and brighter futures for families nationwide.
About the Author
Alisa Marie has been bridging the worlds of birth and business for more than two decades, managing both payroll and babies, and serving over 200 client companies globally as a partner with Maternal Care Institute. She is incredibly passionate about assisting moms-to-be and supporting businesses that cater to them. Alisa is a mother of three, a practicing doula specializing in serving U.S. Military families from La Jolla to Dana Point, California, a certified childbirth educator, the creator of the globally taught Mindful Mama Childbirth education program, and she is completing her training to become a Midwife Assistant.
*Sources:Â
American Association of Medical Colleges, "Number of People by Active Physician Specialty, 2021," AAMC, 2021, https://www.aamc.org/data-reports/workforce/data/number-people-active-physician-specialty-2021.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, "29-1161 Nurse Midwives," U.S. Department of Labor, last modified March 31, 2023, https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes291161.htm.
 Bureau of Health Workforce, "Brief Summary of the Maternal Health Workforce," Health Resources and Services Administration, accessed July 12, 2024, https://bhw.hrsa.gov/sites/default/files/bureau-health-workforce/data-research/maternal-health-workforce-brief-2022.pdf.
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