The Best Hospital Based Midwife Practices in Denver

I’ve been hearing this question a lot lately in local Denver birth groups. There are so many families who want a low-intervention birth in the hospital…and they know that working with a midwife is one of the best ways to achieve their goal. I also know that many folks need to give birth in the hospital due to specific medical conditions. Not everyone can (or should) give birth at home or at a free-standing birth center. Hospital-based midwives are so important because they can support folks that might risk out of the community birth model of care.

Below are a few of my favorite Denver hospital-based midwifery practices. I’d love to hear yours!

Center for Midwifery at Anschutz

This is one of the original favorites - and a true leader in the Denver birth community for midwifery-based hospital care. And the Center for Midwifery (CFM for short) is the only hospital-based midwifery practice in Colorado that does waterbirth in the hospital! They can also support folks who want epidurals and need inductions. I’ve seen their midwives support my clients in birthing in ALL different types of positions and places. Standing, squatting, in the bed, and in the water. It’s important to note that while CFM now practices at both Anschutz and UCH-Highlands Ranch….waterbirth is only happening at the Anschutz location.

Center for Midwifery - UCH Highlands Ranch

UCH-Highlands Ranch is one of Denver-metro’s newest hospitals, and it’s been amazing to see CFM expand to this part of the city. The hospital is new and the LD rooms are bright, big, and beautiful. But I think more importantly - the staff at this hospital is truly exceptional. From the nurses to the midwives to the OBs. Every time I attend a birth here, I’m more and more impressed. The CFM midwives approach birth similarly at both campuses. The one difference is that water birth is currently not an option at Highlands Ranch….but giving birth in any other place or position is absolutely on the table.

Denver Health Midwives

There is a reason that many homebirth midwives prefer to transfer clients to Denver Health. This hospital is often overlooked because it’s located in the heart of the city…and the midwife practice is large. But…if you want a birth that truly centers you and your choices…then Denver Health is an amazing place to be. Regardless of why you’re there - you’re treated with respect. These midwives get physiological birth, and they support it full heartedly. You may not necessarily know the midwife who delivers your baby, but whoever walks into the room will bring a big heart and a true commitment to supporting YOU as a unique individual.

South Denver Midwives

Did you know that midwives can support more than just vaginal births? Some of the very best births I’ve attended have been cesarean births with a team of both a midwife and an OB. The South Denver midwives work at Littleton - another long-standing favorite in the Denver area for low-intervention birth. I’ve seen these midwives catch babies on the birth stool, and I’ve also seen them scrub in for a cesarean. In both cases, they did everything they could to make their patient’s births peaceful and gentle.

St Joseph Midwives

I’m consistently impressed with St Joes. Their nurses are amazing and well versed in Spinning Babies…and their midwives are wonderful too. I actually saw them briefly during my last pregnancy, and I appreciated the time spent at each of my prenatal appointments. The St Joes Midwives accept transfers directly from the Birth Center of Denver (which is a free-standing birth center owned by the hospital). The collaboration between the two midwife groups allows for clients to receive optimal care even if they need to transfer from their original birth location to the hospital. Although I don’t do as many births with the St Joes Midwives as some of the groups listed above…I still think they’re a great option. If you have Kaiser insurance, you can also request to work with either the St Joes Midwives (at the hospital) or at the Birth Center of Denver.

Avista Midwives

While technically not in Denver…it’s hard to list the best midwifery practices in the city and NOT include Avista. The Avista Midwives are amazing…and have been taking care of families in Denver, Louisville, Longmont, and Boulder for years. They are a small community hospital…which can make the birth experience feel more homey and relaxed. You also spend your postpartum in the same room that you give birth in (which I personally LOVE). The Avista Midwives place you at the center of your story. They are supportive, caring, and make practice informed consent. I love them.

Whenever I talk to folks about hospital options in Denver - I remind them that works for one family may not work for another. We all have our unique stories and needs. I also remind my clients that they can always change care providers. If your choice no longer feels like the right choice…make a change. It’s so important to give birth where you feel safe, comfortable, and seen.

I also know that many folks are looking for more. If you need to give birth in the hospital but want the intimacy of homebirth…I can’t recommend my friend (and former client) Keri more. She’s a licensed Midwife, who offers customizable holistic support in pregnancy and postpartum so you never feel isolated or confused. If a big midwifery practice in the hospital still doesn’t feel intimate enough…reach out to Keri. She can work with you and your hospital care team to provide that amazing one-on-one support that homebirth offers. Below is an image from Keri’s second birth!