S3 Ep. 108: Megan Bellavia, CNM | Physiologic Birth: A Midwife’s Approach to Hospital Delivery

Supporting Physiologic Birth in the Hospital Setting with Megan Belleavia, Certified Nurse Midwife

When we think of birth in a hospital setting, the images that come to mind are often clinical, rushed, and rigid. But what if that experience could be gentler, more intuitive, and deeply respectful of the body’s natural process? This week on The Mama Making Podcast, I talked with Megan Belleavia, certified nurse midwife at OMG Midwives at Hinsdale Hospital in Chicago, about how physiologic birth can be supported — even inside the walls of a medical facility.

Megan has worked in women’s health for nearly two decades and has been a midwife for over ten. Her practice is rooted in collaboration, compassion, and true partnership with birthing people. One of the things that struck me most during our conversation is how integrated midwifery is at Hinsdale. Megan shared that midwives have had a presence there for more than 40 years, and that she even sits on the OB safety committee, helping shape hospital policies to better reflect evidence-based and patient-centered care.

"Our physicians believe catching the baby is catching the baby," Megan told me. "Even if a client develops something like preeclampsia, we're able to continue midwifery care with close physician collaboration."

This collaborative model creates space for nuance — where care doesn’t default to OB management at the first sign of risk, but instead adapts in real-time, centering the needs and desires of the birthing person.

The Gray Area of Risk

Megan was clear that risk in pregnancy isn’t a binary. "Risk is a continuum," she explained. While some conditions like chronic kidney disease or early preterm labor may fall outside midwifery scope, others can be co-managed. Through partnerships with OBs and specialists, her practice is able to support a wider range of pregnancies than many hospital-based systems allow.

One standout aspect of OMG Midwives is their willingness to take late transfers. Megan shared that they’ve welcomed patients at 37, even 39 weeks — a reminder that it’s never too late to switch providers if something isn’t feeling right.

"If it checks off more of your boxes than where you're at now, it's worth it," she said.

Defining Physiologic Birth

So, what is physiologic birth? Megan defines it as birth that unfolds with minimal intervention, guided by the body’s instincts. At Hinsdale, that looks like:

• No time clocks or arbitrary deadlines

• Allowing movement, nourishment, and rest

• Delayed cord clamping and immediate skin-to-skin

• Letting birthing people push when their body tells them to, not on cue

• Encouraging people to ask questions and make informed decisions

"Even with an epidural, you can have a physiologic birth," Megan told me. "It's about the support system, the environment, and respecting someone's autonomy."

Midwifery in Action

Megan offered countless real-life examples, from declining unnecessary cervical checks to guiding a tired parent through a 36-hour labor with thoughtful decision-making. What stood out most was the trust her clients place in her, and how she works to uphold that trust with every decision.

She also explained how education and trauma-informed care are central to her approach. Asking for consent before touching, using inclusive language, and holding space for a range of emotions are not just best practices — they’re non-negotiables.

"This is your birth," she reminded listeners. "You're in charge."

Advice for Advocating Your Way

Whether you're working with a midwife or OB, Megan encourages everyone to:

• Ask your provider their c-section rate (and know that the national average is often too high)

• Use resources like BirthGuide Chicago and Leapfrog to research hospitals

• Build a support team who understands and respects your values

• Don’t be afraid to switch providers, even late in pregnancy

• Remember: "Your OB can't chain you to the bed. You are allowed to move."

Final Thoughts

This episode is full of gems for anyone curious about midwifery care, hospital birth, or how to make their experience more aligned with their values. Megan’s passion, honesty, and sense of humor make it clear why her clients feel so supported.

Whether you're preparing for your first birth or simply curious about what respectful, collaborative care can look like, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to ask more, expect more, and trust your instincts.

TL;DR

In this episode, certified nurse midwife Megan Belleavia shares how OMG Midwives at Hinsdale Hospital supports physiologic birth within a hospital setting. From collaborative care with OBs to avoiding unnecessary interventions, Megan explains how patient-centered, intuitive birth is possible — even with an epidural. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a more empowered, informed, and flexible birth experience.

How to connect with the Megan:

IG: @omgmidwives 

Website: Megan Belleavia Provider Bio &  Practice Bio 

Extras: Subscribe to the podcast wherever you listen!

The Mama Making Podcast Mom podcast, Motherhood Podcast, Motherhood Journey, Postpartum Mental Health, Pregnancy, New Mom Support, midwifery, physiologic birth, low-risk pregnancy, high-risk pregnancy, collaborative care, hospital birth, midwife, obstetrician, birth experience, patient care, physiologic birth, midwifery, self-advocacy, hospital birth, birth choices, family medicine, labor and delivery, patient-centered care, trauma-informed care, birth providers