A birthing person is anyone who is giving birth, regardless of gender or identity, including women, trans men, and nonbinary individuals. Modern maternity care emphasizes using language that centers the needs and dignity of the person delivering the baby.
Respecting chosen names, pronouns, and identity helps create a safer, more inclusive experience in hospitals, birth centers, and home settings. This shift supports better communication, trust, and informed decision making throughout pregnancy and labor.
| Aspect | Key Consideration | Impact on Care | Example Practice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identity Affirmation | Using names and pronouns the person prefers | Builds trust and reduces distress | Ask “What name and pronouns would you like me to use?” at intake |
| Inclusive Documentation | Electronic health records capture chosen birth name and gender identity | Reduces misgendering and administrative errors | Include gender identity and chosen name fields in prenatal forms |
| Communication | Clear, person-first language in conversations and notes | Improves shared decision making and safety | Say “You and your baby are doing well” instead of assuming roles |
| Support People | Inviting partners or chosen support persons based on patient preference | Enhances emotional comfort and advocacy | Ask who the birthing person wants present during exams and delivery |
| Clinical Environment | Welcoming signage, forms, and staff training | Signals respect and reduces anxiety | Display inclusive posters and offer gender-neutral restrooms |
Affirming Identity in Prenatal Care
Prenatal visits are a critical time to establish respectful language and routines. Front-desk staff, nurses, and clinicians can ask open-ended questions about how the birthing person wants to be referred to and who should be included in discussions.
Steps for Inclusive Prenatal Visits
- Introduce yourself with your name and pronouns, then ask for the person’s preferred name and pronouns.
- Document chosen name and gender identity in the record, and note any privacy concerns.
- Use inclusive forms that allow free-text entries for names and pronouns, not just predefined boxes.
- Check in regularly, because preferences can change over time.
Labor, Birth, and Immediate Postpartum Support
During active labor, honoring identity can reduce stress and improve pain tolerance. Birth teams should confirm who the birthing person wants in the room and continually use their chosen name when speaking to them and to others in the room.
Key Considerations During Labor
- Announce the birthing person by their chosen name before any procedure or examination.
- Coordinate with hospital staff so that birth certificates and medical documents reflect the correct name and gender identity when possible.
- Respect physical boundaries by offering draping and checking consent before touching.
- Plan pain management and mobility options in a way that affirms the person’s goals and autonomy.
Postpartum Care and Family Registration
After birth, inclusive care continues through lactation support, mental health screening, and newborn registration processes. Policies that allow chosen names on medical records and parent-guardian forms help families feel respected and protected.
Registration and Policy Steps
- Offer forms with inclusive options for parent, guardian, and partner roles.
- Train registration staff on handling name and gender updates sensitively.
- Clarify hospital policies so the birthing person knows how to request corrections after birth.
- Provide follow-up contact to review documents and offer additional support.
Creating an Inclusive Birth Environment
Hospitals, birth centers, and home providers can align policies, training, and everyday interactions to center the birthing person. Clear communication, flexible documentation, and consistent use of chosen names and pronouns help ensure that care is both clinically excellent and deeply human.
- Ask and record chosen name and pronouns at the first contact.
- Use inclusive language that does not assume gender roles.
- Train staff regularly on respectful communication and bias reduction.
- Update forms and electronic records to support free-text name and identity fields.
- Review policies so that legal and clinical documents can reflect the person’s identity whenever possible.
FAQ
Reader questions
How can I ask about preferred name and pronouns without making the birthing person uncomfortable?
Introduce yourself first with your name and pronouns, then simply ask, “What name and pronouns do you use?” Explain that this helps you provide respectful and personalized care, and reassure them that it is a standard part of intake for every patient.
What if the birthing person’s chosen name differs from their legal name on documents?
Use the chosen name and pronouns in all conversations and care plans, while keeping legal name on official records clearly noted in a private section. Work with administrative staff to ensure forms allow preferred name entries and that any necessary legal documents include both identifiers when relevant.
How can partners or support people be included while respecting the birthing person’s identity?
Ask the birthing person open-ended questions about who they want present at prenatal visits, labor, and delivery, and update these preferences as needed. Clearly communicate roles to the clinical team so that support people can advocate, provide comfort, and step back according to the patient’s wishes.
What should I do if I make a mistake with a name or pronoun during care?
Correct yourself briefly and respectfully, such as “She, I mean they,” then move forward without making a larger scene. Apologize privately if appropriate, note the incident in the record, and use the correct language going forward to show ongoing commitment to respect.