THNP
Journal
2026
Choosing where to give birth is such a personal and important decision — especially if you care about both birth photography and having midwife-supported experience. Below is a helpful overview of major hospitals in Hampton Roads, their birth photography friendliness, and whether midwives are part of the care options there.
1. Sentara Norfolk General Hospital – Norfolk, VA
Why families choose it:
One of the largest maternity programs in the area, with a high-risk antepartum unit and a full NICU.
Birth photography notes:
- General photography (and birth photographers) are typically allowed in labor and delivery with mom’s consent.
Midwife availability:
- Sentara hospitals (including Norfolk General) are part of the same health system that offers midwife-supported births, including Sentara Midwifery Specialists (based in the region, delivering at Sentara CarePlex). Families can often choose a Certified Nurse-Midwife through Sentara and deliver at affiliate locations.
Best for: Families who want broad medical support, including high-risk capabilities.
Personal Experience/Opinion: I do not have any personal experience with Norfolk General and I hear mixed opinions on the care at this particular hospital. It is always very important to do your research and make sure the hospital aligns with your beliefs and wants out of your delivery.
2. Sentara Princess Anne Hospital – Virginia Beach, VA
Why families choose it:
A popular choice for local moms with positive experiences and a strong support team.
Birth photography notes:
- Photography-friendly policies are generally supported — but always coordinate with staff for specifics on delivery room protocols.
Midwife availability:
- Like other Sentara hospitals, midwife options are available through the system — patients can choose CNM care via Sentara’s groups and deliver at Sentara locations.
Best for: Parents who want a well-rounded childbirth experience close to home.
Personal Experience/Opinion: I have personally worked with the staff on many occasions and I have generally had a great experience with their staff.
.3. Chesapeake Regional Medical Center – Chesapeake, VA
Why families choose it:
A trusted local maternity center with personalized care and a dedicated BirthPlace unit.
Birth photography notes:
- Birth photographers are typically welcome — but check with staff for room policies and visitor counts.
Midwife availability:
- Chesapeake Regional does offer midwifery care through its team, including a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)who monitors pregnancy and supports birth alongside OB/GYNs.
Best for: Families who want a hospital birth with midwife support in a community setting.
Personal Experience/Opinion: I have not had any personal experiences with Chesapeake General, though I would never choose to be seen or have a child at this location.
4. Sentara Leigh Hospital – Norfolk, VA
Why families choose it:
Smaller, award-recognized Family Maternity Center with a comfortable atmosphere.
Birth photography notes:
- Birth photography generally allowed with consent — confirm with your care team ahead of time.
Midwife availability:
- Midwife care is accessible through Sentara’s midwifery offerings and network providers, even if the primary midwife practice isn’t based inside Leigh itself.
Best for: Those who want a cozy hospital vibe with lots of options.
Personal Experience/Opinion: I have personally worked with many of the staff at this hospital and have never had any issues.
5. Sentara CarePlex Hospital – Hampton, VA
Why families choose it:
Offers LDRP (labor, delivery, recovery & postpartum in one suite) and a strong focus on flexibility with birth preferences.
Birth photography notes:
- Hospitals in the Sentara system generally support photography when mom consents and policies are followed.
Midwife availability:
- Sentara Midwifery Specialists deliver care here — with Certified Nurse-Midwives providing full prenatal, labor, birth, and postpartum support.
Best for: Parents who want a full midwifery option within a larger hospital setting.
Personal Experience/Opinion: I have limited experience with this particular hospital, the one time I did serve a client there, it was a great experience. The midwife that was in charge though no longer practices there.
6. Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital – Onancock, VA (Eastern Shore)
Why families choose it:
A closer option for Eastern Shore families wanting a gentler setting.
Birth photography notes:
- Photographers are allowed, but they count toward the visitor limit — so plan accordingly.
Midwife availability:
- Riverside Shore Memorial has OB/GYN support and midwife services through Riverside OB/GYN Specialists Shore, including at least one CNM practicing collaboratively.
Best for: Local Eastern Shore families seeking a smaller unit experience.
Personal Experience/Opinion: I have have had a few experiences with Riverside and have been pleasantly surprised by the staff there.
General Notes on Midwives & Hospitals in Hampton Roads
📍 Sentara’s midwifery offerings: Sentara has expanded midwife options across the region via Sentara Midwifery Specialists and other CNM programs. These midwives can manage prenatal care and support your birth at affiliated hospitals like CarePlex and others.
📍 Community midwives & out-of-hospital care: Independent midwives (e.g., community-based licensed midwives) also serve Hampton Roads families — including home birth or birth-suite services that may partner with hospitals for transfers if needed.
📌 Always double-check: Hospital policies and midwife privileges can change — it’s a great idea to confirm with your provider and the hospital’s maternity staff during pregnancy so there’s no guesswork on birth day.
Planning your birth can feel overwhelming — let me make it easier. Download my free Hampton Roads Hospital & Midwife Comparison Chart to see your options at a glance.
