Real Stories of Autonomy in Childbirth

Her Body, Her Baby

by Michael J. Hervey II MD

🌾 From the Patient’s Perspective (Expecting Mothers & Families):

“How much of my birth experience is really my choice—and how do I tell the difference between hospital rules and my own rights?”

“What happens when women say no to interventions, and yes to their own instincts?”

“Can I truly have a safe birth that reflects my values, even if it doesn’t match my doctor’s preferences?”

đŸ©ș From the Provider’s Perspective (OBs, Midwives, Nurses, Doulas):

“What do real patient stories reveal about the gap between standard protocols and individualized care?”

“How can honoring autonomy reduce conflict, build trust, and actually improve patient outcomes?”

“What happens when we stop asking, ‘What’s wrong?’ and start asking, ‘What matters most to this patient?’”

About The Book

“I will not push without an epidural.”
Her body was ready. Her baby was near. But Kieara’s voice—calm, clear, and unshakable—cut through the urgency. She heard the facts. And still, she chose.
This is the heartbeat of Her Body, Her Baby: real women, real choices, real power.
In childbirth, where two lives are at stake, decisions often collide with protocol. But what if the key to safer, more empowering births isn’t control—but trust?
In this bold, story-driven book, OB/GYN Dr. Michael J. Hervey II brings you into delivery rooms where women like Kieara take ownership of their births—and where providers learn to listen, not lead. These real stories show that honoring autonomy doesn’t weaken care—it transforms it.
Whether you're a patient, a partner, or a provider, Her Body, Her Baby invites you into a new model of care—one grounded in respect, compassion, and shared power.

Not just a book. A call to listen. A call to trust. A call to change.

Premier OB/GYN LLC

Dr. Michael J. Hervey II, a U.S. Navy veteran, earned a Bachelor of Science from Morehouse College, and a Master’s in Biology from Harvard. He trained at the University of Virginia and University of Minnesota, excelling in leadership and research. After completing his OB/GYN residency, he focused on high-risk women’s health and inclusive care. Dr. Hervey now practices at Premier OBYGN LLC with his wife, Ellie Tan CNM, MSN, WHNP.

More Books by Premier OB/GYN LLC

Empowering Birth

The Role of Midwifery and Physician Collaboration in Modern Maternity Care

by Michael J. Hervey II MD and Premier Midwife Team

🌿 For Midwives

“How can midwives protect physiologic birth while building stronger partnerships with physicians who may see birth differently?”

“What does true collaboration look like when midwives are respected as equal voices in maternity care?”

đŸ©ș For Physicians

“How can physicians honor patient autonomy and still feel confident that safety standards are met?”

“What shifts when doctors and midwives move from competition to collaboration in the birthing room?”

🌾 For Patients

“What kind of birth experience is possible when your providers actually work together instead of pulling apart?”

“How does respectful teamwork between midwives and doctors change not just outcomes—but how mothers feel about their birth?”