Diane Banigo, DNP, APRN, CNM
PRN Midwife
Why She Chose Atlanta Birth Center
Dr. Diane Banigo (affectionately known in her home community as Dr. B) is thrilled to join Atlanta Birth Center as a PRN midwife. She chose ABC because she believes wholeheartedly that birth centers should be a safe, feasible option for low-risk birthing families. Diane values the autonomy that birth centers preserve—offering individualized, respectful care in ways that hospital systems often cannot. She is passionate about supporting people in feeling seen, heard, and honored throughout the birthing experience.
Clinical Expertise and Approach
Dr. B is a doctorate-prepared, certified nurse midwife with over 20 years of midwifery experience, having worked in perinatal health since 2002. Her clinical focus includes prenatal and postpartum care for low-risk pregnancies, family planning, contraception management, acute gynecological concerns, STI screening and treatment, well-person exams, lactation support, and perinatal mental health support. She is also a strong advocate for natural childbirth, viewing birth as an incredible, transformative moment in the lives of individuals and families.
Her position as a partner-in-care is anchored in elevation, partnership, education, birthing without fear, and culturally responsive care. She particularly enjoys working with young people to help them better understand and trust their bodies, enabling them to make informed, confident decisions about their health and well-being.
Education and Experience
Born in Chicago and raised in Minnesota, Diane earned her Bachelor of Arts in Nursing from the College of St. Scholastica, a Master of Science in Midwifery from the University of Minnesota, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from St. Catherine University. Diane practiced midwifery in Minnesota for six years before relocating to Texas. After nearly two years in Texas, she returned to Minnesota to be closer to her family and help establish a midwifery practice at an urban hospital. Diane enjoyed being back in Minnesota for several years before her husband’s business persuaded their family to move to the Alpharetta/Johns Creek area during the 2020 pandemic.
Throughout her midwifery career, Dr. B has worked in a wide range of care settings, including in-hospital and out-of-hospital (OOH) births, community health centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and private practice. What she has found to be universally true across all settings is this: families want to be heard, respected, and seen. This truth deeply resonates with her and shapes her co-partnership approach to care, where each individual’s voice and experience guide the journey.
Beyond the Birth Room
In addition to being a full-time mother and wife, Diane is a small business owner, published author, faculty member for aspiring midwives, and a trailblazer in maternal health equity. She led one of the first DHS-funded initiatives in Minnesota to address the poor outcomes and lack of culturally responsive support facing African-American families.
Outside of work, she enjoys dancing, girls’ nights out, and world travel (current favorites include Nigeria, St. Lucia, and Denmark)—with Brazil and Italy still on her wish list. In her downtime, she sneaks off to the movies alone and laughs out loud at the big screen.
Diane acknowledges that without the support and prayers of her loved ones, she wouldn’t be able to do all that she does. She finds joy and comfort when she returns home to her loving husband, David, and their two amazing sons, Sky and Seth…and for that, she is immensely grateful!
