Choosing an OB or midwife is one of the biggest decisions you will have to make during pregnancy; therefore, you want to make sure that you choose one that is right for you.
Some women spend days, or even weeks searching for a healthcare provider that they feel comfortable with, whereas others will find them on the first try. Your doctor may actually be a great gynecologist but has a different view when it comes to birth or doesn’t practice obstetrics.
There are many reasons why your gynecologist may not be the healthcare provider you go with. Here are tips to help choose the right ob or midwife:
Ask your friends
Call a family member or friend who gave birth recently and ask them about the ob or midwife they chose. You may want to gather a list of healthcare providers and comments on their delivery philosophy, bedside manner and support after delivery.
To narrow down your search, make sure that you research on each one of them. And if you want to deliver at a specific hospital, make sure that you go with a doctor who has a relationship with the facility.
Decide on the provider
A majority of women have an Ob or midwife. Unfortunately, not every woman knows the role of a midwife or if they would be interested in having one.
It is important that you think about the benefits of the practitioner who will be there for you during your pregnancy and make a decision of the midwife or Ob based on that. If you have a high-risk pregnancy, you will find that it is best to hire an Ob/Gyn and deliver in a good hospital.
Schedule consultations
Pay attention to the doctor’s demeanor when you meet. If you feel like the practitioner is rushing through the consultation, it’s a clear sign that he will probably treat you the same way. Prepare a list of questions: is the practitioner available by phone or email? Who will deliver you?
When your healthcare provider is in a large practice, you will often end up with whoever will be on the phone. Your own health care provider will help you deliver in a small practice. If you have any pre existing medical conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, make sure that you mention it. And if you’ve previously had a C-section, you may want to inquire about vaginal births after c-section since some hospitals don’t offer such operations because of insurance reasons.
Compatibility is very important
When you are pregnant, you will experience a whirlwind of emotions, from stress to joy; therefore, you want to make sure that your healthcare provider is someone who makes you feel comfortable.
You want to be at ease when asking your practitioner questions, and feel like they are concerned about your pregnancy and overall health. You may also want to ensure that you feel like the practitioner is interested in providing you reasonable answers to your questions.