Choosing an obstetrician or midwife to provide your medical care is perhaps the biggest decision you’ll make throughout your pregnancy, so you want to make sure you’re choosing the one that works best for you.
Some women spend weeks, maybe even months, searching for the health care provider that they feel comfortable with, and then there are others that find them on the first try. You might find that your doctor is a great gynecologist but doesn’t practice obstetrics or has a different view on birth than you hold. There are a variety of reasons why your current gynecologist may not be the doctor you go with, but we’re offering tips on how you can find the doctor or midwife that works best for you.
Tips for choosing an obstetrician or midwife
Reach out to your friends: You should call a friend or family member whose recently given birth and ask them about the health care provider they chose. Feel free to gather a list of practitioners as well as comments on their bedside manner, delivery philosophy, support after delivery and anything else that you may find valuable in a provider. Don’t forget to do research on each one to help narrow down your choices before calling to make an appointment with each one or making your decision then and there. If there’s a specific hospital you’d like to deliver at then you should go with a doctor who has an affiliation at that facility.
Decide on the provider: The majority of women have a midwife or OB/GYN deliver their child. However, not every one knows what a midwife does or if it’s something that they’re interested in. You should think about what you find most important in a practitioner who will be providing you with care during your pregnancy and make your decision of OB/GYN or midwife based on that. Anyone who may have a high-risk pregnancy or other conditions may find that it’s best to go with an OB/GYN and deliver in a hospital.
Consider compatibility: Pregnancy causes a whirlwind of emotions, from joy to stress, so you want to make sure that your doctor is someone that you’re compatible with and makes you feel comfortable. You want to feel at ease when you ask your practitioner questions and feel as though they’re genuinely concerned about your health and well-being. You also want to make sure that you feel like they’re interested in you and providing you with thoughtful answers to your questions.
What did you consider when choosing your health care provider? Share in the comments below!