How do you find the right care provider
for your pregnancy and childbirth experience? First you have to
decide what kind of provider you want-- an obstetrician, a midwife
who delivers at a hospital, one who delivers at a birth center, or
one who delivers at your home. For some of you, this will be an easy
choice because you know exactly what you expect from your caregiver,
and you have a clear vision of what your “ideal” birth looks
like. Other women do more soul-searching before making this choice,
and discuss the decision at length with their partner and other
support people. No matter whom you choose to guide you through your
pregnancy, it is important to get to know that person and their
practice before committing.
Some lucky women easily get referrals
from experienced and trusted friends and family members when it
comes time to choose an OB or midwife, which is really the best way
to find someone who shares your values. Most of us have to rely on
our family doctor or insurance company to refer us, and these are
less reliable sources who frequently base their referrals on
contracts. Either referral gives you a solid starting point, but you
are not done yet! Only rarely will the first referral you receive be
the right care provider for you and your family.
Most practices offer what are called
“Meet and Greet” appointments, or consultations. They are
normally free, 15-minute visits for new or prospective patients to
get a feel for the practice and the particular caregiver they are
considering. This is not well-advertised offer, so you will have to
ask specifically for one the first time you call. In addition for
getting a feeling of the providers “vibe,” it is a good time to
get information on any issues that are of particular importance to
you. Make at least two of these appointments at recommended offices
if you are not familiar with the provider to whom you have been
referred, and try to bring your birth partner with you.
When you first arrive for the
appointment, take advantage of your (hopefully short) time in the
waiting room. Ask other families who are waiting how long they
usually wait, who they see in the office, and what they think of that
provider. Ask them if they have had babies with this practice before
and what their experience was like. You may feel like you don't even
need to meet the OB or midwife if there are enough people who share
with you in the waiting room, but don't leave!
Make the most of your short time with
the provider, and don't be afraid to ask anything. What
pre-screening tests do they offer during pregnancy, and how would
they feel if you decline? Where is lab work done-- in the office or
at an off-site lab? What is their epidural rate? What is their
cesarean rate? How do they feel about elective induction? How many
other providers do they share call with, and can you meet them during
your pregnancy? Are they going on vacation, or do they have any
major personal events they are planning near your due date (if you
are already pregnant)? Ask anything that is on your mind about their
philosophy on pregnancy and birth, and write down the answers
(pregnant brains do not retain information well!), as well as your
overall feeling about the office.
Go to as many of these meetings as you
need in order to find someone who will provide the kind of care that
will contribute to you achieving as close to an “ideal” pregnancy
and birth as possible (recognizing, of course, that nothing ever goes
exactly as planned). Keep in mind that while this is a very
important decision, it is not necessarily final. In most areas,
there are still enough providers to change mid-pregnancy if you
decide you are not happy with your care, but it can be difficult.
The team that provides your medical
care during your pregnancy and birth are going to influence your
experience in more ways than you can realize, so don't make your
decision lightly.
