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Having a baby presents the opportunity for parents-to-be to experience many diverse situations. From extremely personal conversations about your weight, conception or pregnancy complications and your delivery expectations, to awkward or embarrassing trips to the hospital for false labor pains, your obstetrician will be with you, your co-parent and your baby throughout your journey. From your first weeks of pregnancy through delivery and at your six week postpartum check-up, the health care professional that helps usher your child into the world is a vital member of your baby’s birthing team. Welcoming a stranger into such a personal and intimate aspect of your life is not always a comfortable or natural process. Sadly, many women struggle with feeling uncomfortable or uncertain about their obstetrician. Knowing what questions to ask and what level of care and comfort you should expect when you’re expecting will help ease your worries and ensure everyone has a wonderfully memorable nine months. Don’t stop at just one – Interview multiple potential obstetricians, midwives and labor coaches to find one that best suits you and your partner and meets your needs. Scottsdale, Arizona resident and expectant mother Elaine Dzik met with four doctors, including her family doctor, prior to finding an obstetrician that she felt was right for her. “I wasn’t sure if I wanted to choose a male or female doctor, have my baby naturally or opt for pain medicine, so I consulted several until I found one best for me” Dzik explains. “I asked a variety of questions such as if they had children, if I had a boy were they qualified to perform a circumcision and how many RNs, LPNs and technicians they had on staff?” says Dzik. Her approach of talking with many doctors, and asking about their labor and delivery styles helped her find a doctor she felt most secure with. Giving birth outside the box – Today many parents are opting to use midwifery as a labor and delivery option. Jackie Novak of Renville, Minnesota found this experience to be extremely personal and nurturing. “I wish we would have considered this as an option for our first child, but I was too scared to deviate from what my family and friends suggested,” she explains. According to Renville County Hospital located in Olivia, Minnesota, modern midwifery most commonly involves the birthing process in the hospital, not in the expectant mother’s bedroom. However, homebirths are gaining in popularity and are a viable option for expectant parents to consider as well. Know who is treating you – Many patients find scheduling an informative consultation helpful to establish a relationship with their physician. “This can be especially helpful for women looking for an obstetrician,” says Denise Foster, RN, LPN of Milford, CT. Foster explains that due to the nature of a patient/obstetrician relationship, developing a rapport is often easier “when you’re not wearing a paper gown”. Holding a conversation to discuss your history and your physician’s philosophy builds an increased security and comfort that you can rely on during your pregnancy, labor and delivery. Be comfortable to honestly speak your mind - Many women frequently experience physically uncomfortable symptoms during examinations as pregnancy progresses. They worry about being able to identify the difference between false labor pains, also known as Braxton Hicks, or when it is actually time to go to the hospital. The ability to honestly express yourself, your emotions and concerns to your doctor is essential, especially when you’re pregnant. Worrying about being scolded for your concerns or made to feel as though your fears are trivial will unnecessarily increase your stress level. Make sure that you choose a professional who you trust will respect your opinions and input and listen to your questions, concerns and ideas. Check references – Although it may seem unbelievable, unfortunately there may be some individuals who are not as professional as you’d prefer. Learning there are any allegations or accusations of abuse or negligence against your obstetrician once you’re already a patient can be quite unnerving. Consult friends, office and hospital staff and the American Medical Association at www.ama-assn.org for information on your licensed obstetrician. Ask for the names of current patients who may be willing to provide a reference for the obstetrician you are considering selecting. The right bedside manner for you - Just as no two pregnancies are the same, no two doctors treat their patients the same. If you respond best to soothing tones, a gentle or quiet demeanor and a compassionate nature, you may not do well with an outspoken obstetrician who doesn’t seem sensitive to your needs. Conversely, if you prefer a strong, take charge personality a soft spoken obstetrician may not offer the right environment for your pregnancy. Take time to evaluate what personality and bedside manner you’re looking for to ensure you feel at ease and receive the best possible care. Do you and your obstetrician practice the same beliefs? – Some women strictly prefer the assistance of epidurals while others insist on a completely natural delivery. Knowing your doctor’s practices, threshold for your discomfort, testing regimens or schedules, and labor and delivery techniques means you’ll find a birthing partner that fits your personality and child birth style. Accessibility is important – There’s nothing worse than not feeling well or suspecting something’s not quite right, and not being able to reach your obstetrician. “I’ll always be grateful for my obstetrician’s expeditious call back policy,” sighs Jeana Grzelka of Crystal Lake, Illinois. When she began having pre-term labor contractions only twenty one weeks into her pregnancy, her Sunday evening emergency phone call was returned within less than five minutes. Crediting her doctor’s compassionate and proactive philosophy for listening to his patients, Jeana explains “I don’t think I would have my son if it wasn’t for my doctor’s accessibility. He met us at the hospital and stayed throughout the night until my son and I were stable.” Your doctor, his colleagues and you – It can be disappointing or worrisome to become accustomed to seeing an obstetrician throughout your entire pregnancy only to arrive at the hospital on the big day and be greeted by a stranger. Ask about the chances of one of your doctor’s colleagues attending at your delivery. If your doctor or midwife is one of many in a practice, ask to rotate or alternate appointments between your primary obstetric care giver and his colleagues. You’ll be thankful for the chance to familiarize yourself with all the people who may potentially help you bring your child into the world. Location Location Location – Selecting a doctor means you’re also selecting the hospital where your baby will be delivered. Ask which hospitals your obstetrician has privileges at and where her patients primarily deliver. Some women prefer to have a particular doctor regardless of the distance they’ll travel to a hospital while others base their decision primarily on the hospital. You’ll also want to know what hospital to contact in the event of any complications or when you go into labor. Also give consideration to a growing trend of giving birth at home. Cindy Jefferson of Crystal Lake, Illinois found this alternative to rising medical care costs, hospitalization and lack of personal attention a unique option. “Our third child was born at home and was by far the most emotionally comfortable delivery I had,” she enthusiastically states. Another birthing trend that is becoming wildly popular is waterbirth. Combining several air pillows, quiet music, a bathtub or birthing tank, and a trained birthcare professional familiar with waterbirthing procedures, many find this a soothing option that optimizes the experience. The incidentals – Hidden fees or charges not covered by insurance may be a factor for some patients when selecting a doctor. Is your doctor or midwife sympathetic and knowledgeable about pre-existing conditions such as asthma, history of gestational diabetes, or high blood pressure? Make a list of questions or issues you want to address to bring with you to a consultation or check-up – and don’t be afraid to ask them! Remember that you are not just hiring a doctor; you are selecting someone to share in the care and birth of you and your unborn child. If you begin to feel uncomfortable or have concerns about the level of care you’re receiving, you always have options. Consult a physician referral service, your insurance provider or personal support system for advice and alternatives to finding another obstetrician or midwife you’re at ease with.
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Choosing Your Caregiver