If you're pregnant and seeking prenatal care, it's important to know that you don't have to go to the doctor you've been seeing for your annual pap smears since you were 21. You can, but you don't have to.
If this is your second or third (or beyond) pregnancy, you don't have to see the same provider you received care from for your previous pregnancies. You can, but you don't have to.
If you're partway through a pregnancy and feel uneasy about your provider, for whatever reason, you don't have to continue seeing that provider. You can, but you don't have to.
I'll say it until the cows come home (and I don't have any cows sooooo buckle up buttercup!), you ALWAYS have options. Always. No matter what choice you're facing, there are always options. Choosing a provider is no different. You have a choice.
Staying with someone just because they're nice or you've seen them for a long time isn't always conducive to a healthy relationship. That goes for your provider too. If you're looking but not sure where to start, you can set up consultations/interviews with different providers to get a feel for their approach, see what their office is like and decide if they are a good fit for you. It can feel overwhelming to vet your providers but I'm telling you, it's important! One of the best things you can do for your baby and this pregnancy is making sure you TRUST your provider. It will serve you well for the long term, especially when it comes to labor and birth.
Here are a couple of questions you can ask when interviewing providers:
What is your general philosophy regarding pregnancy, labor, birth and postpartum care?
Are you available between visits if I have a concern?
How do you support your patients' choices?
What routine procedures do you recommend/require during labor? What would it look like if I declined your recommendation?
Describe your ideal patient.
After your interview, take some time to reflect and jot notes down. Ask yourself:
Do I feel comfortable with this person? Are they flexible?
Was their office staff friendly and helpful?
Do our philosophies line up?
Did we have a mutual respect? Do I feel like I can trust their judgement?
What was their demeanor in listening and answering my questions? What type of language did they use?
What was the wait time? Did I feel rushed in/out?
It's really important to check-in with yourself after these appointments. Notice how you're feeling and processing the visit and give yourself some time and space to make a determination.
Listen, you're paying them. It might be through your insurance, it might be private pay, whatever. Bottom line is they are getting a paycheck as a result of you being their patient. Why pay someone you don't like? Or who doesn't support you? Or who doesn't trust YOU to make the best decisions for you and your family?
Your provider is on your birth team. You build your team. Take ownership of your birth. You and your baby are in the drivers seat. You ALWAYS have options.
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