Choosing a Care Provider

While there are plenty of uncontrollable factors that go into every birth, one of the most significant choices you can make is that of your care provider. So, how do you decide which care provider is right for you?

First, write down what your ideal birth looks like. Do you want an epidural? Would you prefer a water birth? While you're laboring, do you want to be left alone or have extra support? Do you have strong opinions on procedures like episiotomies or IVs during labor? When you interview care providers, ask what their opinions are on the things that are important to you.

The most important thing is to have a care provider who supports your view of birth and is willing to work with you and your birth team to help you feel supported and empowered no matter what kind of birth you end up having.

Here is a sample list of questions to ask when interviewing care providers:
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• What things are routine procedures for a laboring woman under your care?
  
• If my water breaks, how long before you will induce or augment labor?
  
• What is your cesarean rate?
  
• What is your episiotomy rate?
  
• How often do you find it medically necessary to use pitocin? Can you give me examples?
  
  • Time? Wellbeing of baby? Position? Be specific
    
• What is the procedure for going to the hospital (call first? Just head in?)
  
• What is your policy on pitocin in the third stage?
  
• How often do you use vacuum or forceps extraction?
  
• What methods of fetal monitoring are available?
  
• Do you restrict food/water intake?
  
• Who is your backup if you are unable to attend my birth? Will that person honor my wishes?
  
• Do you require an IV during labor?
  
• When working with a care provider team, how do you make sure everything goes smoothly? (doctor, midwife, nurses, doula, partner)