6 Things to Consider When Choosing the Best OB for You
Choosing who will care for you and your baby during your pregnancy is one of the biggest decisions you will make so it’s important to make sure that it’s a well thought out and researched one. Many moms are unsure of how to go about finding an OB/GYN that’s right for them and will suit the type of pregnancy and birth they want to have. Here are just a few of the questions moms to be should ask themselves before deciding.
Will he or she fit well with your birthing plans? If you’re the type of mom who wants to go the all-natural route and the doctor seems to rely heavily on drugs or hospital interventions then you may not be a good fit. It’s important to find a doctor that will be able to work with what you want as a parent while keeping you and your baby safe and healthy.
Do you have a good personal rapport? Your OB is going to be witness to one of the most personal and profound moments of your life, so you really want to make sure that he or she is someone that you like and are comfortable talking to. It may not seem like a huge deal but developing a good relationship with your OB can make the process of pregnancy and birth a whole lot more comfortable and pleasant.
Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Especially for first time moms this is a big deal. There will be many things you are unsure about and want to know more about and it’s important to find a doctor who can help to answer your questions and address your concerns.
Is there anyone you know you can ask for advice? Sometimes asking friends and family members for recommendations can be the best way to narrow down your list of potential candidates as well as get an idea of the kinds of doctors that will be available in your area.
Is he or she forthcoming with information? When choosing a doctor you’ll want to know about things like their rate of C-sections and other medical procedures to give you an idea of what kind of treatment you’ll receive. Doctors who are unwilling to share this kind of information with you may not be your first choice, as you’ll want someone who will be open and honest about their practice.
Is he or she covered by your insurance? While this will likely not be your first concern, it can make a big difference for families who already have their budgets stretched thin by expecting a new arrival. You will need to consider whether or not you want to go with the doctor you want, or the doctor who is covered by your plan if you are on an HMO or other limited coverage.
This post was contributed by Hannah Watson, who writes about the online nursing program. She welcomes your feedback at HannahWatson84@ yahoo.com