Preparing for Baby's Arrival
Finding the right doctor
It’s important you find a doctor who understands and respects your views of pregnancy and childbirth.
How do you find Dr. Right?
- Ask your family doctor. Find out whether your family physician delivers babies. If not, ask for a recommendation of an obstetrician/gynecologist (ob/gyn)—a physician who is board-certified in the care of women during pregnancy.
- Ask your friends for referrals. If you hear a glowing report about how wonderful a doctor is, check her out.
- Select your hospital first, then find a doctor there. If you’d like to deliver in a birthing room or if you have another specific delivery preference, choose a hospital that offers what you want. Then ask that hospital’s obstetrics department to provide you with a list of the doctors affiliated with that hospital.
- Ask your gynecologist. If you like your gynecologist, ask whether she will deliver your baby.
- Use your last doctor. If you have other children, you may already have a doctor you like and trust. If not you can always look for a new practitioner or hospital.
- Check with your county medical society. It can give you the names of local obstetricians and provide some information about their practices.
Is a midwife for you?
Many women choose a midwife to deliver their baby. Certified nurse-midwives are licensed health care practitioners who’ve met national education and certification requirements. They can provide prenatal care and deliver your baby without anesthetic. Instead you’ll rely on the breathing and relaxation techniques you learned in birthing class.
If complications occur during your delivery, the midwife may need to call upon a physician to assist with your baby’s birth. Most nurse-midwives base their practices at birthing centers, which are usually maternity care facilities located in a hospital or at separate facilities that have doctors on call.
Plan your ideal delivery
Consider developing a birth plan that describes your ideal delivery. The plan will represent an understanding between you, your doctor, and nurse about your choice of anesthesia; whom you want present during delivery; and whether you’ll breastfeed. Ask your prospective doctor if she’ll abide by such a plan, provided the birth is a normal, uncomplicated vaginal delivery.
Download questions to ask potential health-care practitioners.
