Choosing a Pregnancy Caregiver
As you try to choose a caregiver during pregnancy, it is vital that you select someone whose philosophy of childbirth matches your own. If you desire a relaxed natural childbirth with as little intervention as possible, you must ensure that your caregiver values that as well.
Before you begin your search, you must decide what type of birth experience you desire. You can start by making a list of the elements that are most important to you, such as episiotomy, pain control, restrictions on movement, etc or just the general atmosphere you desire.
After you have decided upon your preferences, you can begin the interview process. This can include physicians, doulas or midwives. Make sure that you choose a provider whose personality complements your own and that of your birth companions. The last place you want a personality conflict is in the delivery room!
Once you are ready to begin interviewing, here is a list of possible questions to ask:
- What is your philosophy of childbirth?
- Do you require an IV?
- If so, is a heplock or saline lock an option?
- What percentage of your deliveries are cesarean section?
- What percentage of your deliveries are inductions?
- What is your percentage of episiotomies?
- What methods do you use to preserve the perineum?
- Do you allow the mother to guide her own pushing?
- What methods of fetal monitoring are available?
- Which technique do you prefer-forceps or vacuum extraction?
- What percentage of your deliveries require vacuum extraction?
- What percentage of your deliveries require forceps?
- What positions are available for pushing?
- If early rupture of membranes occurs, how long before inducing labor?
- What methods of induction do you use?
- Do you require routine use of pitocin after delivery?
- Do you require routine administration of any drug after delivery?
- What are your restrictions on movement during labor?
- What are your restrictions on food during labor?
- Do you put time limits on labor?
- Do you put time limits on pushing?
- How many doctors are in your practice?
- Who takes your call when you are not available?
- How often are you on call?
- What are the chances that you will attend the delivery?
- If you are not available, will the other providers honor our wishes?
- What are your office hours?
Do not
consider this to be an exhaustive list. Think of it as a starting
point. Some of these options may not be of interest to you. I did
actually take a list in with me when interviewing.
When scheduling this appointment, tell the receptionist that you are trying to select a caregiver and wish to schedule a consultation. The most crucial point to remember when interviewing a caregiver is to select someone that makes you comfortable.
Remember that your choice is never set in stone. If at any time you have doubts about the quality of your care, discuss it with your caregiver. If that doesn't help, then don't hesitate to select a new one.
Your family is too important to stay with a care giver you don't like. It's worth the hassle of paperwork to ensure you have the relaxed natural birth you deserve.
References
Hodnett ED. Continuity of caregivers for care during pregnancy and childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2000, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD000062. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000062.
Hodnett ED, Gates S, Hofmeyr GJ, Sakala C. Continuous support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003766. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003766.pub2.