Finding the Right Birth Care Provider For You

Birth is a profoundly impactful experience. Choose a provider who will work to support the birth you deserve.

take your time

Those weeks between positive test and first appointment can feel never-ending - most providers won't see you until around 8 weeks. Try to settle in to the excitement and curiosity and do your research. Remember that you don’t have to stick with the first provider you see.

be intentional about getting recommendations

Seek out recommendations from people whose experiences align with your goals. Word of mouth recommendations are great. But remember that one person's dream provider might be a nightmare for you. When a friend suggests their midwife or OB, ask them what was so great about them. Get the details and pay close attention to how they sit with you.

expert referrals

Even better than individual stories - find local birth doulas who have invaluable knowledge from repeated experiences with providers. Most won't hesitate to recommend practices that lead to the best outcomes for their clients. You can also try to find out which providers local homebirth midwives prefer for transfers.

be direct

Birth is a booming business. Hospitals might market themselves very differently than the way they actually deliver care. If you are exploring or interested in unmedicated, low intervention birth, ask directly how many unmedicated births they have attended and what ways they might support you in that vision. Remember again that the way they answer matters as much as the answer itself.

come with questions

Prepare for your first appointment with open ended questions that will give you the most indight into what working with that provider will look like. As important as their answers is their willingness to respond thoughtfully, patiently, and sincerely.

listen to your gut

You’ve got the recommendations, you manage to get an appointment, and you finally meet the provider. And maybe there’s nothing wrong with them, but something feels off. 9/10 times, you’re better off moving on. This is not a relationship you should settle in. It matters too much.

don’t settle

For so many, our default mode of operation is to try not to be a bother or be “dramatic.” Remember that this decision makes as much (if not more) of an impact on your birth experience as health factors.

don’t be afraid to change providers

You have the right to change your care provider at any time in your pregnancy (and even in labor). It might be difficult or inconvenient, but if you are not receiving the care you need, nothing should stop you from making a change.