Choosing your prenatal care provider can be daunting, but it’s important to find someone you are comfortable and confident with, so you can trust them to take care of you and your baby. Read this article for practical steps you can take to design a pregnancy care and birth plan that makes you feel empowered.
Choose Your Provider Type
Think about what kind of birth experience you want and who you want to work with a midwife or obstetrician. Obstetricians focus on medical care, while midwives aim for natural childbirth with fewer interventions.
Obstetricians are medical doctors highly trained to handle high-risk pregnancies and complications. They take a traditional medical approach, using interventions when deemed necessary or helpful. Obstetrician care typically costs more, though health insurance often covers both options.
Midwives are trained professionals who care for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum and offer many of the same services as obstetricians. They provide personalized care, spending more time with you at each visit. While they do handle low-risk pregnancies and normal deliveries, midwives work with obstetricians if medical issues arise.
Both offer quality care, so deciding on your birth priorities is up to you. You can then meet with your top options to see who you feel most comfortable with and supported by.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Ensure providers you’re interested in are covered by your insurance. Call your insurance company or check their website for in-network providers. Ask if they bill as in- or out-of-network, as in-network costs less. Verify their hospital or birth center is also in your network.
Credentials and Experience Matter
For obstetricians, board certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology is preferred. Certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board and state licensing or certification are required for midwives. An experienced provider with strong credentials is critical for the best care.
Find the Perfect Fit for You
Consider the office location and availability. Choose a provider with convenient office hours and a hospital. Your provider should be a true partner in your pregnancy.
When meeting candidates, see if their personalities and philosophies align. If seeking a natural birth, find someone open to alternatives and supportive of your choices. Read our post on Prioritizing Mental Health During Pregnancy.
Discuss Rates and Insurance Coverage
Discuss their rates, insurance coverage, and potential costs to determine if they meet your needs and budget.
Recommendations from friends are helpful but choose a provider you fully trust for your physical and emotional well-being. You’ll feel confident through pregnancy and birth with an obstetrician or midwife you trust.
Prepare questions, understand costs and coverage details, and explore all options – this profoundly impacts how you welcome your baby and your postpartum journey. You deserve the effort!
Seeking additional assistance with choosing a prenatal provider? Contact us today. You deserve to feel confident in your health and pregnancy decisions. Read our post on “Why Is It Important to Consider Early Prenatal Care?“.
