Hey hey, Mamas! Welcome back to the Birthing Bestie Blog, where we talk about real topics pertaining to pregnancy, birth, motherhood, partnerships and real life. Here on The Blog, we don’t shy away from talking about the hardships of motherhood, we validate, encourage and embrace them with open arms. 

This Birthing Bestie Blog is an expert from The Empowered Mama Masterclass and is all about choosing your care provider. 

When it comes to care providers in pregnancy, it’s crucial to remember that you can change your care provider at any time. It’s never too early or too late to reconsider your options for care providers in pregnancy.

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When you think about it, the way that we typically establish care in pregnancy is based on who you see as your annual gynecology appointments. Once you discover that you’re pregnant, the next step is typically to call your gyno’s office for an exam and confirmation, and that’s how you land on who your doctor is during pregnancy.

But here’s the thing, Mama, there’s a big difference of care for a one-time-per-year annual exam, and being seen 10 (give or take) times in a 9-month span. And while you likely already have a relationship established with this care provider, it’s important to remember that you don’t owe this doctor anything. Just because they were your doctor prior to pregnancy, does not mean that they have to remain your doctor for this next phase of life.

At the end of the day (or appointment), the most important thing to consider about your care provider is that they made you feel:

• heard
• respected
• supported

No matter where in pregnancy you currently are, it’s important to reflect on and consider how you feel when you’re at your appointments with your current care provider. Ask yourself:

• Do you feel welcome and confident asking questions?
• Do you feel like you are being listened to and given adequate attention?
• Do you feel like your questions are being answered directly and transparently?
• Do you feel that you and your care provider have similar outlooks?
• Can your care provider provide you with resources outside of what is offered in their practice?
• How does your partner feel about your care provider?

Take the time to reflect with your partner on these questions, and if after going over these, you’re feeling like you don’t necessarily love the care you’re receiving, find peace in knowing that you have options when it comes to finding the right type of care for your family.

The most common options in care during pregnancy are OBGYNs and Midwives. Here’s a breakdown of what you can typically expect from each, and how their care intersects.

One important thing to note when it comes to these two types of care providers is that they are BOTH trained, skilled and equipped to handle any and every complication that arises in labor and delivery, with the exception of surgery, as Midwives are not trained surgeons.

Another thing to consider when discovering what care provider is a good fit for you is where both you and your care provider fall along the continuum of care. It’s also important to note that every person’s opinions and thoughts on birth fall somewhere along this spectrum.

The midwifery model of care is going to include providers and opinions supporting the physiological process of birth, where less intervention is preferred, and birth is supported very much in a holistic and “hands off” type of manner. On the other end of the spectrum, the medical model of care is going to feel right for people and providers who want to know every detail of how things are unfolding and are happy to jump in with medical oversight and support along the way.

*Neither model of care is “right” nor “wrong”, rather whatever model of care feels best for you!

Every person, provider, and family’s beliefs fall somewhere along this spectrum. It’s important for you to reflect and discuss with your partner to get a better understanding of what type of care suits your family best, and find a provider that falls somewhere similar on this spectrum as you!

Some questions to ask as you consider where you fall on this continuum are:

• Does my doctor and/or hospital feel like a good fit?
• What is my doctor’s and hospital’s cesarean rate?
• What do I want my birth to look like?
• How do I want to feel during my birth?
• How do I want to be supported during this phase of life?
• Who do you want around to support you?
• Do you want to work with a doula?
• Do you want to take additional classes to prepare?
• Who will you reach out to when you feel need support, validation, information, etc.?

As you assess your current care and the care you prefer, feel free to reach out! I’m happy to help talk through scenarios, options and preferences to help you find a care provider that feels like a great fit for you!

Don’t forget, it’s never too late or early to find a new care provider! 

And if you need a little extra support in any aspect of your motherhood journey, I’m just a click away. Reach out any time at ebbirthing@gmail.com or slide into my DMs on Instagram @ebbirthing. 

Until next time, mamas! Sending love and parenting patience your way.