Choosing the Best Healthcare Providers for Your Pregnancy
During your pregnancy, you’re going to have a variety of healthcare providers. These providers are people you trust to care for you and your baby during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Providers can be midwives, doulas, newborn care specialists, OBGYNs, chiropractors, and anyone else providing care during this time.
Carefully choosing providers is crucial because your provider will impact the type and level of care you receive. When choosing a provider, you should ensure you are aligned with their philosophies, beliefs, and way of working. Remember, you always have agency! If something shifts during your pregnancy and you no longer feel safe or as if your opinion is valued, it is time to move on from the provider.
Below are a few questions to ask yourself to help pick the best provider for you and your pregnancy.
Do they have my best interest at heart?
Are they capable? Can they own their humanness?
Does the provider communicate well?
Does their communication style match mine?
Lastly, It’s important to have expectations for your providers. These expectations will help you to establish your standards of care. Below are some suggestions of expectations to have for your provider. Use these suggestions to start your personalized list!
Honest and authentic communication
Respect and kindness
Centering your needs and desires
Owning up to mistakes and misunderstandings
Take your time finding your healthcare providers. Being intentional and thorough with your provider choices will help you find providers who are best suited for you and your needs!