I feel like the perfect place to start a blog about all things birth is with one of the biggest "make or break" factors in your birthing experience, choosing the right care provider for you. Your health care providers are the people who are going to be caring for you in some of the most vulnerable, raw and emotional times in your life. And that matters. How you are treated during birth can heavily impact how you view the experience.
There are so many different options available in South-East Queensland. We are fortunate to have access to independent (or private) midwives, private obstetricians, birth centres, public specialist and midwifery services or shared care with your GP. So how do you choose the right provider for you?
1. Consider your needs.
These will be different for each woman. Do you need additional support for preexisting or pregnancy related health conditions? What is your financial situation? Do you need to consider a previous birth experience? Are you low risk?
2. Consider the type of birth you want.
What a list of things you want for your birth and priorotise them. There are so many options to choose from so to prevent this from becoming overwhelming I recommend writing up a draft of a birth plan, even this early in pregnancy, to help you focus your goals. This doesn't necessarily mean that you will stick to this plan and you can change your mind any time however it will give you a guide when choosing a provider who suit your needs best.
What are your beliefs surrounding birth? Would you like a natural birth? Are you planning to birth at home? Are you planning a water birth? Are you planning a caesarian section? These questions can help you to determine what kind of health care service would be most suitable for you.
3. Choose a place to give birth.
Many times, health care provider options are limited by this alone. Are you planning to birth in a public hospital (midwifery group practice, midwifery clinic, obstetrician clinic, specialist clinic). Would you like to give birth in a private hospital? Would you prefer to birth in a public hospital with a private obstetrician or midwife? Do you have access to birth centre facilities? Are you planning to birth at home?
4. Ask friends and family for their experiences with local health care providers.
This can be a useful way to gather general information about potential health care providers but do remember each woman is individual and a provider who one woman deems to be amazing may not be the right fit for you. Listen to their stories and understand the reasons that they liked or disliked that particular provider. For example, my friend raved about her experience with her midwife. She had a fabulous birth and even remained friends with her midwife after her baby was born. Another friend loved her obstetrician. She found him to be friendly, warm, caring, very knowledgable and she trusted him. She was very happy both her birth and therefore went back to him as soon as she fell pregnant with her second baby. Neither of those providers were right for me despite their wonderful reviews because my needs were completely different and therefore my birthing goals were completely different. Those are still two great care providers however just because they were great for my friends doesn't mean they would have been a good fit for me. This is why the next step is so important.
5. Interview potential health care providers.
I can not stress how important this point is. Think about it this way. You go to the hairdresser and have an idea about how you would like for your new style to look. The hairdresser tells you that they don't do what you're asking for (or maybe they don't have the experience or skill required) and will be changing your hair to the style they prefer. What do you do? You say "Thank you, but this isn't quite what I was looking for", and leave.
Health care providers are there to care for you during your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. They are providing a service to you and you are the one who is in control. They work for you to assist you in achieving your birthing goals. Look for a provider who isn't just trying to keep you happy. This can lead to a "bait and switch" situation down the track. A provider who is honest and has integrity will recognise that they have limitations and will explain this to you rather than tell you what you want to hear. Take a list of questions with you to the appointment and listen carefully to the answers. Start an open and honest dialogue from the very beginning so that there are no surprises later on.
Don't forget, if you do end up choosing a provider who isn't right for you, there is ALWAYS the option to change, even at the last minute.
Nat Xx
P.S Stay tuned for a list of questions to ask a potential health care provider Xx
