Choosing the Right Care Provider for Your Pregnancy and Birth: Why it Matters for Your Postpartum Experience.

It's important to recognize that your pregnancy and birth experience are not just isolated events. They are crucial moments that lay the foundation for your postpartum journey. The care provider you choose can have a significant impact on your overall experience, from the way your birth unfolds to the support you receive during your recovery. This is especially true for natural mamas who may be seeking a birth experience that doesn’t fall under what’s considered “normal” by mainstream obstetricians. By carefully choosing a care provider who supports your goals and wishes, you can set yourself up for a more positive and fulfilling postpartum experience.

Regrettably, many women tend to overlook this crucial step and continue seeing the same provider who performed their routine check-ups since they started having a period, without considering the importance of choosing a care provider specifically for their pregnancy and birth. It is so important to put some serious thought into this decision and choose someone who will support your desires and who shares your values. Here are some tips for getting started with finding the perfect care provider for you:

Do some legwork.

Look into options for care providers in your area, such as obstetricians, midwives, and doulas. You can ask for recommendations from like-minded friends, or reach out on social media for input, being mindful of only taking into account recommendations from people who have had an experience in alignment with what you’re hoping for.

Not all midwives are created equal.

It’s a good idea to ask anyone you are considering hiring to catch your baby whether they approach birth from a medical model of care, or from a midwifery model, and then follow up with questions that help you understand their birth philosophy.

Consider your birth preferences.

If you’re planning a natural birth, you may want to look into home birth midwives or birth centers, as they often offer a more holistic approach to pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. If you’re considering a hospital birth, look for hospitals and care providers that are known for supporting natural birth and have low rates of inductions and C-sections.

Schedule interviews.

When you have a few potential care providers in mind, schedule consultations to meet with them in person. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their approach to care. Again, this is a step that many overlook, but it’s so important to find a provider that you will trust and feel safe with when it’s time for your baby’s birth.

Ask about their experience with unmedicated birth.

This is a good question even if you’re planning a medicated birth because you may change your mind or you may get to the hospital too late for an epidural, so it’s always a good idea to be prepared. It's important to choose a care provider who has experience supporting natural birth. Ask them about their philosophy on birth and their experience with natural birth, including their rates of interventions like inductions and C-sections.

Consider their communication style.

No lie, there used to be a care provider in our area who when I first met him and introduced myself as a doula, said, “Hi, nice to meet you. I make doulas cry.” Obviously, this isn’t someone most of us would want to attend our birth, but without really getting to know a person first, you may not see what their real personality is like. So ask lots of questions and if they feel challenged or give off a vibe like, “Oh honey, don’t be concerned, I got you”, it’s probably best to run. You want a care provider who will listen to your concerns and be supportive of your birth preferences. Pay attention to their communication style during your consultation and consider if it aligns with your needs – and remember, you are interviewing them! You are hiring them. You are the boss.

Trust your instincts.

If you’ve been following me, you know this is always my number one piece of advice for anything mom-related. YOU KNOW BEST. You just have to tune in and tune out. What’s most important when choosing a care provider and birthplace is that you feel safe. Ultimately, you want to choose a care provider who you feel comfortable with and trust to support you throughout your pregnancy and birth. If something doesn't feel right, trust your instincts and keep looking until you find the right fit.

Choosing a care provider for your pregnancy and birth is an essential step in ensuring a positive and empowering experience. A successful and empowered postpartum begins with an informed and empowered pregnancy and birth. As a Postpartum Mindset Coach, I’m here to support you in this journey and help you make the best decisions for you and your baby by helping you find the tools and resources you need to make informed choices that align with your values and desires.

If you’re ready to learn more about how I can help you get the postpartum you desire, go ahead and book a free discovery call with me, and together, we can create a personalized plan that meets your unique needs and preferences.

You’re gonna do great.