midwife, obgyn, pregnancy, birth planning, childbirth Isis Mesa-Rubin midwife, obgyn, pregnancy, birth planning, childbirth Isis Mesa-Rubin

Questions to ask your OBGYN or Midwife

midwife obgyn

Many expecting mothers choose their doctor or midwife based on the recommendations of friends or other doctors. Others simply look online and go to the first practice that’s nearby or accepting patients. However, your choice of doctor or midwife will have a significant impact on your birth. Not only will you see them throughout your pregnancy, but they influence the medical interventions you do or do not receive during labor.

When considering whom to choose to care for you and your baby during pregnancy and labor pick a provider who aligns with your birth philosophy.

  • How many births do you and your practice attend each month?

  • In an uncomplicated delivery, how much of the labor and birth do you typically attend?

  • Who will assist with the delivery if you aren’t available when I go into labor?

  • Who do I call if any complications arise during pregnancy? Is someone available to talk with 24/7?

  • How many of your clients attempt natural birth without epidural or other pain medication?

  • In what ways do you support moms who want a natural birth?

  • How do you feel about birth plans?

  • Do you recommend taking childbirth classes? Do you have any that you recommend?

  • How do you feel about doulas attending the birth?

  • Do the other OB-GYNs or midwives in this practice share a similar philosophy about birth?

  • What is your standard protocol for IVs, IV fluids, and fetal monitoring during labor?

  • What is your policy on labor inductions? For what reasons are most labor inductions scheduled?

  • If I’m still pregnant past my due date, at what point do you suggest an induction?

  • What positions do you feel comfortable with me pushing in as you assist with the delivery? (Lying flat on back, hands, and knees, using a squat bar, side-lying, etc.)

  • Can I eat during labor?

  • Is there a tub that I can labor in?

  • How dilated does my cervix need to be in order to be admitted to the hospital during labor?

Cesarean

Under what circumstances would you recommend a cesarean? 

What percentage of the women in your care have a cesarean? 

*Cesarean rate in the US is 33%, and in Florida 36%. low (range: 13%-22%), medium (range: 23%-25%), high (range: 25%-36%)

Watch out for red-flag responses. These include:

  • Vagueness: “I only do cesareans when they are necessary.”

  • Scare tactics: “I’d like to induce labor when you reach 39 weeks. There’s no reason not to, and even though you’re healthy, you never know what might happen if we wait.”

  • Patronizing: “Don’t worry; just relax and let me take care of everything.”

  • Anger: “And what medical school did you go to?”

  • Bullying: “Decisions will be made by me and are not negotiable.”

*You don't need to ask all these questions. Simply pick the ones that resonate with you.

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