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Your Choices for Birth
Choosing your doctor |
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| Choosing your doctor is one of the most
important decisions you'll make for your birth, but it can seem
overwhelming. Other than having a sense of whether you
get on well, how can you know whether your doctor is a good match for
what you are looking for? |
It is important to feel comfortable with
your doctor, and to
be able to place your
trust in him or her. The birth of your baby will be
one of the most memorable events of your life, and those that share your
experience should be supportive of your goals.
What's important to you?
There is no right or wrong when it comes to choosing
a doctor. Start out by taking the time to think
about what you want for your birth.
Whatever is important to you, these are the issues to discuss with prospective doctors. Different caregivers
may have different opinions and perspectives on what is normal, what they are
comfortable with, and how they practice.
You may have friends who have recently had a baby
themselves and can give you recommendations.
Before rushing off to book the first obstetrician
recommended, remember to ask others what sort of birth they were looking
for and whether their choice of doctor met their expectations. The obstetrician who was
the right choice for a friend may not be right for you. Your
childbirth educator or doula may be able to help you identify doctors who would be
a good match for you.
It may be worth meeting several
obstetricians so you can compare their different approaches. You can change doctors at any time in your pregnancy if
you are not comfortable – even on your due date – but it is ideal if
you have time to get to know your doctor before your birth.
It can be helpful when meeting prospective obstetricians to have a list
of questions or a draft birth plan prepared so you can understand their
views on the things that are important to you. During
your childbirth classes, and meetings with your doula, you will cover
the sorts of questions that can be helpful and work together on
preparing a birth plan.
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See also:
writing a birth plan
choosing a hospital
homebirth in Singapore
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