Your Choices for Birth

Choosing your doctor

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.