Choosing the Right OB for Your Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be an exciting time in your life. It can also be a scary time as you navigate the medical side of monitoring your baby’s health, your health, and the birth itself. Especially for those who may have a history of sexual abuse, feelings, fears, and triggers may arise. How do you choose a health care professional? Who will you trust with your and your baby’s care? How much medical care and intervention do you want or need? All these are questions and choices that may arise for you and your birth partner.
In order to make decisions you first need to decide what your wishes are. What medical care and/or testing do you want? What information about your pregnancy and your baby is suggested? Are you comfortable with that? Do you prefer to work with a midwife, or would you rather have an MD follow your progress through pregnancy? Do you want extra support from a doula during labor?
We’ve gathered some tips on choosing the best care for yourself.
- Do your research – Research roles of health care professionals such as midwives, doctors, and birth doulas. Research tests that are normally performed and what they tell you about you and your baby’s health.
- Ask questions and set expectations – Interview prospective midwives or doctors. Find out who you will be seeing each week. Are they a solo practitioner? Will you see only them? Or will you rotate between health care professionals in their practice? Who will deliver your baby? What are their practices for delivery? What is their C-section rate? Do they support natural birthing options? Would you prefer a male or female practitioner? Share your expectations and concerns and see how they react.
- Hire a doula – If you’re concerned about support during the birthing process, hire a doula to help advocate for you. A doula will help you create a birth plan and be there to monitor your labor and support you through the labor and delivery process, emotionally and physically.
- Filter surroundings – You may want to limit research that you do and/or information that you’re exposed to. You also may want to limit how many details you share with family and friends about your pregnancy and the delivery you plan. Decide what boundaries you are comfortable with and ask those around you to respect them.
- Ask for what you need – If you are an abuse survivor, share this with your medical provider. Tell them what you expect and what you are comfortable with. Decide together how to navigate examinations. If you need support during doctor visits ask your partner, a friend or family member to attend with you. If you need to talk to a therapist or psychiatric support person, schedule visits during pregnancy to support your emotional well being.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed talk to someone and make a list of your most important issues. Make sure you have those in who you decide to help with your medical care during pregnancy and birth.
In health,
Danielle Older, MSW, LISW-S, CCTP
Danielle is one of our maternal mental health therapists and the founder of River Root Counseling. Her therapeutic style is individual, evidence-based, and unique to best serve each individual client. Danielle will work with you, at your pace, cheering you on and empowering you as you accomplish your therapeutic goals. Danielle values the therapeutic relationship and works to make each session beneficial and helpful for her clients. Danielle is a mother herself and understands the roller coaster that parenting, and motherhood, can sometimes feel like.
Call River Root at 330-595-4563
Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation (Ohio) – I.2002068-SUPV
Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
Bachelor’s of Social Work – University of Akron
Master’s in Social Work – Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
Schedule a consultation here.