Allison: Welcome back to the Holistic Birth Podcast! Today is episode 5 and we are going to talk about how to choose your provider. I get excited about this!
Brigitte: Yeah, it’s good stuff! Lots of people have questions about it and where to get started. It does depend on where you plan to give birth and what providers are available at what locations.
A: Even before you think about how you find a provider and how to ask questions. It’s good to do some self reflection first. One, where are you planning to give birth and where do you feel safest? Two, what is it about this provider that is going to help you feel you are getting the most out of the relationship. For some, it boils down to the personality, skillset or even how they talk with you. A lot of times in the hospital it’s a nice reminder that the provider is not always with you hands on, they are typically there during pillar moments during birth. It might help you get context about how their support could be assessed. Start thinking about what personality works for you or the strength of their coffee! Are they a dark roast, straightforward and direct? Or are they the caramel swirl extra and sweet and nurturing. For some, that can feel gooey and gross! But there can certainly be a balance in your provider. Think about your preferred communication style, whether or not they are direct or sugar coat. Are they very patient or a go getter? With you as the decision maker, do you want them to be an active participant in talking over things with you, to lay out the options and give space, or to have them take lead on decisions? Definitely think about what you need from your provider.
B: Yes, it’s about getting clear about what you want and the person you want present. It’s important too to consider if they are going to be available for your birth. If they work with a team, meeting the other providers and seeing who you jive with or don’t and then ask yourself if you’d be okay with certain providers on.
A: If you’re going with a home birth midwife or an OB office, take notes about what it’s like to talk with them. They always ask if we have any questions but it’s hard to know what to ask. If they are the type to spend time with you, is that what you want? I’ve had clients who even ask for the on call schedule to see which providers are on around their due date! I’ve had people who wait longer at home or hurry up to have their favorite provider on with them. It’s good to know the whole team no matter what.
B: Also, know you don’t have to have anyone at your birth that you don’t want to have.
A: Even coming another layer down to think about observers or extra hands. The other day I was at a birth and a paramedic who was on an observation rotation stepped into the room while she was pushing. That client didn’t care and there are people who don’t mind and others who want more privacy.
B: Make a list of those questions you want to ask is important. It’s important to ask it all and see if any red flags come up.
A: Yes, let’s even mention a few questions to ask!
B: Asking their cesarean rates or episiotomy rates are good points. What are their values and beliefs around birth in general? How likely are they to be the one on call?
A: You are more than a number but asking about rates can be helpful to see what kind of care they provide. If it’s an out of hospital midwife team, ask about their transfer rates. A local birth center had 11 moms transfer last year, 10 of those were for epidural requests and 1 was for observation or something. But getting to know the general things they see when it comes to a transfer is good. Get a sense of the interventions any provider might use.
B: Keep in mind the out of hospital birth midwives might have limitations to what they can do, like VBAC or breech birth.
A: State to state, that can definitely vary! Even birth centers vs home birth midwives have differences, like with equipment and nitrous oxide. It’s also about what the hospital’s birth culture is beyond what your provider’s style is. Are they a designated Baby Friendly hospital? What are the overall rates of the facility? While your provider might want to practice a certain way, they may be limited to what policy dictates. Also, if you don’t love your provider or if some yellow or red flags come up after you did like your provider, it’s okay to consider switching providers. Some people feel stuck with limited options around them, so being prepared for advocacy, prepping your partner and doula, working together with your nurse can all be good things to have in place if you have a provider on who you don’t love.
B: Really trust your intuition. If something isn’t fitting right, pay attention to that. Feeling safe with your team is important.
A: Yes, speak those things aloud to your partner and doula! Your people will know immediately how it might make you feel if a provider comes into the room you don’t love and can help you with communication tools. I’ve had clients switch providers all the way at 38 and 39 weeks! It could be stressful to switch later on but when you are choosing you can be picky especially in the beginning. We hope you enjoyed learning about how to choose your provider!
B: Yeah, sounds great. Thanks for listening!