Choosing the right care provider is one of the most important steps in preparing for your birth. You deserve someone who respects your wishes, supports your choices, and aligns with your birth vision. But how do you know if your provider is truly on board? Here are five key questions to ask to ensure you’re in the right hands:
1. How do you support physiological (unmedicated) birth?
If an unmedicated birth is your goal, your provider should have experience and strategies to support that. Look for answers that include patience with labor progress, encouragement of movement, and a willingness to minimize unnecessary interventions.
2. What are your thoughts on birth plans, and how do you incorporate them into care?
A supportive provider will view a birth plan as a helpful tool rather than an inconvenience. Their response should reassure you that they respect your preferences and will work with you to honor them as much as safely possible.
3. How do you handle variations in labor, like stalled progress or longer-than-average labor?
The answer to this can reveal a lot about their patience and philosophy on birth. A provider who immediately suggests interventions without discussing other options may not align with your vision.
4. What is your approach to informed consent and decision-making during labor?
You want a provider who prioritizes clear communication and respects your ability to make choices about your body and birth. They should be open to discussing risks, benefits, and alternatives before making any decisions.
5. Have you worked with doulas before, and how do you feel about their role?
If you’re planning to have a doula, this question can help gauge your provider’s openness to collaborative care. A provider who welcomes doulas likely values continuous labor support and respects your choices.
Asking these questions early in your care helps ensure that you and your provider are aligned in your birth goals. If their answers don’t sit well with you, trust your intuition—it may be time to explore other options. If you need guidance on switching care providers, check out my blog on how to make the change when your provider isn’t supportive.
Your birth, your choices—you deserve a team that honors them.
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