Things to do Before Getting Pregnant- Choosing the Right Doctor or Midwife

Are you and your partner making plans for getting pregnant? Have you chosen a good doctor or midwife yet? Most couples end up scrambling for a good practitioner after their pregnant test shows up positive. This often leads to disappointed parents-to-be who find out what they want in a practitioner the hard way! You can avoid all that by keeping a few things in mind.

What do You Want?

One of the important things to think about before getting pregnant is what you want from your doctor or midwife. Are you looking for someone who will be a teacher and guide through the process? Or are you looking for someone who will just give you the basics? Do you want someone to tell you what to do or do you want to make your own decisions? Discuss these questions with your partner and make sure you have clear answers to all of them. The more clarity you have about what you want from your practitioner, the easier it will be to find the right one.

Get Ready to Dig

Roll up your sleeves because finding the right practitioner does involve a lot of spadework. Once you know what kind of practitioner you want, here’s what you do next.

• Compile a list of all the practitioners available in your area and make sure they align with your insurance plan coverage.

• Get in touch with your local medical society and find out more about each practitioner. Check if there have been any complaints lodged against any of them.

• Get referrals from friends and family but don’t follow them blindly. The midwife that was a fabulous choice for your best friend might not be the right one for you.

Setting up Interviews

Once you’ve shortlisted a few local practitioners, create a set of interview questions. If you’re not sure what to ask, talk to other mothers about what they asked their doctors. Once you’ve got your list of questions set, call up and ask for an interview-only appointment. These consultations are usually free, but you’d better double-check before confirming your appointment.

Look and Listen

When you’re at the interview, don’t just listen to what the practitioner is telling you. Think about how comfortable you are with them- do you feel at ease? Are you intimidated about asking questions? Do they only speak to you or do they include your partner in the conversation? A good practitioner should make you and your partner feel comfortable.

Finding your doctor or midwife before getting pregnant is always a good idea. As you navigate the ups and downs on the road to childbirth, you’ll be glad you took the time to find the right practitioner!