7 Tips for Picking a Great Obstetrician

Whether you are planning for pregnancy, trying to conceive, or are already expecting, choosing who to trust with your care is an important decision. An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in delivering babies and in providing expert medical care to women during pregnancy and after they give birth. If you are considering getting an obstetrician, there are some things to think about to ensure you pick one that is right for your individual needs:

1.DO YOUR RESEARCH

Finding an obstetrician that is right for you can be daunting, but it is important to do your research to make sure you get the professional treatment and care you deserve. Make sure you think about the location of your obstetrician, as you will need to visit the facility regularly throughout your pregnancy and may need to get there quickly to give birth, so ensuring it is convenient to your home is important.

If you are researching online, ensure you use legitimate websites to help you, such as the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) website, which has a directory of certified OB-GYNs in your area. See what other people are saying about your potential obstetrician by reading online reviews. Patient satisfaction surveys can be helpful in telling you what to expect regarding scheduling, availability, bedside manner, and more.

2.GET RECOMMENDATIONS

Seeking recommendations from family, friends, other parents, and work colleagues can be a great start in helping you find an obstetrician that is right for you. Your primary care doctor should also be able to recommend an experienced obstetrician who can offer you what you are looking for.

3.CHECK YOUR INSURANCE PLAN

If you are planning to use your insurance, check which obstetricians are covered by your insurance plan. If your physician, hospital, or healthcare facility is not a part of your health insurance company’s provider network, it means that your insurance hasn’t pre-negotiated a network rate with them, and you may be charged a larger percentage of the total medical bill or the entire bill, depending on your particular health plan. Before committing, you should also check that the obstetrician accepts your health insurance plan and that they are accepting new patients.

4.VERIFY ACCREDITATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

When considering an obstetrician you should always find their online biography, check that they are board-certified, and have the necessary accreditations and expertise to provide high-quality healthcare. Some obstetricians may also specialize in a particular area, such as high-risk obstetrics, which may be a consideration if you have a pregnancy that involves increased health risks.

5.CHECK IF YOUR FAVORITE HOSPITAL IS AFFILIATED WITH THE OBSTETRICIAN

Some women already have a hospital in mind for their delivery. If this is the case for you, you should try to find an obstetrician at the location where you would like to deliver your baby. Alternatively, you may wish to start with an obstetrician you like and then see where you can deliver your baby. Regardless of which method you choose, you should make sure that the hospital affiliated with your obstetrician has a good reputation, has high neonatal standards, and is covered by your insurance.

CONSIDER WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FACILITY

Your needs and personal preferences will help you decide what type of facility is best for you. Do you plan to have a home birth, use a private birthing suite at a family-centered unit, or have a hospital delivery? These are things to consider when choosing your obstetrician to ensure that your needs and wishes are met and that your delivery day goes as smoothly as possible.

Some facilities also provide additional services which may be of benefit and help you to choose the facility that is right for you. These can include:

• Childbirth education programs and classes – designed to prepare you and your partner for childbirth and parenthood. Classes may include childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, and preparing siblings for a new baby.
• Breastfeeding support services – such as private, one-on-one breastfeeding consultations, breastfeeding classes, onsite lactation consultants, and telehealth services.
• Special care nursery facilities – provide around-the-clock care for premature babies.

7.ARRANGE A VISIT

Choosing an obstetrician and facility that you have confidence in is key to ensuring your pregnancy and delivery are as successful as possible. Meet with the obstetrician and take a tour of the facility to give you a feel for the place and to find out more about what services they provide. Talk about what you have in mind for your pregnancy and your birth wishes. Your obstetrician can share their expertise about best practices for a smooth and healthy pregnancy and birth, and they can help you understand your options and give you any advice you may need.

Try to ask questions, such as whether you will meet your obstetrician regularly or see different members of your coordinated care team, and what happens if you have questions after office hours. If you don’t feel comfortable or don’t have confidence in what they are saying, trust your instincts and look elsewhere.

FAMILY-CENTERED OBSTETRICIANS IN WOOSTER, OHIO

If you are looking for high-quality comprehensive obstetric care, visit The Women’s Pavilion obstetrical unit at Wooster Community Hospital. Developed with family-centered maternity care in mind, our experienced, board-certified obstetricians provide the finest medical care available to help make your birthing experience as positive and memorable as possible.

We offer large, contemporary private birthing suites, breastfeeding support services, and childbirth education classes, facility tours, and more. If you would like to learn more, or to arrange a tour of the WCH Women’s Pavilion, call us at (330) 202-5548.