top of page

Choosing Your Provider

Writer's picture: ShaleenShaleen

Updated: Oct 28, 2024

Your choice of provider(s) for the birth of your child, or children, is one of the most impactful decisions of your birth journey.

Where to start:

  1. What do you already know?

    1. Do you have any known risk factors?

      1. This may directly influence the type of provider that you will need to work with.

    2. How much flexibility do you have with insurance?

      1. Does your insurance cover specific birth locations?

      2. Which providers are covered?


  2. Consider what your own values are in regards to birthing philosophy (you don't need to decide, but just start a conversation).

    1. What are your thoughts regarding pain relief options, unmedicated birth, inductions, higher risk pregnancy options and planned or unplanned cesareans.

    2. Do you have a strong preference for a particular birthing location?

      1. Hospital (some providers only practice at specific locations)

      2. Birthing Center (does this fit with the pain relief options you want)

      3. Home Birth (are there any risk factors that might rule this out)


  3. Recommendations from trusted friends or reliable providers in other fields might help you start the process more efficiently. Here is a possible list of questions to ask a potential provider.


  4. At this point...we highly recommend that you check in with the DCBD Birth Doula Team (Birth@dcbirthdoulas.com) and email, or set up a phone conversation, with your prepared list of questions about specific birth locations and/or providers.

  5. There may be helpful information that the DCBD Birth Team can supplement.

  6. Keep in mind that you are not locked in, you can change your provider if you don't feel like your preferences align with their practices.

    1. It may take a few visits to figure this out, so ask questions and do your due diligence to find out their birth outcomes

    2. Some clients have found it helpful, if you are able to attend one of the Pregnancy Circles (Wednesdays 7-8pm), to ask questions (before starting the main topic, burning questions are always welcomed) regarding any concerns connecting with your provider choice.


  7. As you are fine-tuning your decision, consider the location and how convenient it may be once you are 38 weeks pregnant and possibly feeling tired and less mobile.

    1. (note to self for pediatrician choice: pick someone close to you...your visits will be frequent and baby may not be happy during the travel time)



9 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Yelp for business

©2022 by DC Birth Doulas. Proudly created with Wix.com

bottom of page