Choosing a Health Care Provider

Ten Questions to Ask

More Questions to Ask

Philosophies of Care

Midwives

Family Doctors

Obstetricians

Did you know?

• The US ranks 29th in infant mortality (babies dying before their first birthday) in the developed world
• The US ranks behind 40 developed countries in maternal mortality (number of women dying around the time of childbirth)
• In every country that has a lower maternal mortality than the US, midwives, not obstetricians, manage normal pregnancy and birth
• And yet, the US spends more than any other nation on maternity care.

"What happens to you (in labor) depends almost entirely on your caregiver's practice style and philosophy." Henci Goer.

We recommend you interview obstetricians, family practice doctors and/or midwives before choosing a care provider. They will often agree to meet with you for ten to fifteen minutes. If someone is unwilling to meet with you, that information itself is helpful. If your questions are met with sarcasm, hostility or vague answers, continue looking for someone who treats you with respect.

As Ina May Gaskin, CPM says,"You would likely not put up with such treatment in a restaurant, and finding the right caregiver for you during pregnancy and birth is a far more important decision to make than where you eat a meal."