Five Ways to Tell if You Have a Good OB/Gyn or Midwife

1. A good health care provider will take as much time as you need to talk over your questions and concerns before and after you’ve undressed.

   They sit down and talk to you about questions or concerns before you get undressed, talk you through an exam and make sure you have all of your questions answered  before you leave the office.

2. They’re affiliated with a birth center or hospital that has the features you want (a low c-section rate, rooming in, offers water birth, is close to your house,  etc.)
3. Their office staff is polite, helpful and pleasant.
4. Your calls are returned within at an hour or two during office hours, and there’s an easy-to-reach health care provider on call on nights and weekends.
5. If you have a high-risk condition, like as a chronic illness, prior c-section, history of high blood pressure or a suspected fetal disorder, they have expertise with your condition or can refer you to a doctor that does.

If you’re not happy with the way things are being handled at your doctor or midwife’s office, speak up sooner rather than later. Changing health care providers is always easier and simpler earlier in a pregnancy. Call your insurance company to ask what providers are in your network that meet your criteria, check patient reviews by searching online and call offices to schedule a consultation. You’ll be seeing this person a lot in coming months and weeks and entrusting everything to them, so make sure you’re with a person and practice you feel good about.