How to Choose a Practitioner Once You Find Out You're Pregnant

Once you have that positive pregnancy test in hand, you’re probably eager to confirm the results. Many practitioners, including our birth center, schedule appointments as early as six weeks and can confirm your pregnancy, and by ultrasound, as early as seven weeks. These early appointments are crucial for education and planning, so at our birth center, we dedicate an hour to ensure all your questions are answered.

Consider Your Birth Preferences

Before diving into the selection process, take a moment to think about the kind of birth experience you envision. Delivery might seem a long way off, but your prenatal care provider will play a significant role in shaping that experience. Here are some considerations based on your preferences:

Hospital Birth with an OB-GYN

Pros: 

• OB-GYNs are equipped to handle both routine and high-risk pregnancies, and hospitals have immediate access to advanced medical interventions if needed.

• Hospitals can birth multiples and often will do so with belly births.

• At 40 weeks, you can often choose to induce pregnancy and have your baby before it may be naturally ready to come out.

• Pain relieving drugs like epidurals can be administered to ease the discomfort of labor.

• You can schedule your birth via belly or induction.

 Cons: 

• In larger practices, you might not meet the doctor who will be there for your delivery until the big day.

• Hospitals' policies and procedures can control patient care.

• Statistics show a higher cesarean rate in hospital settings.

• Your doctor may not be there on the day of your birth due to scheduling.

• Movement can be restricted once you are on a fetal monitor.

• You may have to advocate for your birth plan and desires. 

Birth Center or Home Birth with a Midwife

Pros: 

• Midwives at birth centers often provide a more personalized, holistic approach to prenatal care. 

• Birth centers like CB&W offer amenities like water birth tubs, acupuncture, and more to create a comfortable birthing experience.

• Calming, supportive environment.

• Less invasive.

• You will connect with your body and trust the natural birthing process. 

• More control over your birth experience and environment.

• Can be less expensive than hospital birth.

CONS

• Birth centers are best suited for low-risk pregnancies.

• Birth centers do not support multiples.

• Medical inductions that require pitocin are not permitted.   

• Epidurals are not available. 

Schedule Tours and Consultations

If you’re considering a birth center or midwifery care, it’s a great idea to schedule tours of local facilities. At CB&W, we encourage prospective clients to visit our center, meet our midwives, and learn more about our approach to care. Seeing the facilities firsthand and interacting with the staff can provide valuable insight into whether a particular center is the right fit for you.

Connect with a Doula

Another valuable resource in your pregnancy journey is a doula. While doulas don’t deliver babies, they provide vital support and education during pregnancy, birth, and even postpartum. A doula can help you explore your options and decide whether a hospital, birth center, or home birth is best for you. They can also provide continuous emotional and physical support during labor, which can be particularly reassuring.

Explore Financial and Insurance Options

Don’t forget to consider the financial aspects of your prenatal care. Check which providers are covered by your insurance and what out-of-pocket costs you might expect. At CB&W, we strive to make navigating insurance and financial options as simple and transparent as possible. We accept many major insurance plans and offer competitive self-pay plans to accommodate different needs.

Make an Informed Decision

Ultimately, the choice of a healthcare provider is a personal one. It should be based on your comfort, the type of birth experience you desire, and the level of care and support you need. Take the time to research, ask questions, and trust your instincts. Your journey to parenthood is unique, and finding the right provider is a crucial step in ensuring a positive and empowering experience.

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re considering midwifery care or a birth center experience, we invite you to contact CB&W to schedule a tour and consultation.

Let us help you start this incredible journey with confidence and peace of mind.