How to Choose the Wrong Obstetrician

Many articles focus on how to choose the right obstetrician for your maternity care, which include choosing an obstetrician who supports your choices in pregnancy and childbirth, whose philosophy of care is similar to yours and whose practice is more closely related to the maternity model instead of the medical model. However, there are quite a few reasons why you should not choose a certain obstetrician. Choosing the wrong obstetrician could not only make your pregnancy a burden, but it could also have a huge impact on your birthing experiences. Here are some of the wrong reasons to choose an obstetrician.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Do not choose an obstetrician solely based on his location. Choosing an obstetrician for this reason sets the relationship up for immediate failure. When making this decision, you are saying that it doesn't matter what that obstetrician believes or wants to do, but convenience is more important. While it is always more convenient to see a caregiver who is close, it should not be a factor in choosing the right caregiver for you.
2. Do not choose an obstetrician based strictly on gender. If you prefer a female obstetrician over a male obstetrician, that is fine; however, you should make sure that her philosophy of care and practice matches your needs. Many people believe that a female obstetrician is more gentle and understanding, but that is not always the case. Be flexible where you need to be in order to get the best care.
3. Do not choose an obstetrician because your friend used him and liked him. You can take her recommendation into consideration, but continue to do your research. Your friend's wants and needs for her birth may have been the total opposite of what you want and need. For example, if her obstetrician encourages epidurals at 4 centimeters and you want a totally natural birth, you probably won't make a good birth team.
4. Do not choose your own gynecologist/obstetrician just because he has provided basic well-woman care to you since you were 18. Just because you are happy with his practice as a gynecologist, does not mean that you will feel supported and happy with his practice in maternity care. The best thing to do is to interview him as an obstetrician. If you see any conflict of interest or you feel his beliefs and philosophy about childcare do not match yours, you should see a different obstetrician throughout your pregnancy and resume your relationship with him for gynecological care after the baby is born.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose an obstetrician based on your beliefs and philosophy about birth.
• Choose an obstetrician that you feel is going to give you the best care and will honor your choices during the process.