Selecting Doctor

rumerandrussell

I'm thinking of changing my doctor. I'm 10 weeks and have had two appointments, but have a feeling that a change is best. Would love to know how others found their doctors and if they have any tips on narrowing down the search. I know the hospital where I want to deliver, but there are are still so many choices out there! 

UnbreakableKimmySchmidt

Are there any facebook moms groups for your area?  I am part of several large groups in our metro area and moms ask opinions on doctors all the time and they typically get a lot of response.  I found my doctor through a recommendation from someone who went to my church.  I was looking for someone close to my house and the clinic down the road was recommended.  

drabong88

I work for a hospital so the providers I had to choose from was somewhat limited to 2 or 3 groups. I chose the group closest to my house and that delivered at the hospital that I preferred. 

jgil85

I changed providers twice during my last pregnancy and asked for opinions on a Facebook moms group I'm a part of. My biggest concern was finding a doctor that delivered at the new hospital down the street from my house rather than the hospital that was 2 towns over. 

sparkymcgeee

I changed last month. I asked some friends and googled for ratings and specialty (I’m high risk with recurrent losses) and found a practice I LOVE. I don’t think there’s really a right or wrong way to do it. Just ask people you trust and it doesn’t hurt to speak with the office and do an interview of sorts. Have them address your fears and concerns. They work for you. 

Kabazaba

I changed to a midwife group this month. The midwife group had an open house I attended during my last pergnanct, which was really nice way to meet them and ask questions about their practice style. In addition to what everyone else has said (about referrals), don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions during your first appointment to make sure you’re a good fit with the practice. And if they aren’t a good fit for you, don’t be afraid to keep looking. 

MrsPyrowiz

My current midwives were recommended by a friend of mine.  The ones I used with my first there was no chance to meet all of the midwives who could potentially be there during delivery and I ended up having a HORRIBLE experience with one of the ones I hadn't met (she was on call only and didnt do appointments so there was 100% no chance of meeting her beforehand).  The most important deciding factor with our second was hospital they delivered at, opinions towards unmedicated birth and holistic options, and being able to meet every midwife who could potentially be there for the birth.

I think being able to meet all potential care providers is very important.  I would also say to figure out what is the most important thing to you for your birth and find a provider who will help you achieve whatever that is.

alexandraseattle

I’m with @jgil85. There is a hospital 5 minutes away so I went with the practice that operates out of that hospital. Their offices are in the same building so it makes it super convienent. Selecting the actual doctor from the practice - I went with the one doctor that leads the centering group. I was initially hesitant to have a male OB but I have been so happy with my care thus far. 

kmos816

I asked for recommendations from a friend- I felt really comfortable at the clinic and liked the hospital where they deliver, so we went with her recommendation. I ended up delivering with one of my favorite midwifes, but honestly I felt like I interacted with the nurses mostly during delivery so it probably wouldn't have mattered who was there for my delivery! Good luck, and go with your gut!