DH and I started making appointments with a couple OB/GYNs and Midwifery clinics and I'm not quite sure what questions to ask other than:
- How often do you use interventive methods like c-section, anesthesia or episiotomy?
- Will I meet everyone in the practice?
I currently have an appointment with Dr. Hakimian at Progressive Care for Women (OB/GYN) and trying to get in to the UIC Midwifery group and Swedish Covenant Midwifery group. Any other suggestions?
I really want to make a good choice and not have a unnecessary surgery.
Re: What to ask when interviewing Midwives or OB/GYNs?
Here are some ideas:
*What are the routine tests and exams they include in their care? Can you request extra tests/ultrasounds, skip any of the tests, or have tests repeated (this may be relevant with strep b)? Are all the tests/labs done through them on site, or do they partner with another location?
*Double check to see if your insurance will cover birth there, and if so, whether coverage is any different--this is really more for your insurance than the doctor, but if they recently dropped or were dropped by your carrier, they can at least tell you that.
*What are their emergency procedures? How, if at all, do they differ from standard care? How have they changed in the past few years, if at all?
*Have they had issues with MRSA at UIC hospital/Swedish Covenant and if so, how is the risk being addressed? (I would ask this at any hospital)
*Who do you call, and how can you reach them, in case of early labor or some other problem? How are unexpected issues handled? I would ask this at any hospital, but in a smaller practice it tends to be more relevant since you may be talking about 2-3 midwives or doctors on call vs. 6-8 doctors in a big practice.
*Is there anything special you need to include in your overnight/birth bag? Will they give you a list of recommendations?Some hospitals and birth centers provide things like mesh panties that you might want during recovery, while with others you would want to bring them yourself.
*You might also want to ask about what is considered an intervention--some people consider a saline lock intervention while others do not, some consider stripping the membranes an intervention while others do not, etc.
Good luck finding the right practice for you! I hope that whoever you pick, they make you feel totally awesome about your pregnancy and birth. : )