Planning to start a family? Congratulations! Having a baby is an exciting and life-changing experience. Before you get pregnant, it is important to speak with your obstetrician about any questions or concerns you may have.
To ensure that you and your baby stay healthy, here are 3 essential questions you should ask your obstetrician before your pregnancy.
- Obstetrician’s approach to birth
When considering a private obstetrician in Australia, you should take the time to research their approach to birth. It’s important to understand what the obstetrician’s philosophy is, and to ensure it aligns with your own beliefs.
Generally, most obstetricians will discuss the different types of birthing options available, such as natural childbirth, cesarean section, water birth, and more.
Be sure to ask questions about the obstetrician’s experience in each type of birthing option and their policies around consent and communication during labor. Additionally, enquire about their protocols for pain relief management, forceps and vacuum delivery, and potential complications during labor.
Your chosen obstetrician should be able to provide detailed information about the birth experience and help you make an informed decision.
- Postpartum care and follow-up
It is important to ask your obstetrician about postpartum care and follow-up. After delivery, you can expect your obstetrician to monitor your health and that of the baby.
Questions you should ask include: What are the recommended check-ups? How long should I wait before returning to physical activities? What type of postpartum tests will be recommended? Your doctor may also provide guidance on breastfeeding, nutrition and lifestyle changes. In addition, they can answer any questions you have regarding contraception, birth spacing or fertility treatments.
They can also provide mental health support during this transition period and refer you to specialized services if needed. It is essential to ensure you receive the best postpartum care to ensure a successful and safe recovery for both mother and baby.
- Obstetrician’s experience and qualifications
It is important to ask your obstetrician about their experience and qualifications. How long have they been in practice? What certifications or specialties do they hold? Do they attend continuing medical education (CME) programs? It’s also a good idea to find out what kind of birth practices they prefer and follow, and whether they are affiliated with a particular hospital.
Ask if they have privileges at the hospital where you plan to give birth. Lastly, find out how many births they have delivered and what their C-section rate is. This can give you an idea of the experience level of the doctor.
Ultimately, you want to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident with the obstetrician you choose. Talk with the obstetrician about your expectations and what kind of birth experience you hope to have. If their vision and yours don’t match up, then they may not be the best fit for you.
Lastly, ask if they are open to alternative birthing methods such as water births and unmedicated births. If not, this is something that you’ll want to factor into your decision-making process.