Where to Find a Provider + Top 10 Questions to Ask
Show Notes:
[1:12] Our reviewer of the week is Leannachaves2, and she says: “Hi! Not sure what my username is on here, but my name is Leanna. I’m 20 years old and currently 16 weeks pregnant with my very first baby, and I’ve been listening to this podcast since I was 4 weeks pregnant! I’m a researcher. I won’t even take a medication until I’ve researched class, possible side effects, and interactions. This podcast has been such a good resource for me to jump off of, because the second I found out I was pregnant, I KNEW I had to find accurate and reliable sources about pregnancy and childbirth. Originally, I was hoping to specialize in pediatrics, but this podcast has made me want to change and specialize in obstetrics. I’m 100% feminist, and I want to give women a voice and the access to giving informed consent because there is so much misinformation out there. Thank you for everything that you do, and the countless hours that must go into making these episodes. My husband and I are going to be joining your birth course very soon, and I hope to mayyybee one day be on your podcast!”
I have a special deal for you guys this week! We have started our Black Friday deal early! If you purchase the My Essential Birth Course, you get all the things that come with it normally, PLUS 25 beautiful birth affirmation cards, a bonus meditation track, and a Belly Mapping Guide! Jump in this week through Monday, the 28th, and you will get all of the things I just mentioned! π
[4:22] Today’s podcast episode was prompted by messages I’ve been receiving on Instagram! Let’s get this out there for everybody! Your birth team starts with your provider! We’re going to talk about how to find a provider! π©π»βοΈ
[5:44] Where do I find a good provider? If you’re in an area where there are childbirth educators or doulas, ask them! They care about birth and have a passion for it! They definitely have resources for you! π
[7:19] Where do you find local childbirth educators and doulas? Search for groups and associations online! Birth centers and home birth midwives are also a great resource! π‘Reaching out to a doula with what you want for your birth experience to be can help them find a good fit for you!
[8:37] doulamatch.net is a great resource to find a doula and childbirth educator! π»
[9:10] Local Facebook groups are awesome! (Not mom groups. Y’all know how I feel about those, lol.) π Type in your city plus keywords like doulas, childbirth educators, La Leche League, etc. Check them out before you have your baby!
[10:42] Find other birth groups! They could offer a lot of advice and recommendations. π£
[11:10] Interview for yourself. Check who your insurance covers and then interview them! Choose someone who will be supportive of the birth you want. Ask all the questions! ππ»βοΈ
[12:09] What happens if my insurance doesn’t cover a great provider? What do I do if there’s only one hospital in my area? Here’s some tough love: you may have to consider asking for funding. Instead of a baby shower, you may need to ask for help trying to get the birth you want. You may have to cross state lines. Sometimes you have to make the sacrifices to achieve your birth. When you make something a priority, you either make an excuse or you make a way. πͺπΌ
[16:05] If you just cannot make it happen, you will have to do the best with what you can. This is where a great birth course can come in! Train your husband, educate yourself (listen to the podcast, do the exercises, etc.), and get ready to advocate for yourself! π§
[18:45] Once you have your recommended provider, what are some questions that you can ask that will make all the difference for you? You’ll need to edit your list of questions to what kind of birth you want (medicated, unmedicated, VBAC, etc.) π¬
[19:08] Personally, at the top of my list, I would find out what their Cesarean rates are for someone like you. (First baby? Healthy? Low risk? Third baby? Overweight?) How they respond can matter too! If it’s not a conversation, that’s a red flag. π©
[20:57] Talk to your provider about due dates. π If you know all the info about conception (date of ovulation, length of your cycle, etc.), you can ask if your provider will adjust your guess date. An ultrasound between 11-13 weeks is the most accurate for determining when you will have your baby.
[22:44] Induction. What are your most common reasons for inductions? What about going past my guess dates? If one is recommended, and I agree, how are they done? You’ll know what you’ll be going up against. (Breaking water, medications used, process and treatment, etc.) π
[24:32] What if my water breaks? π¦ Ask them what their procedures are and when they want you to come in. If you’re wanting to go unmedicated, you may want to labor at home longer.
[25:58] How do you feel about doulas and birth plans? π€ I’m hoping the response is very positive! This will give you an idea of how your team will be treated in your birth space.
[27:22] Am I able to labor or push in different positions other than on my back? You have options! π
[29:03] How often do mothers need episiotomies? βοΈ This helps me know how hands on the provider is! Ask what reasons do you typically give them for? If your provider recommends an episiotomy, can I say no? ABSOLUTELY you can say no.
[30:03] How do you feel about unmedicated birth? (Even if you are planning on having an epidural, you can ask this!) π€°πΌ
[31:08] Do you have any vacations planned? βοΈ You can avoid the “last minute induction” panic when they let you know they’re not going to be there. Ask to meet their backup.
I’m linking all our questions to ask your provider, midwife, or hospital below. π Overall, the most important thing, is that you have a lot more power than you realize when it comes to your birth experience. Take that power and run with it! If you can be on the same page as your birth support, be educated and knowledgeable, and communicate with your birth partner about what you want, you CAN achieve the birth of your dreams! π
To Leave a Review βοΈ
- Open Apple Podcasts
- Find “Pregnancy & Birth Made Easy” podcast
- Select “Ratings and Reviews”
- Click the stars!
- Select “Write a Review” and tell us what was the most amazing, comforting, eye-opening thing that you loved!
ALL the best,
Links Mentioned:
The VBAC Link's Cheat Sheet & Provider Questions
