Do you need an Obstetrician in Chicago, ? The following tips can help you find the perfect fit
Your first pregnancy can be an exciting and overwhelming time and finding the right Obstetrician can seem like a daunting task. Your Obstetrician will play a huge roll in your pregnancy and after-care, so it’s important to find someone you trust who is a good fit for you. Like all human beings, every Obstetrician comes with a different personality, office environment, and expertise. Picking the right one takes more than a few quick Google searches. The good news is that with a little homework and due diligence, you can find a doctor that will be great for you.
At Northwestern Women’s Health Associates, our goal is to improve the health and lives of women. While we always hope that you are able find a provider in our practice that you mesh with, ultimately, we want you to make the best decision for you, which is why we’ve come up with some guidelines for finding the right Obstetrician.
Tip # 1 – Ask your friends
If you have friends or family members who have recently been pregnant, start your search by asking who they used and their overall thoughts on their OB/Gyn. When you consult with a friend, you can ensure that you are getting honest answers about the issues that are important to you. If they recommend their OB/Gyn with a glowing review, make sure to ask questions about why she loved her doctor so much.
Just keep in mind, while your friend may have loved her doctor, that doesn’t always mean the doctor is the perfect fit for you.
Tip # 2- Determine if gender matters
For many women, gender of the OB/Gyn does not matter as long as the doctor is the right fit. Still, some women simply feel more comfortable having a female doctor or a male doctor. Most importantly, you should want a doctor who will be attentive to your needs and will be available to teach and answer questions. Determining if this matters from the beginning can save you a lot of discomfort in the long run.
Tip # 3 – Check with your insurance
Take some time to find out what your insurance does and does not cover. Look up what hospitals and doctors are considered in-network, as out-of-network care can sky rocket prices.
Tip # 4 – Pick your hospital
Deciding which hospital you would like to deliver at is a big part of choosing your obstetrician. In addition to finding an in-network hospital you may want to investigate other considerations such as the level of NICU care, 24 hour availability of epidurals, after-birth care, and lactation support. Northwestern and Prentice Women’s Hospital is a great place to be, that is dedicated to women’s care.
Tip # 5 – Learn their bedside manner
Different mothers want different things from their obstetricians. Some mothers want sweet, caring doctor who spends a lot of time walking them through pregnancy and delivery. Others prefer a straight shooter who keeps it short and simple. Determine the relationship you want from your Obstetrician and make sure that you find someone who clicks with your personality.
Tip # 6 – Find out their policy on delivery methods
Are you determined to labor with an epidural or be able to walk around your hospital room? Are you more at risk for a C-section? All these conditions are things to think about when deciding on an Obstetrician. Finding out your doctor’s preferred birthing methods ahead of time can make a big difference when it comes to getting the labor experience you desire.
Tip # 7 – Make some phone calls
Once you have chosen a hospital and narrowed down your list of Obstetricians who practice there, it’s time to make some phone calls, and ask questions about office policies. You’ll want to determine which issues are important to you and find out what the doctor’s policies are on those issues. Some examples include:
- Inductions H
- C Section rates
Pain Management in Labor
- VBAC (vaginal delivery after C-section)
- After hours policies
- Delivery attendance after-hours
Pregnancies can be unpredictable. In fact, no two pregnancies are alike. Still, it’s important to be comfortable with your Obstetrician and his or her approach to prenatal care and delivery. In the end, sometimes the best thing to do is to go with your gut.
If you are in the Chicago area and are looking for a qualified, compassionate team of providers, we invite you to call Northwestern Women’s Health Associates We’re here to answer any questions you may have about our practice and we hope that you’ll find a provider that you feel comfortable with to help you on your journey to motherhood.
