Choosing an Obstetrician and Maternity Center

Starting a family is an exciting time — filled with emotions ranging from joy and excitement, to apprehension.  You can proactively take charge of this important stage of your life by finding the right obstetrician to guide you through pregnancy and delivery, and by choosing a hospital with outstanding technology and amenities for your needs. 

   Of course you want your OB to have excellent credentials and a good reputation, but you also want a doctor who makes you feel comfortable during the next nine months. Nothing beats having a face-to-face meeting with an OB to discuss pregnancy and delivery topics, and see if you and the doctor are a good match.

   If you choose your OB before you become pregnant, then you have already started to develop an ongoing medical and personal rapport.  Ask yourself if this is a doctor who you will feel completely comfortable with as your body changes. Try choosing someone who is responsive to your concerns, understands your preferences, and makes time to answer your questions. 

   If you’re new to the area, you may want to ask for recommendations from other new moms. Other sources of OB information to tap into are: pediatricians, family practice doctors, neighbors with young children, nursery school or day care contacts, and local hospitals. 

   Your doctor’s hospital affiliation may help guide you in the decision-making.  You want your OB to be affiliated with a hospital that can provide advanced care, such as a state-certified Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit for premature or sick babies, while still offering family-friendly amenities.

   Be sure to call a few local hospitals to set up tours of their maternity centers.  Be sure to ask questions as you walk through each hospital. You may want to find out the likelihood of a private room, if there are overnight accommodations available for your partner, what the visiting hours are, rooming-in options, and how the hospital can best accommodate any personal interests or needs.

   As you walk, see if there is a pleasant feel about the maternity center and look for amenities you believe will make your labor as comfortable as possible.  Will you have your own bathroom with a shower? Do you see a comfortable chair — or even a rocking chair — in the room?  Do the labor rooms have a warm and welcoming feel?  What kind of privacy and security will you be assured? Look into what kind of prenatal classes are offered to expectant parents.

   You also want to find out specifics about staff and certifications.  For example, does the hospital have board-certified doctors, nurses with specialty certification, and certified lactation consultants on staff?  Another good question to ask: Has the hospital won any awards for its maternity center?