Questions to ask when choosing a caregiver for birth

More information Choosing a caregiver Professional caregivers Choosing a caregiver is the most important decision that you will make. Choosing a birth place The environment in which a woman labours and gives birth has a major effect on the birth. Related books: Preparing for Birth: Mothers Your Birth Rights Gentle Birth Choices Related articles: Birth

Many pre-natal visits to caregivers leave little time for discussion. Try booking the last appointment of the day, when there is usually more time available. When you have many questions to ask, taking your partner or a companion will encourage the caregiver to spend more time answering your questions.

To help you decide if this is the right person to assist you with the birth, here are some issues worth raising:

• What services do you offer for the pregnancy, labour and birth and after the baby is born? What pattern of visits do you suggest?

• Are you in a solo practice or a partnership? Who are your partner(s) and do you all have the same approach to the way you practice? Can an appointment be made to meet the partner?

• Are you available at all times, even weekends, or do you have other arrangements in place for weekends and evenings?

• Do you have holidays planned for when the baby is due, and who will cover for you if you are away?

• What are your charges for pregnancy care, labour and birth and postpartum follow up? How much of this fee is covered by the public health system and what must I pay from my own pocket, or from my private health insurance?

• If an anaesthetic becomes necessary for either pain relief during labour or a Caesarean section, which anaesthetist do you usually call?

• If the baby requires paediatric follow up, whom do you recommend for this service?

• What pregnancy tests do you suggest we consider? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the tests for the woman and the unborn baby? Will you be comfortable if we choose not to have a particular test, or want to try an alternative approach?

• What are your preferences for labour management, including drugs for pain and positions for birth? Have you ever assisted a woman giving birth in a squatting or kneeling position on a floor mat?

• How often do you perform an episiotomy? How often do you use forceps? (See Obstetric Interventions explained for background information)

• Will you be comfortable if we choose to have additional support people present?

• What preparation do you recommend? Where can I attend pre-natal classes?

Give yourself time to consider the answers you receive and to talk them over with your partner. Remember that if your initial choice of caregiver proves unsatisfactory, you can change to another at any time during the pregnancy, providing that the new caregiver is available and willing to assist.