f you’ve already decided to go with an obstetrician (as opposed to a midwife or other medical practitioner) but haven’t yet selected the lucky doctor who will help bring your precious angel into the world, we’ve listed a few guidelines below.

First, create a list of your top choices from one of the following:

1. A list of doctors from your healthcare provider

2. A list of doctors on the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists site (or other reference site)

3. Referrals from:

• Friends
• Relatives
• Members of The Cradle that live in your area
• Your preferred hospital
• Your general practitioner or other trusted doctors

From the choices available, you might want to take the following into account:

Office Location: Is it convenient from your home or office?

Hospital Affiliation: If the doctor was not referred by your preferred hospital, are they associated with a hospital where you would like to give birth? Is the hospital conveniently located? (Some doctors might be based in the hospital where you will deliver.)

Your Medical History: Of course, if your medical history suggests that you might have difficulty conceiving or carrying a pregnancy, your research should include fertility specialists and/or high-risk pregnancy specialists.

Next, set up appointments to meet with the doctors on your list.

The following questions are suggestions. Feel free to pick and choose which ones are important to you and your partner.

ABOUT THE DOCTOR:

• What hospital(s) is s/he affiliated with?

• What certifications does the doctor have? Any specialties or unique qualifications?

LEADING UP TO DELIVERY:

• If you have questions between visits, who would you call? Who will get back to you? And how quickly will they get back to you?

• If the doctor is part of a group practice, will you see this doctor at each visit, or do the doctors rotate? And will this doctor deliver your baby? Even if s/he is planning on delivering your baby, who is the backup doctor if your doctor is unavailable?

• Are there situations in which the doctor would need to transfer your care to another practitioner, i.e., a specialist?

• How does the doctor feel about scheduling/inducing labor or scheduling a C-section?

• What tests are routine during pregnancy (or specific to your state)?  Are there optional tests that they will allow you to choose?

IN THE DELIVERY ROOM:

• Does the doctor believe in routine episiotomies?

• If applicable, would the doctor have a problem if you’d like to have a doula or midwife in the delivery room?

• Is there a high percentage of Cesarean sections in the practice? If so, are they requested or does it seem that the doctors prefer to perform them? The same question can be asked about induced/scheduled labor.

• How much of the process is covered by insurance?

While you are exchanging questions and answers, you should have a general feeling about the doctor’s demeanor and your comfort level.

Visit our Local Resources section to find an obstetrician in your area.