QUESTIONS TO ASK AN OBSTETRICIAN BEFORE YOU HIRE THEM

If you’re considering private obstetric care for the birth of your baby, after first seeing your GP for a referral, the next step is to choose an obstetrician and book into a hospital. Choosing a care provider is not only one of the most important decisions you’ll have to make during your pregnancy, but also one of the first you’ll have to make.

So how do you go about choosing an obstetrician that will best suit you and your family? You interview them 😊 Hire the best one for the job and one who best aligns with your wants needs and values.

Asking specific questions and trusting your instincts is always a good approach to take! Here is a selection of questions that might be useful when selecting an obstetrician to care for you and your baby/babies.

WHAT HOSPITALS DO YOU HAVE RIGHTS TO WORK?

Obstetricians typically have working rights in more than one hospital. They might all be private or a mix of private and public. Different hospitals have different facilities, for example some may have a NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) while others do not. Some have better birthing facilities, for example one may have only a shower to labour in, and another may have a birth pool or other props like a mat and fit ball.

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT BIRTH PLANS?

Of course, you can’t plan birth, however writing down a birth preference list and envisioning the birth you want is very beneficial. It educates you about your options, forms a discussion document with your care provider during pregnancy and can be used as a tool to communicate your wishes with the staff that are caring for you during your labour. Having an obstetrician that is open to having educated patients and open communication is something VERY important to look for.

WOULD YOU BE HAPPY IF I HIRED A DOULA?

Being happy for you to choose who you would like in your support team is a fantastic sign of an open-minded care provider who understands the benefits of doula support. This also shows that they are also supportive of a physiological birth. WIN, WIN!

ARE YOU PLANNING ON BEING ON HOLIDAY DURING MY PREGNANCY AND ON CALL PERIOD? IF SO, WHO IS YOUR BACKUP?

It may feel like a silly question but obstetricians taking holidays around your due date BUT is not uncommon. Of course, birth is unpredictable, and babies come in their own time however, he or she needs to ensure you are happy with the backup obstetrician and that said obstetrician is fully on board with all of the birth plan.

ARE THERE ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WHERE YOU’D RECOMMEND AN INDUCTION?

Obstetricians all have different approaches to birth and perceptions of risk. Some common situations that different obstetricians may recommend inductions are: developing high blood pressure, where the birthing woman is regarded as being older (often 40+), having a ‘big baby’ or a ‘small baby’, being pregnant over 40weeks, having gestational diabetes, or simply that they might be on holidays... An obstetrician who happily books and encourages inductions for reasons that are not due to a compromised mum or baby is not working within evidence-based practice, contraindicating outcomes of a positive and healthy birth. Asking questions around induction will help you to identify your obstetrician’s attitude to the ‘range of normal’ pregnancy issues and risk and you’ll be able to see how this fits in with your own philosophy for your birth.

WHAT PERCENTAGE OF YOUR CLIENTS GIVE BIRTH VAGINALLY VS VIA CESAREAN? CAN YOU SHARE YOUR RATES OF INTERVENTION (EG: ELECTIVE CESAREAN, EMERGENCY CESAREAN, INDUCTION, EPISIOTOMY AND ASSISTED DELIVERY)?

Many obstetricians will claim that they are supportive of ‘normal’ or physiological birth, if this is true their patient statistics should reflect this, and they should not have any issues with showing you evidence. However, if their statistics do tell a different story, ask them why.

WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON DELIVERING IN ACTIVE POSITIONS? WOULD YOU SUPPORT ME TO LABOUR AND DELIVER IN WATER?

Being active in labour and birth, allows your pelvis to open and gravity to assist. This decision can provide limited access to your care provider. If you are wanting to be active in labour or have a water birth, it is important to find a care provider who is comfortable with supporting this.

IF YOU’VE HAD A PREVIOUS CESAREAN AND WANT A VBAC, ASK IF THEY SUPPORT VBAC WOMEN. FOR INSTANCE, WHAT PERCENTAGE OF VBAC WOMEN IN YOUR CARE ACHIEVE A VAGINAL BIRTH? WHAT ARE YOUR POLICIES FOR THEIR CARE DURING LABOUR?

Again, different obstetricians will have a different perception of risk. Success rates for VBAC women vary widely and can be anything from 23% - 85%. Much depends on their risk factors and support from care providers. Your chosen provider must be in alignment with the type of birth you wish to achieve.

HOW MUCH OF MY LABOUR AND BIRTH WOULD YOU NORMALLY ATTEND? ARE YOU THERE ONLY FOR THE FINAL PUSHING STAGE? OR DO YOU CHECK IN REGULARLY OR STAY WITH ME DURING MY LABOUR TOO?

Understanding what care, you’ll receive in labour from your obstetrician can help set your expectations and understand how they practise.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS AROUND A PHYSIOLOGICAL THIRD STAGE VS. ACTIVE MANAGEMENT IF I HAVE AN INTERVENTION FREE BIRTH?

Don’t forget to discuss birthing your placenta! Weigh up your options and find out what the obstetrician’s perspectives are.

WHAT DOES DELAYED CORD CLAMPING MEAN TO YOU?

Again, different obstetricians will take differing views on delayed cord clamping. Some don’t think it’s necessary at all, some believe you need just 60 seconds, and some are happy to wait until the cord is fully drained and white.

IF I NEED A CESAREAN, CAN MY PARTNER AND DOULA COME THROUGH TO THEATRE WITH ME?

Having 2 support people in a caesarean birth can mean one person can focus on the baby and the other can continue to support mum. Having your doula in the room will mean you are given the opportunity to process the birth and discuss exactly what happened in your birth debrief session.

WHAT KIND OF POSTPARTUM FOLLOW UP OR CARE SHOULD I EXPECT?

Some obstetricians have fantastic support in place for new mothers including, midwives and lactation consultants. Sometimes this is either by appointment or as a drop-in clinic. Finding out what they offer will help in your postpartum planning, and whether it’s included in their birth package, or if it will incur an extra fee.

There are so many interview questions you can add to this list (The list really is endless). Just remember to trust your gut. At the end of the day, this is your birth, your body, your baby and ultimately YOUR choice. Make the best decision for you and your growing family.