CHOOSING THE RIGHT DOCTOR: PART 1 -Understand the different approaches of care

As a doula, I often meet pregnant women who feel a little lost when it comes to choosing their doctor for their birth. And I completely understand why, its not always easy to know what to look for, especially when everything about pregnancy and birth feels so new. Many women assume that all OBGYN provide the same care, but the truth is, each doctor has its own philosophy and approach to birth, and that can have a big impact on your experience.

At the beginning of the pregnancy, it’s common to focus on the medical check-ups, and making sure the baby is healthy. But as birth approaches, many women start to realize that their doctor’s way of practicing may not fully align with what they want. This can be an unsettling realization, but it's important to recognize it sooner rather than later. Your doctor should be someone you feel completely comfortable with—someone who not only provides medical care but also respects your choices and trusts you in your own birth journey.. Some doctors take a very hands-off approach, others prefer to actively manage birth. Neither approach is right or wrong—but what matters is that you feel comfortable with the decisions being made and that your doctor respects your preferences.

For first-time mothers—and even for those having their second or third baby—it can be hard to know what questions to ask or what to expect. That’s why I always encourage women to take the time to find a doctor they truly trust and to meet with different doctors until they find the right fit. Your birth experience isn’t just about having a healthy baby; it’s also about feeling empowered, supported, and confident every step of the way.

 In this post, I’ll share key factors to consider, the differences between different types of doctors, and the questions you can ask to help you find the right OBGYN for YOU.

1-CLARIFY YOUR BIRTH PREFERENCES

To determine which approach is best for you, it’s important to first understand what kind of birth experience you envision. Knowing your preferences—whether you want a more hands-off, physiological birth or feel comfortable with a more managed approach—can help you choose a doctor whose philosophy aligns with your wishes. Start by doing some research, educate yourself on your options, and have open discussions with your partner. Taking the time to reflect on what feels right for you is an important step in preparing for birth. A doula can also support you in this process, helping you clarify your birth preferences and understand what aligns best with your wishes.

2- UNDERSTANDING YOUR OBGYN’S CARE STYLE

When choosing an OBGYN, it’s important to understand that not all doctors approach birth the same way. Some take a more hands-off approach, known as expectant management, allowing labor to unfold naturally unless intervention is truly necessary. Others follow an active management approach, where labor is closely monitored and interventions are more readily used to guide the process. Understanding the difference between these two styles of care can help you choose a doctor whose philosophy aligns with your birth preferences.

Expectant Management: Trusting the Natural Process

Some doctors practice what is known as expectant management, meaning they trust the natural process of birth and intervene only when necessary. They believe that, in most cases, a woman’s body knows how to give birth and that labor should be allowed to unfold at its own pace.

An OBGYN with this approach will usually:

🔹 Allows labor to start on its own and progress without intervention unless medically necessary.

🔹 Supports intermittent fetal monitoring, allowing for movement during labor.

🔹 Supports natural coping techniques, with pain relief options available if requested.

🔹 Open to individualized birth plans and adapt care to the mother’s preferences.

🔹 Dont suggest interventions unless there is a clear medical need.

For women who want a birth with minimal medical intervention, this approach can feel reassuring. It provides space for labor to unfold naturally while still having medical care available if needed.

Active Management: A Medicalized Approach

On the other hand, some doctors follow an active management approach, meaning they take a more involved role in guiding labor and birth. They may prefer to closely monitor progress and use medical interventions, such as induction or augmentation, to keep things moving according to a certain timeline.

A OBGYN with a active management approach may:

🔹 Recommend to induce labor in specific situations, such as when approaching the due date.

🔹 Use continuous fetal monitoring to observe the baby’s well-being throughout labor.

🔹 Suggest interventions to manage the progress of labor.

🔹 Offer epidurals or other pain relief options early in labor

🔹 Rely on hospital protocols , with an emphasis on efficiency and timely interventions.

For some women, this approach feels more reassuring, especially if they feel safer knowing that medical care is readily available and that the doctor is taking an active role in managing labor.

3- WHICH APPROACH IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

There is no “right” or “wrong” approach—it all depends on what you feel most comfortable with. Some women feel more confident knowing their doctor will let labor take its natural course, while others prefer a doctor who takes a more hands-on, proactive approach.

This is why it’s so important to ask questions and get a sense of your doctor’s philosophy before birth.

Do they tend to intervene early, or do they wait and let things unfold naturally?

Are they open to your birth preferences, or do they prefer to follow a strict protocol?

The key is to find an OBGYN whose approach aligns with your vision for birth so that you feel safe, supported, and confident when the big day arrives.

Choosing the right OBGYN is such an important step in feeling confident and supported during your pregnancy and birth. Understanding the different approaches to care is just the first part of the journey. In the next post, I’ll dive into the key factors to consider when selecting the doctor who feels like the best fit for you. Stay tuned — I’m here to help guide you through this process so you can make the best decision for you and your baby.

Warmly, Claire