Things to consider when choosing a provider for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.
Model of Care
Medical model of care
Is a holistic approach important to you?
Is client-centred care important to you?
Do you expect care that includes true Informed Consent/Refusal?
Type of Provider
Physician (OB/Gyn, D.O., MFM, or Family Practice)
Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM)
Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)
Other midwife (Traditional, community, indigenous, or religious)
depending on your state’s laws, some providers can only provide care under supervision or only in certain places
Planned Place of Birth
Hospital
Birthing Centre connected to or inside hospital
Freestanding Birth Centre
Birth Cottage (some rural midwives have a guesthouse that’s been turned into a single bed birthing suite/cottage)
Homebirth
depending on the place you choose to give birth & your local laws, your choice of provider may be limited
Tests & Monitoring
Do you desire all typical/standard screening & tests?
Moderate: only those things you & your provider decide are necessary
Minimal: only the very basic lab work
As Needed: necessary diagnostic testing/screening if concerns arise
Special Considerations
Religious or Cultural customs
Alternative Healthcare (Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Naturopathy)
Alternative Care Providers (#Herbalist, Acupuncturist, #Massage Therapist, #Chiropractor)
Additional Support (#doula, #monitrice, childbirth educator, photographer)
Older children present at birth
These are just some of the options and things to think about when deciding on a care provider for perinatal care.
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