Choosing a healthcare provider is an important decision. Your provider will play a key role
throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care. Finding someone who listens, respects your preferences, and answers your questions can help you feel informed and supported.
About Their Practice
Are you accepting new patients?
What types of pregnancy and birth care do you provide?
What hospitals or birth centers do you deliver at?
Who provides care if you are unavailable when I go into labor?
Will I see the same provider throughout my pregnancy, or will I see different members of the
practice?
Communication and Decision-Making
How do you involve patients in decisions about their care?
How much time do you typically spend during prenatal appointments?
How do you encourage patients to ask questions?
How can I contact your office if I have concerns between appointments?
How do you explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives of recommended treatments or
procedures?
Labor and Birth
What is your approach to labor and birth?
How do you support patients who want to move around during labor?
What options are available for pain management?
How do you determine when labor should be induced?
Under what circumstances do you recommend a cesarean birth?
What is your approach to supporting vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC), if applicable?
Support During Birth
Can I have a doula present during labor and birth?
Are partners and other support people welcome?
How do you work with doulas and other members of my support team?
Respecting Your Preferences
How do you support patients with different cultural, religious, or personal preferences?
How do you ensure patients have the information they need to make informed decisions?
How do you support patients who want to create a birth plan?
How do you handle situations when a patient’s preferences differ from your recommendations?
Postpartum Care
What postpartum care do you provide after birth?
How do you support breastfeeding or infant feeding?
What resources do you offer for postpartum mental health?
When should I expect my postpartum follow-up visits?
Practical Questions
Does your office accept my insurance or Medicaid/KanCare?
What are your office hours?
How are after-hours questions handled?
Are interpreter services available if needed?
Questions to Ask Yourself
Did I feel listened to and respected?
Were my questions answered clearly?
Did I feel comfortable discussing my concerns?
Did I feel included in decisions about my care?
Do I feel confident this provider will respect my values and preferences?
Can I imagine trusting this provider throughout my pregnancy and birth?
Remember
Every pregnancy is unique, and every family deserves respectful, evidence-informed care. The right provider is someone who listens, communicates openly, and partners with you in making decisions about your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.