Are you happy with your provider?

In my opinion, birthing a baby is one of the single most important events of your life. And not only is it a super important life event, but it's a super important life event that is medically related. Feeling 110% comfortable with the care you receive during your pregnancy and the care you will receive during your birth isn't too much to ask.

If you are considering changing providers because you aren't feeling completely comfortable with the one you're with, here's some good indicators that it's time for a change (List from "Great Expectations: Your All-in-One Resource for Pregnancy & Childbirth"):

*You spend a long time in the waiting room at every visit-a sign that your provider has more patients than they can comfortably handle.

*Exams are rough or uncomfortable.

*Your care provider dismisses, challenges, or demeans your questions, or responds with "Why do you want to know?"

*You feel like you can't be honest with your provider about your activities.

*When you call with a question, your call isn't taken or isn't returned promptly.

*You don't like the other care providers in the group practice.

*The hospital where your care provider delivers doesn't have features that you want, such as water birthing facilities.

* (From my own personal list) You don't agree with your providers views on such things as pain management, inductions, c-sections, etc.

During my first pregnancy I was going to a regular ob/gyn office, but felt like I was being herded through like one of a million. I just didn't feel comfortable, so a few months into the pregnancy I decided I just wasn't ok with the care I was receiving and decided to ask around for other options (which is how I ended up at a midwife practice). If you have any concerns or doubts, don't hesitate to find something you feel comfortable with. And don't let how far along you are in your pregnancy hold you back!! My sister changed providers 2 weeks before her due date!! It wasn't easy to find someone that late in the game, but obviously someone will take you in if they have your best interest in mind.

Ask your friends for suggestions of providers, send out a mass text to all your mom friends, ask on facebook...modern technology is a blessing when it comes to asking for advice on a large scale. Whatever you do, just make sure you feel comfortable and at ease with your prenatal care and the views of your provider for your birth! And just know that it's never too late to look for other options!!