As a doula with nearly a decade of experience, I’ve had countless conversations with expecting parents. One of the most common questions I hear is, “Who’s the best OB-GYN, midwife, or care provider?” It’s a natural question—after all, choosing the right care provider is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy. But the truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s “best” for one person might not be the best for you, and that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay—it’s essential to understand that finding a care provider is a highly personal experience. 

Understanding Your Unique Needs

Every pregnancy is unique, and so is every person’s vision of what they want their birth experience to look like. Some parents want a highly medicalized experience, with every aspect planned out and monitored closely. Others prefer a more natural, hands-off approach, with as few interventions as possible. Some want a provider who will be a steady guide, offering advice but ultimately respecting their wishes, while others prefer a provider who will take the lead and make decisions based on their expertise.

Before you even start looking for a care provider, take some time to think about what you want. This isn’t just about your birth plan—although that’s certainly a part of it—it’s about understanding your own comfort level, your values, and your expectations. Do you want someone who’s available for frequent check-ins, or are you more comfortable with a provider who only sees you for the essentials? How do you feel about the possibility of interventions like inductions or C-sections? Do you want a care provider who’s open to alternative approaches, like water births or home births, or are you looking for someone who strictly follows traditional medical practices?

Your answers to these questions will help you identify the type of care provider that’s best suited to you. 

Choosing Between an OB-GYN and a Midwife

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether you want to be cared for by an OB-GYN or a midwife. Both have their strengths, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences and any medical needs you might have.

OB-GYNs are medical doctors who specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, and reproductive health. They’re trained to handle a wide range of situations, from routine births to high-risk pregnancies. If you have any underlying medical conditions, or if you’re expecting a complicated pregnancy, an OB-GYN might be the best choice for you. They’re also the only providers who can perform surgeries, like C-sections, so if there’s any possibility that you’ll need one, an OB-GYN might be your best bet.

Midwives, on the other hand, are trained professionals who specialize in supporting natural childbirth. They typically take a more holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth, focusing on the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of the experience. Midwives are often more hands-off than OB-GYNs, allowing labor to progress naturally and intervening only when necessary. If you’re planning a natural birth, especially if you’re considering a home birth or a birth center, a midwife might be the right choice for you.

Of course, these are generalizations. There are OB-GYNs who take a very natural approach to childbirth, and there are midwives who work in hospital settings and collaborate closely with doctors. The key is to find a provider who aligns with your vision for your birth.

Asking the Right Questions

Once you have a general idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to start interviewing potential care providers. This is where you’ll really start to get a sense of whether a provider is the right fit for you. Here are some questions to consider asking:

1. What is your approach to childbirth? 

This is one of the most important questions you can ask, as it will give you insight into whether the provider’s philosophy aligns with your own. If you’re planning a natural birth, for example, you’ll want to find a provider who supports that approach.

2. What is your C-section rate? 

This is a particularly important question if you’re hoping to avoid a C-section. While there are many factors that can contribute to a C-section, a provider’s approach can make a big difference.

3. How do you handle emergencies? 

It’s important to understand how your provider will respond in an emergency situation. Do they have a clear protocol? How will they communicate with you during a crisis? 

4. How large is your practice? 

Some providers work in large practices, where you might see a different doctor or midwife at each appointment. Others work in smaller practices, where you’ll see the same person every time. Think about what you’re comfortable with.

5. What is your policy on interventions? 

If you’re hoping for a natural birth, you’ll want to find a provider who’s willing to support that. Ask about their policies on things like inductions, epidurals, and other interventions.

6. How do you support postpartum care? 

Your relationship with your care provider doesn’t end after the baby is born. Make sure you understand what kind of support they offer in the postpartum period.

7. What is your availability? 

Some providers are more available than others. If it’s important to you to be able to reach your provider easily, ask about their availability for phone calls, emails, or last-minute appointments.

8. What is your experience with different types of births? 

If you’re planning a home birth, a water birth, or any other type of non-traditional birth, make sure your provider has experience with that type of birth.

Finding the Right Fit

After you’ve interviewed a few potential care providers, take some time to reflect on your experiences. How did you feel during each interview? Did the provider listen to your concerns and answer your questions in a way that made you feel comfortable and supported? Did they respect your vision for your birth, or did they try to steer you in a different direction?

Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Don’t be afraid to keep looking until you find a provider who feels like the right fit.

The Role of the Doula

As a doula, I see my role as complementing the care provided by your OB-GYN or midwife. I’m there to support you, to answer your questions, and to help you navigate the challenges of pregnancy and childbirth. I’ve worked with a wide range of care providers, and I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference the right provider can make.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the process of finding a care provider, consider reaching out to a doula for support. We can help you clarify your needs, identify potential providers, and even accompany you to interviews if that would be helpful.

Making the Final Decision

Ultimately, the most important thing is to find a care provider who makes you feel confident, heard, and supported. This is your pregnancy, your birth, and your experience. The right care provider will respect that and work with you to create a birth plan that aligns with your vision.

Remember, it’s okay to change providers if you’re not happy with the one you’ve chosen. This is your journey, and you deserve to have a care provider who’s the right fit for you.

Finding the right care provider is a deeply personal experience. What’s best for one person might not be best for another, and that’s perfectly okay. By taking the time to understand your own needs, asking the right questions, and trusting your instincts, you can find a provider who will support you through every step of your pregnancy and beyond. This is your journey—make sure you’re surrounded by people who respect that and who will help you achieve the birth experience you envision.

Here’s a checklist for finding the right care provider, available for download.