What Questions Should I Ask When Choosing My Doctor?
You got the news—you’re pregnant!
You call your family and closest friends to share the good news with them. It’s one of the most exciting times in life, and we’re excited for you too!
After those fun conversations about your growing little one, your brain starts to swirl thinking about everything that needs to be done before your little one arrives. Things to buy, where to give birth, how to get your baby’s birth certificate sorted out, postpartum care, etc. When you’re a pregnant expat in China, there is a lot to think about before you give birth!
One of the first things to plan is who your doctor will be or what hospital you’ll birth at. It’s one of the most important choices you will make when preparing for your baby’s arrival. Your doctor will be there with you each step of the way, working to keep you and your baby safe and healthy.
You will meet with your doctor frequently through the prenatal period, and you’ll want to feel comfortable asking questions and getting helpful and reassuring feedback.
You’ll also want to feel safe in the hospital facility and with the other doctors that work there. While your doctor will be your go-to person throughout the prenatal period, there is also a chance that another doctor in the practice could be the one on call during your labor.
If you’re feeling lost and not sure what questions to ask your potential provider, don’t worry. Here is a list to get you started:
If I have questions after my appointment, is there a nurse or provider WeChat contact?
Here is my birth plan… How can you help me to achieve my goals?
In what positions can I birth in? Can I walk around during labor?
How many doctors are there in this department? Will I meet some or all of them before labor?
Who will be at my birth when I go into labor? How does the on-call system work?
What is the schedule and protocol for prenatal testing?
How long past my due date could I go before induction?
How can the hospital staff support me in the type of birth that I want?
PRO TIP: You can do just about anything you want during labor. But asking about what you “can” or “can’t” do while still in your pregnancy will tell you how willing your doctor is to support you on your baby’s birthday.
Just because you doctor says you can’t walk around during labor, doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the case on the big day, especially if you know how to advocate for yourself. Childbirth education is the best way to prepare for labor and advocating for yours and your baby’s health in the hospitals, and will teach you how to get what you want during your birth.
Childbirth education will teach you everything you need to know about labor and birth, and talk more about how to communicate with your health care team to get the birth you want.
Contact Holly to schedule your next private or group childbirth education class in China.
Looking for more support? Your doula can help formulate more questions to ask your doctor at your next visit. When concerns arise, you can feel confident that your doula is here to help you feel more confident and find answers and resources. Your doula will also provide continuity of care through pregnancy and during your birth, which is shown to lead to better outcomes for you, your partner, and your baby.
Is your baby already here? We have doulas to teach you about newborn care, feeding support, and help you get your feet on the ground after bringing baby home.