Do you have a good relationship with your care provider?

It's interesting to me that often, once a mom has decided upon her care provider, changing providers doesn't seem to be an viable option, even when it becomes clear that the patient and care provider aren't well-matched. For example, if you were pregnant, and your care provider handed you a birth plan that limited your choices, would you stick with them, would you feel they were acting in your best interests?

I wish all care providers were held to the same emotional and cultural selection criteria as doulas. Current literature guides on hiring a doula recommend that families interview between 3 and 5 doulas before making their selection, and there are lots of great suggestions on what questions to ask a doula before hiring her.

The same approach can be used when looking for an obstetrician or midwife - don't be afraid to ask questions - suss out their approach to care provision! And remember: it is never too late to change providers.