By Lisa C. Clough, MS Ed., CHES
Dr. Shonekan is a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist with Kaiser Permanente in Frederick, Maryland, and a member of the American Medical Association and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Having been in practice for more than a decade, she is passionate about empowering patients to make educated decisions for their health.
What are the most important factors in aligning a woman with the right OB-GYN?
The right OB-GYN is someone you trust and feel comfortable with. Look for someone who supports shared decision making and treats you as a partner in your care so that your preferences and values are part of every decision. Having a provider you can see regularly and reach easily helps build a strong, trusting relationship over time. It is also important to understand how your provider fits into a larger care team, since coordinated, team-based care helps ensure you and your baby receive the right support at every stage.
What are the most important questions women should ask when researching/trying to identify an OB-GYN that is right for them for pregnancy?
Ask about their experience and the kind of care they provide during pregnancy and delivery. Find out where they deliver babies and what your care setting options are so you can choose the environment that best fits your needs and preferences. Ask how communication works between visits, including how easy it is to reach your provider and how quickly you can get answers to questions. It is also helpful to ask whether you will see the same clinician throughout your pregnancy or work with a team, and how care is coordinated if additional specialists are needed. It is important to understand your personal expectations for your OB-GYN — for example, if you appreciate detailed explanations surrounding your care, communicate that need to your doctor to ensure all your needs are met and questions are answered.
When it comes to pregnancy and birthing philosophies, what are key questions a woman should ask their potential doctor to be sure [there is] alignment with their personal preferences and medical needs?
Ask how your provider approaches labor and delivery, including their use of medical interventions and how they support comfort measures during labor. Discuss how they balance your birth preferences with medical needs, especially if unexpected complications arise. Find out what role you will play in decision making during labor, since feeling informed and involved is key to a positive experience. It is also helpful to understand how your provider works with other specialists or team members during delivery to ensure safe, coordinated care.
How long before pregnancy should a woman begin care with the OB-GYN she would want to care for her during her pregnancy?
A healthy pregnancy starts before conception, so it is a good idea to establish care with an OB-GYN in advance. Starting early allows you to address lifestyle factors, manage any existing health conditions and prepare your body for pregnancy. It also gives you time to find the right provider and build a relationship before you become pregnant.
As part of their interview process, what are the questions a woman should ask their OB-GYN about postpartum care?
Postpartum care should include both physical recovery and emotional support, since the weeks after birth are a major time of adjustment and many parents are healing while learning to care for a newborn. It’s important to ask what postpartum follow-up looks like, including when you will be seen and what will be checked during your recovery, as some complications can show up after you leave the hospital. Ask what topics will be covered, such as breastfeeding, birth control, exercise and mental health concerns. You can also ask how to reach your care team after you go home, especially in the early weeks if you have questions about healing, feeding your baby or changes in your mood. The “fourth trimester” is a critical part of care since many complications can happen in the first one to two weeks after delivery. Ask if your care team begins checking in with new moms within days of going home, monitoring both physical and mental health so that any issues can be quickly addressed.
Author: Guest Post
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