Not Sure How to Pick a Doctor for My Future Pregnancy:

Try asking any friends or co-workers... about who their OB/GYN is... that is how I found mine... a highly rated and good Doctor, both by other Doctors and by patients.

all the best,
Susan

in my opinion, your best bet is to ask everyone you know that's had a baby recently who their OB was, and if they liked him/her. ask why the did/didn't. get a list of possible contenders from those discussions, then see who's on your insurance list. word of mouth is often the best way to find a great physician.

It's really not important to pick a doctor closer to work or home. What's important is to pick an OB or a midwife with a similar birth philosophy to yours, and who will give you the care that you expect. Calling local childbirth educators and doulas is a good way to get recommendations. Thnk about whether you're interested in a holistic, natural, woman-centered birth or a medically managed birth where a doctor makes most of the decisions for you and you get their cookie cutter birth. Are you interested in a doctor with a lower cesarean rate, with a doctor who is tolerant of doulas, who has a small practice so that you get more personal attention? You need to consider what type of pregnancy and birth care that you are looking for, and seek out a doctor/midwife who practices in that way. There are lists of questions online to ask potential OB/MW's Good luck

Look at who is approved by your insurance, and than look them up on line to see if they have had any mal-practice suits filed. Narrow it down to a few top picks, and than once you are pregers, make an appointment with your top choice and see if you hit it off. If not, move down the list. To me, it did not really matter who I saw, of course we are military, so I saw a lot of different doctors throughout my pregnancys.

I have heard really good things about Dr. Linzey in Orange, near St. Joseph's, so that's probably not too far from you. Here's a link with his info: http://local.yahoo.com/info-21127713-linzey-e-michael-md-...

Hopefully he is in your network.

K.
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I would suggest that you interview several doctors before selecting one. It's important to have a doctor that's on the same page regarding the big stuff. What is their c-section rate? When/if they induce? Their thoughts on birth plans, weight gain, etc. Is this person easy to talk to? Go with your gut and know yourself. Do you need a doctor that is more easy-going or one that will follow up on every little concern? Are there other doctors that would be seeing you as well?

we went through 3 different doctors while i was pregnant. it was stressful- to say the least. the doctor we ended up staying with took our insurance, was close to home, and close to the hospital. it was a blessing. i would definately do my shopping when it comes to a doctor. and don't feel bad switching. one of my doctors was rude, unpersonal, and unprofessional. she neglected to tell me results from a bloodtest that could have effected my pregnancy. shop around. and chances are once you are closer to delivery you won't be too far from home- get a doctor close by.

Don't call Labor and Delivery. As a L&D nurse, it puts us in a bind everyone has different personalities and likes different doctors. Go to your insurance companies website, get a list of all the doctors that your insurance accepts. Call around. Ask who is accepting new patients. Listen to how the receptionist treats you...if its poorly call back another day (everyone is intitled to one bad day) still poorly don't go there. Decide which hospital you want to deliver at and call and ask the nurses which doctors most often deliver at that hospital. Once you narrow it down to 5 or so call and ask if you can schedule and interview with the doctor. Ask questions like how do you feel about natural deliveries, how do you feel about scheduled first time c-sections, how do you feel about elective inductions, what special services does your office offer ( 4-d ultrasound ect.), Will you be the one to deliver my baby even if it is one in the morning or in the middle of the big game? What is your c-section rate? Ask these questions not only for the answer but for the response to the question. You want a doctor that fits your personality and your families personality. I know it sounds like a lot of work but the right doctor will make all the difference!

You should ask your friends. And if they suggest several different ones, then you should stage an interview with each doctor. They allow that and it is totally free. You just have to make an appointment. Good Luck!

.

Call the hospital that you want to deliver at and ask the labor and delivery nurse which doctor she recommends. The nurses work with them and can tell you the best one.

I agree with Jen C, the first answer, of looking at the list of doctors on your list and start narrowing it down. Ask around in your neighborhood. You also need to look into and do the research now for what you want to do for vaccines. YOU need to do the research and read up on everything. The doctors cannot admit that there is anything wrong with the shots for many reasons. This will also be an important part of your research in looking for a pediatrician.

This book is a great place to start: The Vaccine Book, by Dr. Robert Sears

The AAP recommended schedule of shots for children is too many, too soon. Here are sites and books that I always recommend for people to start their research:

www.909shot.com
www.tacanow.org
www.generationrescue.com

Healing the New Childhood Epidemics: Autism, ADHD, Asthma, and Allergies: The Groundbreaking Program for the 4-A Disorders, by Dr. Kenneth Bock

What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Childhood Vaccinations, by Dr. Stephanie Cave

Evidence of Harm, by David Kirby