Choosing Your Birth & Postpartum Care Team in San Diego
As you prepare for the arrival of your sweet baby, choosing the right birth and postpartum care team may be somewhere on your to-do list. For all you parents in San Diego, this decision is even more important due to the vast number of options available to you. Whether you’re considering a hospital birth, a birthing center, or a home birth, finding the right professionals to support you is key to a positive and empowering experience. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the process of choosing your birth and postpartum care team in San Diego.
Understanding the Options for Your Birth and Postpartum Care Team in San Diego
San Diego offers a variety of birthing options, each with its own set of benefits. Before you start building your team, it’s important to understand these options and decide which one aligns with your preferences and needs.
Hospital Births
Hospitals provide access to a wide range of medical resources and specialists, which can be reassuring for parents who want to be prepared for any complications. San Diego is home to several top-rated hospitals with excellent maternity services, such as UC San Diego Health - Jacobs Medical Center, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns, and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
Birthing Centers
Birthing centers offer a more home-like environment while still providing professional medical care. They are great for you if you want a natural birth experience with the security of nearby medical facilities. Facilities like A Family Affair Midwifery & Birth Center and San Diego Community are well-regarded for their personalized care and supportive environments.
Home Births
For those of you who prefer a more intimate and natural setting, home births are also an option. This choice is ideal for you if want complete control over your birthing experience and are comfortable with a more holistic approach and going without pain medication. Some of our favorite homebirth midwives in San Diego are Heather and Gerri at San Diego County Midwives, Kayti at Birth Local, and Kelly and Tiffany at Beautiful One Midwifery. As a side note, Lauren went to midwifery school with Kayti & Heather and Gerri was her instructor!
Building Your Birth and Postpartum Care Team in San Diego
Once you’ve decided on the type of birth you want, it’s time to build your birth team. Your team will provide support, medical care, and guidance throughout your pregnancy, labor, and postpartum period.
Obstetricians and Gynecologists (OB/GYNs)
An OB/GYN offers a medical approach to birth. They can handle all kinds of pregnancies and births: low-risk and high-risk. When choosing an OB/GYN, consider their experience, approach to birth, and the hospitals they are affiliated with. Personal recommendations and online reviews can also be helpful in making your decision, especially if it comes from a trusted source.
Midwives
Midwives are healthcare professionals trained to support low-risk pregnancies and natural births. They can assist in hospital births, birthing centers, or home births. Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs) often work in collaboration with OB/GYNs, providing a balance of medical expertise and personalized care. If you’re interested in a midwife, look for one with good credentials and a track record of positive birth experiences.
Doulas
Although doulas are often talked about within the same conversation of OB/GYN’s and Midwives, a doula offers a different type of expertise. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support to mothers and their families before, during, and after childbirth. They provide truly invaluable support and aim to enhance your overall birthing experience. Doulas are particularly valuable for their ability to advocate for the mother's wishes.
There are two types of doulas - birth and postpartum. Birth doulas help you create and adhere to a birth plan, provide comfort measures during labor, and advocate for your wishes in the birthing room. Postpartum, doulas assist with breastfeeding, newborn care, and adjusting to life with a new baby, offering reassurance and practical help. Their presence can significantly reduce stress, improve birth outcomes, and foster a positive, empowering experience for both parents and babies. Whether it's your first child or you're adding to your family, a doula's support can make this special time more manageable and memorable.
We have offer a wonderful team of incredible doulas and specialists serving all of Southern California. If you’d like to check them out, click here!
Pediatricians
We recommend choosing a pediatrician before your baby is born so that it isn’t another thing to do immediately when your baby comes. Pediatricians specialize in the health and development of infants and children. When selecting a pediatrician, consider their location, office hours, and approach to infant care. It’s a good idea to schedule an interview or a prenatal consultation to see if they are a good fit for your family.
Additional Support
There are a lot of other support specialists that can join your team. Experts like lactation consultants, placenta encapsulation specialists, infant sleep support, health and wellness coaches, and so much more. These experts are there to significantly enhance your journey into parenthood and the addition of your new baby. If you feel led to add them to your team, their experience is invaluable to ensure that both you and your baby embrace the changes well.
At National Baby Co. we have a team of highly vetted, compassionate, and professional providers. You can learn more here.
Deciding Your Birth and Postpartum Care Team in San Diego
Choosing your birth and infant care team is a personal decision that should be based on your values, preferences, and specific needs. Here are some tips to help you make the best choice:
Research and Recommendations
Do thorough research and seek recommendations from friends, family, and online communities. Reading reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the experiences of other parents.
Interviews and Consultations
We highly recommend interviewing and consulting with all your potential team members. This will give you a sense of their personality, approach to care, and how comfortable you feel with them. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience, philosophy, and how they handle emergencies. It is crucial you love your birth and postpartum team.
Trust Your Instincts
Ultimately, trust your instincts. You should feel comfortable and confident with your birth and postpartum care team. They should respect your wishes, support your decisions, and provide the care and guidance you need throughout your journey.
You’re in Good Hands
Choosing your birth and infant care team in San Diego is a significant step in preparing for your baby’s arrival. By understanding your options, building a supportive team, and making informed decisions, you can create a positive and empowering birth experience. Remember, the right team will not only provide professional care but also offer the emotional and physical support you need during this special time. If you need assistance in finding the perfect match, National Baby Co. is here to help connect you with experienced doulas and birth workers who can support you every step of the way.
