Birth Center
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Selecting a Doctor
Choosing a health care professional for you and your baby is a personal decision. A professional can be a doctor, doctor's assistant or nurse practitioner. Regardless of your choice, it's important to find someone who you can talk to easily and supports your needs.
Choosing a health care professional for your pregnancy is an important decision. Here are a few suggestions to consider when selecting a healthcare professional:
- Check your health care professional's hospital affiliations so you know where to go in an emergency situation.
- Ask about the professional's childbirth philosophy and willingness to adapt to your desires.
- Ask about the professional's philosophy of child rearing, discipline and other questions of concern to you as a parent.
- Determine how comfortable you are talking to this person and whether it seems he or she will affirm and reassure you.
If prior to making your selection you wish to talk to the professional you are considering for your and your child's health care, we would be glad to help arrange a visit. If you would like more information about professionals at a specific location, please use our Find a Doctor search.
Types of Health Care Professionals
Obstetricians/Gynecologists
MeritCare employs the most obstetricians/gynecologists in the region. Obstetricians/Gynecologists are specialists who deal with pregnancy, childbirth and all aspects of the reproductive system, including birth control. They also deal with disorders such as abnormal or irregular periods, infertility, pelvic pain and tumors of the reproductive system.
Family Medicine
Family medicine doctors provide comprehensive medical care for families, including infants, children, pregnant women, adults and the elderly. They have special training in preventive medicine.
Pediatricians
Pediatricians specialize in the health care needs of infants, children and adolescents. This includes monitoring their growth and development and diagnosing and treating diseases.
Neonatologists/Perinatologists
Neonatologists specialize in the care of premature and sick newborn infants. Perinatologists specialize in caring for babies' health prior to birth.