Do You Feel Well Informed by Your Health Care Provider?

by Pattie Hughes | More from this Blogger

19 Jul 2008 07:36 PM

Do you feel well informed by your health care provider? Doctors and midwives vary from each other and among other professionals in their field in terms of patient communication and patient education. Some doctors are naturally good at educating and informing patients about options for birth as well as many other health related topics. Others aren't as good at communicating or are hurrying to the next patient and don't take the time.

Rushing or not bothering to offer information to patients seems to be all too common in the experiences of many women. The reasons vary. Sometimes the doctor is working in a busy office and is often over booked. In other cases, the doctor feels he is the authority and expects patients to take his advice, without much discussion or information exchange.

Whatever the reason, a less communicative doctor often results in pregnant women who lack knowledge about subjects vital to the health of the baby. Even without a medical complication, when women are less informed, they may have a lower level of satisfaction regarding their care during the pregnancy. In addition, unless she educates herself, the woman may not know she has options regarding the birth of her baby.

A new study conducted at Hospital Clínico San Carlos in Madrid shows that the number of women who do not feel well informed by their doctor is significant. According the Madrid study, one in four women felt they are not well informed by their doctors. The study found that the less information a woman had, the less likely she was to use natural techniques and the more likely she is to have medical interventions during birth.

Information and education are essential for women to make informed decisions regarding their health and the health of their babies. The objective of the research in Madrid was to help women take a greater role in the birth of their children.

There are many ways to learn about birth without your health care provider. You can take classes, read books and study natural pain relief and birth techniques to help prepare you for the birth of your baby.

However, the process is easier when you can communicate openly and work as a partner with your health care provider during pregnancy. If you don't feel comfortable talking to your doctor or he isn't open to your ideas, you may need to look for care elsewhere.

Related Articles:

Choosing a Health Care Provider for Pregnancy

Are You Honest with Your Health Care Provider?

When to Switch Care Providers

Learn more about Pattie Hughes

Pattie Hughes is a freelance writer and mother of four young children. She and her husband have been married since 1992. Pattie holds a degree in Elementary Education from Florida Atlantic University.

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