If you’re searching for OB recommendations in Wichita KS, you’ve probably noticed the same few names pop up again and again. But how do you know if those doctors are truly aligned with the kind of birth you want—especially if you’re planning an unmedicated or low-intervention hospital birth? In this post, I’ll guide you through how to find meaningful recommendations, how to spot red flags, and what to ask when interviewing OBs so you can feel confident in your choice.
Why Choosing the Right OB Can Make or Break Your Birth Experience
Not all OBs approach birth the same way. Your provider’s philosophy on birth impacts their approach to induction, fetal monitoring, labor timelines, birth positions, etc. If you’re planning to labor without an epidural, your OB’s routine practices, hospital policies, and willingness to support physiologic birth matter more than you might expect. Choosing the right OB early on can be the difference between feeling confident and in control, or pressured into a birth experience you didn’t want.
How to Find OB Recommendations That Actually Match Your Birth Goals
A picture may speak a thousand words, but anecdotal experience is worth its weight in gold.
It seems like about once a week there’s a mom in a local Facebook group asking for OB recommendations (Pssst! Use the search function in the Facebook group so this doesn’t have to be you!) The comment section inevitably gets flooded with an endless stream of recommendations, because if there’s one thing moms are passionate about – it’s their birth! (and rightfully so!) But how do you weed out which recommendations are right for the type of birth YOU’RE wanting??
I can tell you from my own personal experience, some of the most highly recommended OBs in that comment section are not who I’d consider to be friendly of unmedicated birth. And that makes sense because the majority of moms aren’t giving birth unmedicated! (about 60% of women get an epidural) So if you want a natural birth, you need to be sure you’re asking the right questions, not just “who do you recommend?”
Doula Tip #1
Watch out for red flags like glowing reviews without context or from moms with totally different goals! (like an induction when you’re waiting for spontaneous labor)
Instead of “Who do you recommend?” ask:
- “Which OB supported your unmedicated hospital birth?”
- “Which doctor didn’t pressure you into ____?”
- “Which doctor was supportive of you doing ____?”
Why You Should Interview OBs (and What to Ask)
Let’s normalize “provider shopping!!!” You are hiring someone who will have arguably the most influence on one of the biggest moments of your life after all. 💁🏼♀️
Start by asking these questions EARLY. Many providers will wait to ask you about your birth plan until about 36 weeks. But if you want to know that your OB is the most supportive fit for your birth goals, you need to be bringing this conversation up way sooner!
Doula Tip #2
Ask to schedule a “meet and greet” with a few OBs! This way you can ask the important questions before committing to spending the next 9 months with potentially the wrong person
Ask questions like:
- “Out of the last 10 births you did, how many ____”
- “What is the most common position your moms give birth in?”
Want to know exactly what to ask???
I include my OB interview guide with 20 Must-Ask questions in my Guide to Unmedicated Hospital Birth!
Other Factors to Consider when Choosing Your OB
In Wichita, most OBs have “permission” to deliver at one of two hospitals: Wesley or Via Christi. Each hospital has their own quirks and perks they offer! If birth location is important to you, be sure to schedule a tour of the hospital! This can help you narrow down where you want to give birth before searching for an OB that delivers there.
Remember when asking other moms for their experience delivering at ___ hospital…oftentimes it’s not the hospital itself that made it a “good” or “bad” experience. It’s the staff, mom’s unique pregnancy circumstances, and her OB (or the OB on call!) that likely had the most influence on her experience!
That’s why many moms choose to hire a doula for their hospital birth, because it’s oftentimes the only person you can somewhat guarantee will be there! Click here to schedule a free meet and greet with Gentle Heart Doula Care — your doula for unmedicated hospital birth support!