A new OB

March 2, 2021

Reflection: Healthcare providers have the power to play a significant role.

Today, I’m grateful for: a refreshing approach to healthcare

Challenge: Do the work. If you’re not happy with your current provider, make a change!

I had my (almost) 16-week prenatal appointment today. Because I had to transfer care, I’m still making my rounds to meet each of the providers at the clinic, so today, I met a new Dr. It was my first experience with a male OB, and as he walked in with his backward Patagonia hat on, I knew this was gonna be good.

After sharing that he’d spent the prior evening reviewing my records, he offered his factual, evidence-based perspective and recommendations, listened to my questions and concerns, and seemed to truly care about my well-being, physically, mentally, and emotionally. And not just as the mother of my baby, but as a person too. To be honest, I was left feeling equal parts grateful and shocked.

It’s sad that our healthcare system has created a place where it seems revolutionary that a healthcare provider would provide this level of genuine care. Not rooted in “policies” or “procedures” or “what we typically do”. But true, personalized, 1-on-1 care that spoke to my needs and empowered me to make the best decisions for me, my family and my values. This was exactly what he offered and he left me feeling empowered, confident and ready to take on whatever this baby (and birth) has for me.

Today, I’m feeling grateful for a top quality healthcare provider. I hope that his reputation continues to speak for itself, and validates, or better yet, promotes the importance and presence of more providers like him. I hope his actions are a sign of positive and progressive evolution in our healthcare system, and I can only hope he doesn’t get swallowed up by the bureaucracy of bullshit that has likely led many providers like himself astray.

XO

SS