Choosing Prenatal Care in Asheville
Alright, you’re pregnant. Now what? Your best bet would be to find a provider. Easier said than done. Don’t worry, I got your back. Luckily in Asheville, there are so many awesome options for care providers that you can rest assured knowing that there is a right fit for you out there somewhere. But where to start?
What are my options?
OBGYN- An OBGYN is a medical doctor who specializes in prenatal care, labor and delivery, and early postpartum, usually up to six weeks. OB’s generally work out of an office and will deliver your baby in the hospital. Since OB’s are licensed Physicians, they are more equipped to handle high risk births and are also able to perform cesarean sections if the need were to arise. While under the care of an OB, you will likely rotate between each provider throughout your prenatal visits and whichever one is on call at the time of your birth will be who meets you at the hospital.
Nurse Midwives- A Midwife is someone who is trained to care for people during pregnancy, labor and birth, and early postpartum. In Asheville there are a few OB offices where you can find a Midwife. Unfortunately with the recent closing of the beloved WNC Birth Center, there is no where in Asheville to see nurse midwives exclusively. However, some families are traveling to Statesville or Chapel Hill to birth in their birth centers. While Midwives have a very similar role to an OB, they are not licensed Physicians and therefore cannot perform surgical procedures. However, Nurse Midwives do work under the umbrella of an OBGYN and if a surgical birth were to be necessary, the proper handover of care would take place. Midwives practice within the hospital as well as in the Birth Center itself. Unfortunately state law in NC does not allow for non Nurse Midwives, not working under the umbrella of a doctor, to participate in home births.
Doulas- A trained non medical professional who provides educational, emotional, and physical support to a family during pregnancy, labor, birth, and early postpartum. A doula is there to help you navigate the complexities that are pregnancy and birth. A doula provides hands on support during labor and empowers the birthing person to advocate for their wants and needs. A doula holds space and stays one step ahead of the birthing person so all they have to do is focus on having their baby.
So how do I find the right fit for my family?
Giving birth is one of the most vulnerable situations you can be in, so it is super important that whoever is present is on the exact same page as you when it comes to the wishes for your birth. Start by making a list of your hopes, then a list of questions for the providers you will be interviewing.
Here are a few examples:
I would like an epidural immediately- Is that something that can happen?
I would like my baby to be born when they are ready- What is your induction rate like?
I would like to have an unmedicated vaginal birth- What is your c section rate?
I have a long list of pre-existing health conditions- Is this something you are able to work with?
I have previous sexual trauma- Are you equipped to handle a potential trauma response while also keeping me and my baby safe?
This is my first baby and I have a lot of questions- Are you readily available if I have questions?
I am/am not religious and do/don't want certain things incorporporated into my birth- Is that something you have knowledge on or shared feelings about?
Now go forth into the world and find your birth team, you got this! And if you feel stuck, I have compiled a list of a few of my faves.
MAHEC
119 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville NC 28803
828-771-5500
www.mahec.net
OBGYN
Laurel OBGYN
41 Oakland Rd. Suite 200, Asheville NC 28801
828-253-5381
Asheville Women's Medical Center
143 Asheland Ave Asheville NC 28801
828-258-9191
www.ashevillewomens.com
Chiropractor
Awakening Heart
30 Ravenscroft Dr. Asheville NC 28801
828-254-1767
www.awakeningheartchiropractic.com
Radius Chiropractic
1011 Tunnel Rd #110 Asheville NC 28805
828-333-4447
www.radiuschiropractic.com
Childbirth Education
Jessica Greene- Kooshlie Care Doula Services
59 Green Valley Rd, Asheville NC 28806
828-545-1060
Acupuncture
Asheville Community Acupuncture
378 Haywood Rd Asheville NC 28806
828-777-8804
www.communityaccupuncture.com
Prenatal Yoga
Asheville Community Yoga
8 Brookdale Rd. 28804
828-255-5575
www.ashevillecommunityoyga.com
Prenatal Massage
Sachi Massage and Wellness
210 Merrimon Ave, Asheville NC, 28801
828-575-9166
www.sachimassage.com
